Before marriage I used to bowl an awful lot of frames.  I was enlisted in the Marine Corps for 6 years and one of the benefits of being in the military is the abundance of cheap bowling.  I was not much of a dancer and would rather spend my time in a bowling alley than a dance club, so many a weekend was spent bowling frame after frame until the early morning hours.  I would guess that I spent as much as 20 hours a week practicing my bowling in those days.

The amount of time spent bowling decreased after I was married.  My wife was not a bowler, and while I did drag her to the lanes on occasion, for the most part early on in our marriage there was not a lot of bowling going on.

I got back into the sport and started playing in a couple of leagues after a few years of marriage, but after our first kid was born my time at the alleys declined again.

This ebb and flow continues today.  During the winter months when my son is playing basketball I spend very little time in a bowling alley, but other times of the year there is more time available.  If I had to take a guess at how much time per week I practice bowling I would say 2 hours a week.

I am wondering how much time each of you spends at bowling practice each week.  Leave a comment and lets us know.

1. Experiment with different kinds of bowling balls.  Try the different weights, size, and colors until the most comfortable ball is found.  Rule of thumb is: choose the ball that is most comfortable to carry and release but make sure the weight is heavy enough.

2. If playing bowling is turning out to be a passion, purchase a custom made bowling ball; one made for ease, and with holes drilled especially to fit the owner’s fingers.

3. Discount sporting goods stores carry a wide selection of bowling balls that are less expensive and yet perform very well.

4. Choose bowling shoes that fit perfectly and do not pinch the toes.   Avoid slippery soled shoes and to get the best deal check with the many discount stores.

5. Begin by placing the feet at the start of the alley for this affects the ball’s direction.  Try different angles and places to get the right angle for releasing the ball. Once the perfect spot is discovered, make sure to stand in the same place each time for consistency.

6. To attain perfect balance, right-handed players step with their right foot first when they approach the foul line and the left foot is used to give the last step when the ball is released and vise versa.

7. Practice doing the steps slowly and visualize a ball in your hand.  It will be helpful to do the flare in front of a mirror to get used to the way the body is maneuvered during the approach.

8. Always aim at the head pin.  Look at the balls closely and concentrate on hitting the target. Never take the eyes away from the head pin during the first or second ball.  Professionals say that balls really do follow the player’s eyes.

9. Bend the knees when releasing the ball as this creates ball control.

10.Avoid turning the wrist to prevent fracture.
11. Wipe the ball as often as needed to keep dirt and oil from sticking to it and make sure that it is dry.  Using a clean ball during the game helps the ball get the curve desired.

No matter how when a player started bowling, it is the passion and the sense of fun that leads him to success.  Just keep on practicing and the scores will continue to grow.

tips for bowling

Well, I hate to state the obvious but you are not doing yourself any favors by chasing one thing and then another.  My advice, choose one thing and stay with it.  It is called consistency and is really all there is to improving and seeing results.  Instead of bouncing from one technique to another, from this ball to that ball, try simplifying things and applying a consistent approach.

There is an old saying that “you can’t improve what you can’t measure”, for bowlers this means that if you don’t know your scores and how well or poorly you are doing then you won’t be able to make the adjustments needed for improvement.  I friend sent a really cool website that he is trying to market and thought I might be interested.  The site, BowlingTracker.com is FREE to anyone that wants to join and provides online score tracking and a full set of reports and statistics you can run to track your scores.  If you were to consistently use this tool, and not bounce around to the next thing that catches your eye, you would see improvement.

Consider purchasing personalized bowling shirts next time you are in the market for one. Bowing has a sense of style all its own, from the fancy shoes to the vibrant ball colors to the bowling shirts. Ahhh, the bowling shirts!

A bowling shirt is characterized by the typical “box-cut” style with short sleeves and a “button-up pocket” in the front. They come in a wide variety of colors, and in fact, the personalized bowling shirts allow you to design about any shirt you can imagine. Probably the thing that sets them apart more than anything else is the unique, plain, two-colored chunk designs whose features tend to create the 50’s look.

