Do you want to hit a turkey (three strikes in a row), or a series of consecutive strikes like professional bowlers? Most people have the physical potential to do so. Just find the right starting position, develop a solid and steady swing and then practice. If you are an athletic person and capable of repetitive movements, you may even be able to do it without much training. Be careful, though: bowling is addictive.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Choosing the Equipment
Step 1. Choose whether to use a bowling alley supplied ball or purchase one
Most people start with the ball and hall shoes, as this is the cheapest choice. Normally you will be able to choose from many balls, without having to pay any additional fees. Shoes, on the other hand, can be hired at a price that covers the entire bowling session.
- The other option is to buy your own ball, tailored to your hand, your swing and your release. Often, the finishing operations of the ball can be done directly at the time of purchase (if the person who takes care of it is present). The clerk will be able to give you advice on ball weight and composition best suited to your skill level, budget, bowling style and aspirations.
- You may be able to find some balls on offer on the internet or in local stores, but you will likely have a hard time choosing the right one, which will still need to be refinished to make it perfect for you. It is not recommended to have the ball modified by a shop unless they specialize in bowling supplies. If you are buying from a store that only deals with bowling balls, tips and finishing work will be included in the price.
Step 2. Decide which grip to use
If you buy a ball, you will have two choices available:
- The conventional handle, where the ring and middle fingers enter the ball up to the second knuckle of each finger. This is the only option available on the balls supplied to the rooms. In this case, a custom ball is drilled to reproduce the natural angle of the fingers, in relation to each other and to the radius of the ball. Don't worry about this step, though: the skilled attendant will take the necessary measures and make adjustments in the following bowling sessions. It shouldn't charge you anything for the changes, but ask if you want to be more secure.
- The fingertip grip, in which the ring and middle fingers enter the ball only up to the first knuckle. This grip allows you to give the ball more rotation upon release. Normally, with this type of grip, a rubber insole will be inserted into each finger hole to ensure a firmer grip. Again, the attendant will modify the ball according to your needs, without charging you anything.
Step 3. Get your ball customized
If you are buying a ball, the attendant will take your hand measurements. To do this, he will look at some shoots. The taking will have to take into account your natural release style. If you've never played bowling before, ask the clerk for instructions before throwing. If you ask questions, the attendant will give you a brief summary of the basic technique and you can start off on the right foot. In the meantime, finish reading the article, to get a basic idea of the correct technique for the bowling swing, which will allow you to strike one strike after another.
The attendant will certainly ask you if you want to purchase a ball bag and recommended accessories. You can decide to buy them now or wait to find bargains at a flea market. Often you will find bowling equipment in good condition and you can buy a ball for your children and a bag for yourself. All you need is a simple ball bag, also known as a "buffer bag"
Step 4. Choose the right shoes
On the bowling alleys it is mandatory to use special shoes. These shoes have soft rubber heels, which allow you to stop quickly and without scratching at the release point. The soles are made of leather and are designed to allow you to glide on the track as you prepare for the shot. Usually, you can rent shoes at the cash desk when choosing the track.
- If you want to enter a weekly bowling league, shoes are often included in the entry fee - but ask for confirmation. If your bowling alley doesn't offer free championship shoe rentals, you'll save money in the long run by buying your own shoes right away. You will find them in specialized stores, or you can search for offers on the internet.
- Be careful with your shoes: do not walk on liquids. They are designed to slide until the moment of release. If you walk in water, for example, your slide will stop immediately and you could even suffer injuries.
Step 5. Choose one of the balls provided at the bowling alley
There are balls of many different weights, which are almost always shown on them. Alternatively, you can recognize its weight from the color. If the balls are distinguished only by color, you should find a legend prominently in the room. Otherwise, ask at the cashier.
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Find the right starting weight.
Choose a ball that feels pretty light to you. Holding the ball with both hands, fully extend your arms in front of your chest. If you can only hold the ball for a few seconds before fatiguing, you've found a good starting weight. If you struggle to hold the ball as soon as you take it away from your body, it is too heavy. If, on the other hand, you can hold it with your arms extended for a long time, it is too light. You should choose the heaviest ball you can control. If it is too light, your swing will produce less consistent results, as it will suffer a lot more deviations.
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Choose a ball with the right distance between the holes.
Hold the ball with your non-dominant hand underneath it. Insert the thumb of the hand you use to pull (the dominant one) into the larger hole, and the ring and middle fingers into the other two.
- Look for a ball where the second knuckle of both fingers comes just above the edge of the holes. If the holes are too far apart and your fingers are only inserted up to the first knuckle, you will not be able to insert your fingers well - the distance is too great. If, on the other hand, the distance is too small, you will not be able to rest your palm on the ball and you will necessarily have to adopt a pincher grip - which is not a power grip and does not allow you to make fast shots and many strikes.
