| Although it isn't necessary to own your | | | | ball'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. All | | | | inserting the thumb and the fingers. If |
| bowling centers have "house balls" | | | | the second or middle crease of the |
| available for use at no charge to | | | | finger extends beyond one-half of the |
| customers, and your local bowling center | | | | ball, the span is too narrow. |
| will rent bowling shoes. | | | | Conversely, if the second crease does |
| But you'll find your scores mount when | | | | not reach the inner edge of the hole, |
| you have equipment fitted to your | | | | the span is too wide. Remember, an |
| individual specifications. When you buy | | | | ill-fitting bowling ball will feel twice |
| a ball your bowling proprietor or his | | | | its weight. |
| pro shop will drill it for you at no | | | | I really think one of the fascinating |
| charge. If you're really serious about | | | | aspects of bowling is that so many |
| bowling, you should buy your own ball | | | | decisions in the sport are left up to |
| and have it drilled for your own | | | | the individual. An instructor shouldn't |
| physical make-up. It's like buying a | | | | prescribe what weight ball you ought to |
| tailor-made suit. It will fit you | | | | use unless he's had many opportunities |
| perfectly; it's yours alone. | | | | to see you in action. |
| Today bowling balls come in almost all | | | | Almost all bowling balls today are of |
| colors and weights. There was a time | | | | the three-fingered variety, although at |
| when almost all balls were black, and | | | | one time two-fingered balls were the |
| their weights were always sixteen pounds | | | | only kind used. Nowadays the |
| or very close to it. Now that women have | | | | two-fingered style is something of a |
| taken up the sport however, bowling | | | | rarity, although a couple of the leading |
| balls come in almost every hue; and the | | | | pros still use them. Ed Lubanski of |
| weights range from ten pounds to | | | | Detroit won the 1958 World's |
| sixteen, though never more than sixteen. | | | | Championship with a two-finger grip. But |
| Black models retail for about $25; other | | | | generally it's felt that the |
| colors and mottled balls are slightly | | | | three-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 cork | | | | I recommend that you own your own |
| center, and cost about the same as the | | | | bowling 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 whether | | | | really elegant pair. Bowling shoes are |
| the thumb hole fits properly: place your | | | | of a special variety. |
| thumb in the ball and turn your hand | | | | The sole of the right shoe is rubber, to |
| back and forth, clockwise and | | | | help you to brake or slow down as you |
| counter-clockwise. If you feel just the | | | | approach the foul line; it also gives |
| slightest bit of friction, the thumb fit | | | | you the necessary traction as you start. |
| is a good one. The thumb shouldn't stick | | | | The sole of the left shoe is leather, |
| at all; it should be a bit on the loose | | | | allowing that foot to slide on the |
| side. | | | | fourth or final step. |
| The finger holes of a well-fitted ball | | | | You'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 the | | | | price from $7 to $40 or $50. You can |
| finger holes and the thumb holes - can | | | | purchase a small bag, for carrying the |
| be determined in this manner: insert | | | | shoes alone, for about $2.50. |
| your thumb fully into the thumb hole and | | | | Any good comfortable sport shirt is fine |
| then extend the two middle fingers over | | | | for 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 be | | | | doesn't hamper your arm-swing at all. |
| directly over the finger holes if the | | | | |