You can purchase bowling shirts off the rack, and for a few bucks extra can get your name or team name imprinted on them. However, for a distinctive look try a personalized bowling shirt. They are a little more expensive, but for the price you get something truly unique that you can call your own.

]]> http://www.bowlinghook.com/blog/bowling-equipment/what-about-personalized-bowling-shirts/feed 0 http://www.bowlinghook.com/blog/bowling-games-and-rules/a-tradition-of-bowling-rules http://www.bowlinghook.com/blog/bowling-games-and-rules/a-tradition-of-bowling-rules#comments Sun, 22 Feb 2009 17:25:22 +0000 admin http://www.bowlinghook.com/blog/?p=91 Learning the bowling rules is not something I see going on a lot.  I understand that it is not particularly fun…or as kids are prone to say these days, “its boring,” but learning the fundamentals of any sport is important and learning the basic rules of bowling are part of those fundamentals.

I can remember when I was a kid growing up and learning how to bowl.  My grandfather taught me.  Each summer I would visit my grandparents for 4 weeks and I would always look forward getting to spend most days in the bowling alley.

My grandfather made it a point to teach me the rules of bowling, and ensured that I both understood the rules and followed them.  He was a stickler and if I was not showing respect to the sport he would drag me out of the bowling alley before I knew what was happening.

This same philosophy went into the care and maintenance of the equipment as well.  He had purchased me a used ball and bag, and after he saw that I was serious about the sport after a few years, we bought a pair of bowling shoes also.  After every use I had to come home and clean my equipment and put it in its proper place.

Times have changed, I get it.  But I do miss a little bit of what my grandfather had to teach.  Learning and following the bowling rules are important for the enjoyment of the sport by all of us.  Spend a little time learning the rules or teaching them to a young bowler…you will be glad you did

Bowling shoes also help preserve the lanes, the soles of the shoes do not scuff up the lanes and as if normal shoes were allowed. With street shoes the lanes would eventually form grooves and the wear and tear would disrupt the way the ball rolled.

If you’re a newbie bowler, sometimes hitting the alley can be a little intimidating. It can seem like everyone has been bowling longer than you have. Also, in many places, the bowling alley has its own little community talking its own language and lingo that may sound like Greek when you’re the new kid on the block. So can you start to fit in? Take a little time to learn some common bowling terms, and soon no one will be able to tell you didn’t know your break point from your foul line a few weeks ago.

The words you should concentrate on learning first are the words associated with the equipment and basic scoring. Most people know what a strike is – knocking down all the pins – but some people may not know that a strike can only happen on your first ball. Knocking all the pins down with your second ball, whether you hit any balls the first time or not, is known as a spare. When you approach the lane to make your shot, the line at which you must stop and throw your ball is the foul line – step over that, and your shot will be disqualified. If your ball rolls off the lane on either side, it will be in the gutter and called a gutter ball. If your ball moves from side to side when it hits the pins and knocks some down on each side, it is called a hurricane. If it goes directly down the middle and knocks down those pins, leaving pins on each side, it is called a split.

You should also familiarize with the words for a few common bowling techniques. Straight bowling is the “point and shoot”, straight down the center lane style of bowling that most beginners rely on. Hook balls are balls that thrown so that they arc out and then hook back in to knock down certain pins. Hook balls are the primary balls thrown when bowlers want to aim at a specific target. Axis tilt refers to how much vertical spin you put on the ball, and axis rotation refers to how much horizontal spin you put on the ball. Axis tilt and axis rotation all influence how, when, and where a hook ball makes its turn. The point where the hook ball does begin to turn towards its target is known as the break point.

If you’re getting into league bowling, there are a few league related terms you should take note of. The anchor on any bowling team is the player who bowls last; usually the best player. The first person who plays is called the lead man. The foundation frame is the last frame of a match, and a box is any single frame. If everyone fails to get a strike in any particular frame, the frame is called an open frame. If someone talks on your team tells you to hit the barmaid, they’re talking about the pin behind another pin. Slow balls are known as creepers, and if you roll a gutter ball, it might be also called a poodle. ABC stands for the American Bowling Conference – the people who make the rules.