- Find at least one ball with hole spacing that fits your hand. If you can't find a ball with the weight and distance you need, you've probably chosen one that is too heavy or too light. Heavier balls normally have more distant holes, so choose a suitable weight according to the required distance. If you're having trouble, ask the bowling alley staff for help. They will help you find the right balance between weight and distance.
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Choose a ball with holes of the right size.
If you have found multiple balls that have the correct weight and hole spacing for you, look for the one with the most comfortable and snug holes on your fingers. Typically, the finger holes are larger than they should be. If you find that your fingers do not enter the ball, you have chosen one that is too light, perhaps for children. Look for a ball with holes that are pretty snug, but where your fingers don't get stuck.
Part 2 of 3: Choosing the Right Starting Position
Step 1. Determine the distance to keep from the foul line
Stand with your back to the pins and heels on the foul line. Take four and a half steps forward and take note of where your toes arrive. Generally this point will be between the five round dots and the start of the track.
- If you find that the steps take you off the track, you will need to start off with your heels off the platform and take a short walk, which allows you to gradually increase speed and stride. This way you will avoid crossing the foul line.
- If you cross the foul line or any part of yours touches the floor beyond the line, your throw will be invalid and the pins will be repositioned. You will still lose the shot.
Step 2. Start with your toe aligned with the center dot on the track
Before you start hitting strike after strike, you'll need to find the best place to start your run-up. Consider the non-dominant foot the one opposite to the hand you shoot with (if you shoot with the right, it will be the left foot). Place your non-dominant foot forward, aligned just behind the midpoint.
Over time, you will be able to change your starting alignment based on your natural tendencies, but to start and evaluate your aim, start from the center
Step 3. Aim for the second arrow starting from the channel on the dominant side
Approximately 4.5m from the foul line, you will see directional arrows that aid in aiming.
The center of the line is usually the most oiled part. Throwing the ball slightly to the side is a good way to make the most of the traction on the track
Step 4. Take several practice shots to assess the trajectory the ball takes
| Pull naturally, keeping your shoulders parallel to the foul line and bringing your arm forward as straight as possible. Complete the movement after letting go of the ball. Your hand should stretch out, as if you want to shake someone's hand. Pay close attention to where the ball arrives.
The "pocket" is the area immediately to the right or left of the first pin, and is what you need to hit to get many strikes. Did you hit the pocket? In this case, you have found the right starting position for your swing. You will need to align your non-dominant foot with the midpoint
Step 5. Move in the direction of the error
If you missed to the right, start the next shot from the rightmost point of the middle one. If you missed to the left, do the opposite. While it might seem counterintuitive, missing on one side means your ball is spinning too early or too late. Hit the right spot by moving in the direction of the mistake.
After many practice shots you should be able to find the best position to shoot from. Now, all you have to do is improve your technique to have a better chance of hitting a strike
Part 3 of 3: Improving Accuracy
Step 1. Practice giving the ball spin
All pros shoot by imparting great spin, or curvature, to the ball's trajectory. Since the pocket you are aiming for is tilted to the horizontal axis of the track, the best way to hit it is to make the ball curve towards that point from the edge of the track. That's why you should aim for the arrow next to the middle one.
The best way to give effect to the ball is to maintain the right "handshake" position in the final part of the movement. After releasing the ball, your hand should be raised into the air, as if you were holding the hand of the pin you are aiming at
Step 2. Find the right bowling ball
If you use a ball that is too heavy, or one that is too light, your aim will suffer greatly. Experiment with balls that are slightly heavier than you would like and others that are slightly lighter. Does your aim improve?
Step 3. Find the right speed
Shooting the ball with the speed of a bazooka might seem like a good idea, but it won't always allow you to have maximum accuracy. Very strong throws leave pins standing more often than slower but more accurate ones. In general, therefore, you should shoot as hard as you can, without losing accuracy.
Some modern tracks can record the speed of the shot. Try to reduce your speed gradually if the impact of your shots knocks the pins off the track. Slower, more precise pocket shots will keep the pins off the track and allow you to use the bounces to take them all down
Step 4. Adjust your grip
If you hold the ball too tight, especially with your thumb, you may be aiming it in the wrong direction. Insert the other fingers into the ball first. If the ball is the right size, they should go all the way to the largest knuckle. Use the hand you are not using to shoot to keep the ball steady during the run-up.
You should take your thumb out of the ball a few moments before your fingers. Make sure you have your nails trimmed and trimmed to prevent them from getting stuck in the holes, thus changing the trajectory of the shot
Advice
- Find the best ball for you. Don't start with a number 16 if you can barely lift it. Instead, start with a medium weight, like a number 12.
- If you usually have 5 pins left (behind the center pin), it means you need to hit the pocket harder or higher than the center pin. Lighter balls are deflected more often and make strikes more difficult.
- If you usually have side pins left, you are hitting too centrally.
- Make sure you have the heaviest ball that you can comfortably handle.
