| The key instrument in the game of bowling is | | | | conventional grip, which allows the fingers |
| the bowling ball. It is the single most | | | | to sink to the second knuckle when inserted |
| controllable tool a bowler has when playing | | | | into the holes. This is also beneficial for |
| the game. You can't hold the pins, you don't | | | | players with less finger strength, as having |
| have control over where and how the pins are | | | | more of your finger in the bowling ball makes |
| set, the lane is already oiled and that | | | | for greater ease of handling. With the finger |
| wasn't done by you. But the bowling ball is | | | | tip grip, the bowler's ring and middle finger |
| in your hand, and you control where it is | | | | are inserted only to the first joint above |
| delivered, and with how much velocity, spin, | | | | the fingernail. This is the more advanced of |
| and hook. | | | | the three grips. Using this grip, the bowler |
| | | | will sacrifice control for greater ball spin. |
| The core of each bowling ball is made of one | | | | Having more spin will enhance the hook of the |
| or any combination of rubber, urethane, | | | | ball for a more optimal point of contact with |
| plastic, or reactive resin. The density of | | | | the pins when set. The semi-finger tip grip |
| these materials directly affects the weight | | | | is the middle ground between the conventional |
| of the bowling ball. The standard regulation | | | | grip and the finger tip grip. It allows a |
| for the bowling ball requires that the ball | | | | compromise for bowlers more advanced for the |
| be 8 1/2 inches in diameter with a weight | | | | conventional grip, but not ready or |
| between six and sixteen pounds. The only | | | | possessing the strength for the finger tip |
| means of creating a ball that is sixteen | | | | grip. |
| pounds instead of six pounds at the same | | | | |
| diameter is to pack the core with a higher | | | | The bowling alley comes fully stocked with |
| density of material. The density of the | | | | numerous bowling balls of various weights. |
| materials will also have a direct impact on | | | | Most are pre-drilled for the conventional |
| the spin of the ball and amount of friction | | | | grip as a standard. More avid bowlers may |
| the ball encounters when traveling down the | | | | choose to purchase their own bowling ball. |
| lane towards the pins. | | | | When purchasing your own personal bowling |
| | | | ball, the most important step is working with |
| One of the most significant, and often | | | | a professional to have the finger holes |
| overlooked, components of the bowling ball is | | | | drilled to your personal specifications that |
| the finger holes. A bowling ball is too large | | | | will match the weight and core of the ball |
| and heavy to be gripped in the palm of your | | | | you have selected. Bowling balls are |
| hand. The finger holes allow the bowler to | | | | customized in appearance for the bowler as |
| grip and control the ball. The bowling ball | | | | well. They often have artwork, monograms, |
| is drilled with three finger holes to | | | | team mascots, or logos to personalize them. |
| accommodate the thumb, ring finger, and | | | | |
| middle finger. Depending on the skill level | | | | A well selected bowling ball is the greatest |
| of the player, there are three different | | | | asset a bowler can have when playing the |
| grips to choose from - the conventional grip, | | | | game. Whether it is a house ball from the |
| the semi-finger tip grip, and the finger tip | | | | bowling alley or your own personal bowling |
| grip. | | | | ball, feeling comfortable and in control of |
| | | | the ball will add confidence as well as |
| The most common grip for beginners is the | | | | points to your game. |