The Better Bowling Guide is an extensive resource created specifically to help players enjoy a clean game.  Whether you are a competitor in PBA tournaments, or a newcomer wanting to score your first five-bagger, our tips and strategies help you perfect your game.

From bowling equipment reviews to effective bowling practice routines, and everything bowling in between, the Better Bowling Guide offers insight into cracking the alley game.  With new weekly articles and tips, we help you hone your game, literally, from your head to your bowling shoes.  Strike!

Used vs. New 

The idea of used bowling shoes might be too repulsive to even consider. But a used bowling ball?  Or gear bag?  You can save a lot of money if you are willing to consider buying your equipment second hand.  

Keep your eye out for “new to you” bowling gear.  Perhaps there’s a store like Play It Again Sports, which buys almost-new sports equipment and then re-sells it, in your local area. Rummage sales, garage sales and advertisements in the paper are other ways to get bowling equipment at a discount.  

However, there might be some equipment you want to purchase new (like new shoes), and there are plenty of ways to find great deals.   

Online Shopping

Online shopping doesn’t just mean Ebay anymore. A convenient local alternative to Ebay is Craigslist.org. This website is basically a free, gigantic rummage sale.  Click on your city or town, and browse the advertisements. You can post a wanted ad free for bowling equipment or you can search for the specific equipment you need.  

Otherwise, if you want to buy new equipment at a steal, try Overstock.com, which has an excellent selection of new bowling shoes.  Or glance through Amazon.com – particularly Amazon’s used listings – or the gold standard for deals online, Ebay.  Ebay.com not only has auctions and Buy It Now listings, but they’ve recently introduced Want It Now, a feature where you can post about the equipment you would like to buy.  

Of course, you can still shop at your favorite sports stores online, but be prepared to pay full price unless they’re running a sale. Waiting for the sales can often be very rewarding, and you may find yourself paying a lot less in bowling’s off season if you just are willing to wait for it.

The key to becoming a better bowler is not about practicing harder – it’s about practicing smarter.  Develop a routine for your bowling practice, and you’ll soon be on your way to improving your game. 

Start with Your Weak Skill

Improving your skills and sharpening your game are always two good goals to take with you into your practice sessions.  Is there any aspect in your bowling game that you’d particularly like to improve?  Start with that skill before you move onto other general exercises.  

If you need to practice your aim, start by bowling with only one target. Then, move to another target (like the 10 pin), and then switch to another different one.  

Or, if you would like to enhance your spin, then practice your form and style – even without a ball in hand.  Feeling your right leg naturally slide behind your left leg, as you keep your palm faced up, will help your spinning style become more natural and powerful.  

Train Your Mind

Concentration is a critical component to successful bowling.  During your next practice, you could focus on improving your positive mental attitude, your concentration, or your approach. 

Start with mental exercises to help you focus and concentrate on what you want to achieve. Do you have to meditate to get to this focused, positive spot? Then meditate!  Do whatever is necessary to alleviate the stress, tension and negativity you might feel.  The mental focus you can achieve in practice will easily translate into better bowling performance at the alley.

Once you’re in a positive, focused state of mind, begin your warm-ups. Physically beginning to move your body will allow you to concentrate even more on what you hope to accomplish. And after you’ve warmed up enough and are focused and mentally positive, then you’re ready to actually begin bowling. 

What Not To Practice 

 As Ritchie Allen, the pro bowler says, “Score is overrated in practice.” When you practice, don’t count your scores. You’re practicing – it’s not a competition!  

Instead, focus on achieving the best hook or spin you can, or concentrate on providing yourself with positive mental feedback. Your score is only important when you’re competing. When you’re practicing, ease the stress and don’t worry about your score. Concentrate instead on achieving whatever goals you have set yourself for the practice session. 

Once you have developed a routine in your practice, you will practice smarter and see results faster.

The Value of Common Sense

The best safety rule for bowling is to stay alert and aware of your surroundings at all times. Notice what is happening around you, and don’t be afraid to speak up if you see something wrong.  If you see a ball stuck in the automatic ball return, call a lane attendant.  

In addition, always take precautions with your body.  Don’t pick up your ball with just one hand. It’s tempting, but it’s bad for your body and can cause you to pull or strain your muscles. And speaking of straining muscles – warm them up before you begin to bowl.  Bowling is a strenuous effort on your body’s part. Help your body out by stretching and doing warm-up exercises prior to spinning that first ball down the lane. 

Tips and Tricks for Bowling Safety

To be safe at the bowling alley, you should ensure that your equipment is appropriate.  Wear bowling gloves and wrist supports, if you need them. Not only can they provide support, they can also prevent skinned knuckles!  

Make sure that the sole of your sliding shoe is clean. If there’s oil on it, you could slide inappropriately and fall. If your sole is dirty, you could stick when you need to slide and fall down again. Falling because of a dirty shoe could lead to embarrassment at best and severe injury at worst. 

When you pick up your ball from the return rack, make sure to notice whether or not there’s another ball coming; this ensures that you don’t get your fingers painfully squished by another bowling ball barreling down the return rack. 

