Enjoy Bowling in Fun Easy Ways

Sunday, 5. December 2010

Bowling amateurs as well as professionals agree on one thing about the game. Bowling relieves tension and stress and helps free many emotions that cannot be released in any other way. What better way to have fun and enjoy the time spent either for a healthy competition or merely a friendly game than to go bowling. Below are more tips to get everyone participating in the game to enjoy the sport.

1. Experiment with different kinds of bowling balls. Try the different weights, size, and colors until the most comfortable ball is found. Rule of thumb is: choose the ball that is most comfortable to carry and release but make sure the weight is heavy enough.

2. If playing bowling is turning out to be a passion, purchase a custom made bowling ball; one made for ease, and with holes drilled especially to fit the owner’s fingers.  3. Discount sporting goods stores carry a wide selection of bowling balls that are less expensive and yet perform very well.

4. Choose bowling shoes that fit perfectly and do not pinch the toes.  Avoid slippery soled shoes and to get the best deal check with the many discount stores.

5. Begin by placing the feet at the start of the alley for this affects the ball’s direction. Try different angles and places to get the right angle for releasing the ball. Once the perfect spot is discovered, make sure to stand in the same place each time for consistency.

6. To attain perfect balance, right-handed players step with their right foot first when they approach the foul line and the left foot is used to give the last step when the ball is released and vise versa.

7. Practice doing the steps slowly and visualize a ball in your hand. It will be helpful to do the flare in front of a mirror to get used to the way the body is maneuvered during the approach.

8. Always aim at the head pin. Look at the balls closely and concentrate on hitting the target. Never take the eyes away from the head pin during the first or second ball. Professionals say that balls really do follow the player’s eyes.

9. Bend the knees when releasing the ball as this creates ball control.

10.Avoid turning the wrist to prevent fracture. 11. Wipe the ball as often as needed to keep dirt and oil from sticking to it and make sure that it is dry. Using a clean ball during the game helps the ball get the curve desired.

No matter how when a player started bowling, it is the passion and the sense of fun that leads him to success. Just keep on practicing and the scores will continue to grow.

Bowling to the Top

Friday, 1. October 2010

In a lane, it’s just the player, the pins and the bowling ball. With proper practice, technique and the right equipment, that may turn into a strike.

Bowling has been around for centuries. It was first introduced in Egypt in 3200 BC. Through the years it has spread worldwide with various ways of playing, either indoor or outdoor.

The most popular type of bowling (often seen on television) is ten pin bowling. The surface for this game was originally made of wood but has changed to other materials that imitate the old flooring.

The one thing that has not changed is the bowling ball. It is not really shaped as a uniform sphere because there are holes drilled in it that are needed for the player to grip the ball before rolling it down the lane

The material used in making the bowling ball has changed. Originally, this was made out of wood. The most common balls now used in bowling alleys are made of hard rubber. They come in different weights so that players of all ages can play this game.

Customized balls are ones made according to the player’s specifications. Custom made balls are for serious bowlers, especially those who are in competitions. They come in different colors and designs. There are also those that are transparent which are painted in a way that makes it appear that there is a figure or an object inside the ball.

A bowling ball can be held in different ways. The first is called the conventional grip where the bowler’s middle and ring fingers are placed into the ball holes up to the second joint. The second is called the finger tip grip. Here, the middle and the ring fingers are placed in the holes up to the first joint. More effort is required by the latter, but it gives the player better control when the ball is released. The third is called the Sarge-Easter Grip. Again the middle and the ring fingers are used but unlike the other two, both fingers occupy one hole which works well with players with high “rev” rates.

The style used to hold and release the bowling ball varies among players. It is best to experiment with the different kinds of grips so that you know which one works best for you.

Bowling is an exciting sport that requires hand and eye coordination similar to basketball or football. Getting the right bowling ball will help the player feel comfortable – a step towards excelling in this game.

Bowling Balls : Choosing the Right Coverstock

Tuesday, 10. August 2010

Bowling balls are available in a variety of coverstocks, top weights, pin locations, weight blocks and more.  Choosing the proper bowling ball to best suit your game can prove to be a challenge.  Fortunately, there are quite a few resources available online to research your bowling ball decision.

Below, is a brief breakdown of how the coverstock of a bowling ball can determine the reaction of the bowling ball on a specific lane condition.

Coverstocks refer to the surface of the bowling ball.  For example, most bowling balls will have either a dull surface or a shiny surface.  From the manufacturer, the new bowling ball will already have this characteristic.  However, you can alter the surface to your liking by adding a bowling ball polish to the ball or simply dulling the surface by using a dulling compound or even a scotch brite pad.

When a bowling ball is shiny, the reaction of the bowling ball tends to have more length before it reaches the breakpoint and hooks.  When it is dull, the ball will roll up earlier, giving the appearance of more hook.  In reality, the bowling ball just reaches it’s breakpoint sooner when it is dull compared to when it is polished.  Depending on the lane condition, you will be able to determine which bowling ball surface is right for you.

If the lane is slick (more oil on it), you will want a reaction from the ball that will roll earlier.  The reason being is that the oil delays the rotation of the ball being able to reach its mass bias, the point of where the ball flips and begins to hook.  By using a coverstock that is dull, it creates more friction between the surface of the ball and the oil on the lane, in turn having the ball reach its breakpoint sooner.

When the lane condition is on the drier side (less oil on the lane), you will want to use a bowling ball with a little more shine to it.  A shiny ball will have less friction in a sense that the shine makes the bowling ball skid further down the lane before it starts to turn.  However, it should be noted that on dry lanes, the bowling ball will want to naturally go into its roll sooner because of the small amount of oil that is on the lane.

The coverstock is one important aspect of bowling balls and being able to properly match up your game to the lane condition.  Ideally, you will want to speak with your local bowling ball pro shop operator about your next bowling ball purchase.  It is best to have them watch you bowl as well as talk about what bowling balls are currently in your bag.

If a bowling ball pro shop is not located in the center you bowl at, many excellent resources are available online.  One such resource for www.birddogbowling.combowling balls is BirdDogBowling.com.