| Before learning how to play the game, a | | | | speed of the ball when it is released |
| bowler will need to identify the | | | | can also show if it fits the player. |
| equipment needed and know how to use it. | | | | Bowling instructors advise professional |
| They should know where to find the | | | | bowlers to have their own bowling ball |
| necessary equipment, select the right | | | | which is drilled especially to fit the |
| shoe size, choose the right weight of | | | | player's fingers for consistency and |
| ball to be used, wear comfortable | | | | comfort. As with any other sport, |
| clothing appropriate for the game, and | | | | strength and physical fitness must be |
| return the equipment to the proper place | | | | taken into consideration before playing |
| after the game. | | | | the game. |
| The bowling ball selected must be of the | | | | Aside from the ball, players will need a |
| proper weight and grip; the player's | | | | few other things: |
| finger size and the space between holes | | | | - Bowling shoes - these are designed to |
| are essential for comfort. Most players | | | | allow the player to slide on either |
| use the conventional grip (used in | | | | foot. The left shoe has a sole that |
| bowling alleys), after fitting the two | | | | allows the right-handed player to use |
| middle fingers and thumb in the holes, | | | | the five-step approach and vice versa; |
| they must test its fit by swinging the | | | | - A bowling bag for the ball; |
| ball lightly. Amateurs can find | | | | - A rosin bag, which is used by the |
| equipment at bowling centers where they | | | | players to insure that the hands are |
| can use the equipment for free. | | | | kept dry; and |
| However, for advanced and intermediate | | | | - A bowling towel, to get rid of oil and |
| players, they will want to purchase | | | | dirt. |
| their own equipment. These players use | | | | To practice, players must make sure that |
| the Semi-fingertip grips where the thumb | | | | the proper equipment is pre-ordered or |
| and the fore fingers are inserted into | | | | reserved to ensure proper hand fit and |
| the ball's holes | | | | weight. Ask for assistance from the pro |
| The usual weight of the ball is | | | | shop staff at the local bowling centers |
| approximately 14 to 16 lbs. for males | | | | when choosing your equipment. Some |
| and 10 to 14 lbs. for females. Young | | | | bowling centers just charge per game and |
| players are given the 4 to 6 lb. balls. | | | | lend the equipment for free while others |
| The swing indicates whether or not the | | | | rent the equipment. In the long run, |
| weight of the ball is appropriate for a | | | | when budget permits, confidence is |
| player. If not, it will cause the | | | | gained when a player owns his equipment. |
| shoulder to dip and the player to be out | | | | Have fun bowling! |
| of balance. If the swing causes | | | | For bowling techniques or bowling |
| lofting, it could be too light. The | | | | information visit The Bowling Coach. |