Become a bowling master


Equipment for Bowlers Explained

Although it isn't necessary to own yourball's span is a proper one for you.
own equipment in order to enjoy bowling,You can also test the span by fully
I strongly recommend that you do. Allinserting the thumb and the fingers. If
bowling centers have "house balls"the second or middle crease of the
available for use at no charge tofinger extends beyond one-half of the
customers, and your local bowling centerball, the span is too narrow.
will rent bowling shoes.Conversely, if the second crease does
But you'll find your scores mount whennot reach the inner edge of the hole,
you have equipment fitted to yourthe span is too wide. Remember, an
individual specifications. When you buyill-fitting bowling ball will feel twice
a ball your bowling proprietor or hisits weight.
pro shop will drill it for you at noI really think one of the fascinating
charge. If you're really serious aboutaspects of bowling is that so many
bowling, you should buy your own balldecisions in the sport are left up to
and have it drilled for your ownthe individual. An instructor shouldn't
physical make-up. It's like buying aprescribe what weight ball you ought to
tailor-made suit. It will fit youuse unless he's had many opportunities
perfectly; it's yours alone.to see you in action.
Today bowling balls come in almost allAlmost all bowling balls today are of
colors and weights. There was a timethe three-fingered variety, although at
when almost all balls were black, andone time two-fingered balls were the
their weights were always sixteen poundsonly kind used. Nowadays the
or very close to it. Now that women havetwo-fingered style is something of a
taken up the sport however, bowlingrarity, although a couple of the leading
balls come in almost every hue; and thepros still use them. Ed Lubanski of
weights range from ten pounds toDetroit won the 1958 World's
sixteen, though never more than sixteen.Championship with a two-finger grip. But
Black models retail for about $25; othergenerally it's felt that the
colors and mottled balls are slightlythree-finger style is easier to hold;
more than that.it's more comfortable and it's
Bowling balls are made of hard rubber.controlled a lot more easily.
The lighter weight balls contain a corkI recommend that you own your own
center, and cost about the same as thebowling shoes too. They range in price
sixteen pounders.from $7.50 to $10, or even $20 for a
Here's a good test to determine whetherreally elegant pair. Bowling shoes are
the thumb hole fits properly: place yourof a special variety.
thumb in the ball and turn your handThe sole of the right shoe is rubber, to
back and forth, clockwise andhelp you to brake or slow down as you
counter-clockwise. If you feel just theapproach the foul line; it also gives
slightest bit of friction, the thumb fityou the necessary traction as you start.
is a good one. The thumb shouldn't stickThe sole of the left shoe is leather,
at all; it should be a bit on the looseallowing that foot to slide on the
side.fourth or final step.
The finger holes of a well-fitted ballYou'll also need a bowling bag to carry
will be neither too tight nor too loose.your equipment in, and these range in
The span - the distance between theprice from $7 to $40 or $50. You can
finger holes and the thumb holes - canpurchase a small bag, for carrying the
be determined in this manner: insertshoes alone, for about $2.50.
your thumb fully into the thumb hole andAny good comfortable sport shirt is fine
then extend the two middle fingers overfor bowling. Just be certain it gives
the finger holes. The second, or middle,you full freedom of movement and that it
crease of these fingers should bedoesn't hamper your arm-swing at all.
directly over the finger holes if the



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