Bowling Tips for Beginners

Bowling is a real fun sport and the best part about it is, you're never too young or too old to go bowling. In fact, I remember that when I was 7, I had my first bowling set with a plastic ball and 10 plastic pins! Of course, it was in no way similar to what a real game feels like, but I sure have some fond memories. Thus bowling is quite an ageless sport.

Bowling Tips and Techniques

So now you're planning to go bowling with the boys (or the girls) for the first time. What can you do to ensure that you are able to roll the ball down the aisle perfectly?

#1: The Shoes

The first thing that you need to keep in mind when you go bowling is to have a pair of good bowling shoes. You use different shoes for bowling because the surface is quite slick and you need a good grip on the surface. The bowling alley owners too are concerned that shoes people wear might ruin their alleys, so they too encourage you to wear special bowling shoes so that their alleys don't get scratched. Most bowling alleys rent out bowling shoes to their customers, so it's okay if you don't take them along too. But it is always good to have a pair of bowling shoes which you are used to and are comfortable using.

#2: The Ball

Make sure that you have a ball you are comfortable with. It is not easy to find a ball which fits your fingers perfectly. But to get a good release you need to find a ball whose holes fit your fingers best. Another important consideration is to make sure that you are comfortable with the weight of the ball. You get balls in different sizes and weights and hence, it is essential that you find the ball whose weight you can take. I usually prefer a heavier ball because it carries more momentum when I throw it and hence gives me a feeling that it might knock down a few more pins.

#4: The Aim

This one depends on whether you're right-handed or left-handed. If you are right-handed, you should aim slightly to the left of the head pin (your right side). If you're throwing with your left hand, throw it slightly to the right of the head pin (your left side). But only slightly otherwise, you'll get a 'gutter ball'. Most people make the mistake of throwing straight at the head pin. It's alright, but since you're a beginner you might not get it right and you will be left with the corner pins on both sides, reducing your chances of bowling out a pin in your second throw.

#3: The Throw

Right, so before you chuck the ball down the aisle, a few things to keep in mind. Never start your run from just anywhere. Pace yourself. Are you comfortable with a 3-step run-up or a 4-step run up or a 5-step one? See how much run-up your comfortable with and mentally record the place where you start your step from. My next point is about the release. Make sure you bend your back low enough to be able to roll the ball down the aisle. Remember you have to roll it, and not bounce it. So when you go down low enough, chuck the ball in a nice, smooth straight motion.

Whether you want to start taking bowling as a serious sport or you're someone who wants to chuck the ball, tap your ankles in the air and go 'Yabba Dabba Doo', bowling can be a great stress reliever and an awesome way to spend the evening with friends and family.