Like most sports, bowling has tons of slang, and some of it is regional, so getting to know all the little ins and outs of bowling lingo will take some time. Get to know these basic terms, however and you won’t sound like the odd man out at the bowling alley. Pretty soon you’ll be telling the keglers (bowlers) to watch their chicken wings (elbows) when throwing their apple (bowling ball).

The balls have varying weights to accommodate the varying strengths of many consumers. A bowling ball can weigh from 6 pounds to 16 pounds. The weight of the ball encompasses everything from the coverstock (material) to the core, which contains the weight block. The coverstock is the material used to make the outer surface of a bowling ball. There are four types of coverstock used in the making of bowling balls. The four coverstocks are polyester, urethane, resin, and particle. The material of the coverstock determines how a ball will roll. In general, the harder the coverstock, the straighter the ball will roll down the runway. Polyester balls are usually recommended for beginners and casual bowlers. On the other hand, urethane balls are the high-performance alternatives for professionals.

Polyester bowling balls have been available since the 1960s. They tend to skid, and roll straight with a small hook, and are most suitable for extremely dry lanes. In the 1970s bowling manufacturers developed urethane coverstocks, which are softer than polyester. The softer material produces more friction and hooks more than polyester balls. Resin balls are stronger than bowling balls made of other materials. The balls are known for their sharper hooks and greater power, which gives them the greatest strike potential. The resin balls are reserved for the most advanced bowlers, and can be used in all lane conditions. The first resin particles were added to urethane coverstocks in the 1990s. The resin particle additive increased the friction between the balls and the lane, and increased the hook potential of the ball. The resin balls evolved into particle balls when manufactures added ceramics and glass. The added textures increased friction and gave the ball more grip in oil.

The core of a bowling ball is the part of the ball with the largest concentration of mass. The sophistication and position of the core of a bowling ball are key features in the dynamics of a bowling ball. The sophistication and position can be explained by the radius of gyration (RG), which is a property used to determine how easily the ball will rotate. RG is the measurement of where the weight is located inside of the ball (relative the ball’s center). The core position, size, shape and density can adjust the RG. For example, a centralized core locates the weight in the center of the ball resulting in a low RG ball. If the core is placed off-center, the weight of the ball is shifted resulting in a high RG bowling ball, or what is known as a cover-heavy ball. Generally, the lower the RG, the quicker the ball will pick up its revolutions.

Three holes encompass the common bowling ball; two are for the fingers, and one is for the thumb. Usually inserting all three fingers into the ball holds a bowling ball. Alternatively, only the fingertips are placed into the ball. Using the fingertips may give less grip, but a bowler will be able to lift the ball better, and create more hook. There may also be a fourth, non-gripping hole (balance hole) in the bowling ball, which is used to fine tune the ball’s reaction. Twelve holes are allowed in each ball; one for each finger and thumb on both hands, one hole to bring a ball into static weight tolerances, and a “mill” hole to check the hardness of the coverstock just below the surface of the ball.

Pro bowlers love to say that the game is 90% mental, and that is the first challenge you have to conquer. Approach the game with confidence. Steel yourself for some successes and some failures, and don’t let either throw you off of the task at hand. Work on developing techniques that will help you stay focused and confident so you can develop a consistent game. Many professional bowlers recommend having a routine or ritual you complete before every shot to focus your attention on your shot and drown out all of the distractions that can be found around you in a bowling alley. This routine can be anything from wiping down your ball to deep breathing to repeating a calming mantra to yourself. Develop your own routine that will help you remain calm and confident so you always bowl your best.

Another thing you can do to help you bowl successfully is care for your bowling equipment the right way. If you’re just getting started, maybe you are using simply using the bowling balls and rental shoes provided at the alley, but if you are planning on making bowling a serious hobby, you really ought to invest in your own gear. Go to a professional bowling shop and try out balls in all different weights to find one that works for your. Do the same for shoes – the pro shop staff should be able to help you decide which kind of shoe is best for you and your skill level. Once you have your own gear, take great care of it, especially your ball. Wash excess oil of your ball with rubbing alcohol after every game, soak it in warm water and dish detergent every few weeks, and keep it properly sanded, waxed, and polished. Here again, a bowling equipment retailer should be able to explain in full the proper upkeep for your particular ball.

If you’re anxious about being the new bowler on the block, spend some time learning the lingo so you’ll fit right in. Do the same with the basic rules of the game. You can buy a sports book dedicated to bowling terms and rules, or you can simply take a few lessons or pick the brain of a more experienced bowler.

When it comes to familiarizing yourself with the game, your fellow bowlers can be the resource you have. Get over your fear of being the least experienced bowler in the room and speak up. Check out the way other people play, and ask them for tips. If you see a bowler who seems to be successful, watch them play and try and see what they are doing that you can incorporate some of their moves into your routine. Never worry about embarrassing yourself by approaching more seasoned bowlers – most avid bowlers have a genuine love of the game that they will be more than happy to share with you.

Whether you’re walking into the bowling alley for the first time, or you’ve had a little bit of practice but are still wet behind the eats, never fear. Stay calm, focused, and confident, and make the most of the other bowlers around you; soon you’ll be bowling with ease.

Many local bowling lanes will host birthday parties for your kids.  Check with your local lanes for details, but throwing your child a bowling birthday party can be a great way to get them interested in the sport of bowling.  These parties can include food and fun but also will encourage team work and friendship among the participants.  You can reserve some lanes and even invite the parents along for some adult fun.  The kids will love the game as well as keeping score and encouraging each other.  Hosting a bowling party is a great way to have some fun while encouraging and introducing the sport of bowling.

Another great way to get your kids excited about bowling is to purchase them some of their own gear.  Most of the bowling balls at the lanes are too heavy for children, or too large.  By purchasing them their own ball, you can encourage the sport and make them feel like a special participant as well.  There are many kid friendly balls for sale and many of them include images of their favorite characters.  Disney makes a line of kid’s bowling balls that feature their favorite Disney characters as well.  Other bowling gear such as t-shirts and shoes are a fun way to look like the team that you are!

There are many exciting and fun ways to bowl besides the traditional 10-pin bowling games.  If you are looking for a way to include younger children or just have a great time with your family, consider playing the game a different way.  Maybe just dividing into teams or partners will do it, or asking your local bowling lanes for ideas on ways to make the game more fun for children and the whole family is a great way to include kids and make them feel like equal participants in the game!

Many bowling lanes offer the use of bumpers for children.  These are padded rails that lay in the gutters along the lane to prevent “gutter balls.”  Since many children can’t throw the ball straight, or very hard, use of these bumpers can make the game more fun for your kids as well as inspire some interesting ways to roll the ball.  Ask your local lanes about this option as you may have to reserve it ahead of time.  Using bumpers can inspire confidence and creativity in your child and make the sport more fun for everyone.

Bowling is a great way to have some family fun.  Many lanes have family fun nights where there are special games and prizes, as well as other exciting features such as glow-in-the-dark bowling or moonlight bowling.  There are tons of ways to make bowling fun for the whole family and if you want to get your kids excited about it, you should have fun too!  Contact your local lanes to find out what services or programs are available for families, and maybe when and if there are non-smoking hours offered.  Since many bowling centers have league play going on, it is important to find out when the open bowling hours are before you head on in.

The most important thing to consider when getting your kids excited about bowling is to lighten up and have fun.  If your child sees you getting frustrated or pouting about that bad roll, they are not only going to pick up that behavior, but it will make them not want to play.  All sports should be fun and enjoyable for children and if you are looking to get your child to be excited about bowling, the best way is to have a blast yourself!