Pay attention to your surroundings, keep your equipment clean, and use common sense – and you’ll bowl safe and sound.

Caring for Your Bowling Ball

One of the simplest and best things you can do for your bowling ball is to keep it in a room temperature environment. Temperatures that are too hot (over 80’F) can warp your ball so badly it no longer is useable. Even leaving it out in the sun for too long can cause warping. Likewise, temperatures that are too cold can freeze your ball and cause its core to crack.  Keep in mind that lightweight balls freeze easier than heavier weight bowling balls. 

Another easy way to care for your ball is to rub it with a soft hand towel to polish and smooth it.  Or, you can utilize a few drops of rubbing alcohol, which will take off dirt, alley wax and other undesirable specimens on the surface of your bowling ball. 

Your local ball shop will have the ability to resurface your ball in the event that your ball’s surface is pitted or otherwise damaged.  Keep in mind that even a small seemingly insignificant scratch can affect your ball’s performance in the lanes. 

Other Bowling Equipment Care 

Your bowling shoes can benefit from treating the leather with shoe cleaner, leather softener or typical shoe polish. You may also occasionally have to re-sole them to counteract the wear and tear on your bowling shoe. Your pro shop or any shoe repair store will be able to help you. 

As for your bowling shirt and slacks, make sure that you wash them in the correct cycle, with the appropriate set of clothes (for instance, wash whites separately from colored items), and with the right detergent.  If your team’s uniform is black, for example, use a detergent specifically designed to keep colors from fading. 

Bowling accessories, such as bags (which can keep your towels, polish, shoes, gloves, and towels all in a safe, organized package), can be cleaned with mild detergent and water. 

With care, your bowling equipment and accessories can last a very long time and perform as well as they did the first time you took them to the lanes.

The Basics to Bowling Attire

In general, bowlers should dress nicely – which usually entails a shirt with a collar, a nice pair of pants, or for female bowlers, a knee-length or longer skirt.  

Some bowling alleys have specific dress codes which you will need to follow. These can include restrictions that are as specific as ‘no motorcycle club colors’ to something as simple as ‘no torn, stained, or dirty clothes.’  

In addition, every bowler will be required to wear bowling shoes – which is also critical to your game performance.  If the thought of renting bowling shoes that have been used multiple times makes you feel uneasy, bowling shoes can be found at reasonable prices.  In fact, buying your own set of bowling shoes can certainly enhance your game, as you can choose the pair that has the best grip for your bowling style.    

What Not To Wear

In general, the rules of the United States Bowling Congress state that most casual clothing, such as jeans, shorts and tank tops are not allowed. Additionally clothing that is dirty, torn, or that represents foul gestures or language is also against the rules. 

The USBC strongly disapproves of t-shirts and does not allow shirts without collars or actual sleeves. Proper bowling attire also does not include inappropriate pictures on the bowler’s clothing, such as the Budweiser Bikini Team.  If you are part of a team, don’t wear your individual clothing. Decide together on appropriate clothing that fits the rules. 

Bowling Dress at a Tournament 

Closely follow the dress rules at a tournament. If you’re not sure what they are, ask the manager of the alley where the tournament is to be played, or ask a USBC representative if your clothing will be allowed. 

If you’re playing with your team, wear your team’s clothing. If you’re on your own, a nice shirt with a collar, such as a polo shirt, and a pair of slacks will suffice. Make sure that none of the articles of clothing you wear have any photo or phrase that might be deemed ‘foul’, ‘rude’ or ‘inappropriate.’  Remember, you are representing the sport of bowling. Respect your sport, and dress appropriately.

Personality, Goals and Motivation

What do you want to get out of your bowling experience?  Do you want to become the next national champion?  Or is your goal simply to improve your game so that you can stop buying the drinks for the rest of your team?  When you choose a bowling coach, make sure that their ambitions for you match your own. 

You should also think about what type of coaching best suits your learning style.  Do you want a coach who gives you individualized attention, or do you want to join a group training session? Will your coach drive you until you can’t bowl any more, or will your coach adopt a more low-key style? 

You will also want to make sure that you and your coach have personalities that mesh with each other. There’s nothing worse than not getting along with your trainer!  No less important is whether your coach respects you.  Your coach shouldn’t be your best friend, but you should at least have mutual respect and liking for one another. 

A Needle in a Haystack

But what if your problem is that you can’t find a coach at all?  Never fear – there are many available resources.  

You can check at your local bowling alley for a bulletin board or ask the manager. Your teammates might also recommend a coach they have personally worked with.  And if you aren’t on a team, join one!  Bowling with others is one of the best ways to improve your own game.  

In addition to the bowling alley’s resources, check your local community center, park-and-recreation programs, or adult-education programs.  Your online classifieds resource, such as Craigslist, can also provide you with excellent leads.  

Finding a bowling coach that offers mutual respect and meshes with your goals and experience levels is possible. Using the suggestions in this article, you will be well on your way to finding the right bowling coach for you. 

With these simple solutions to common spin problems, you can ensure that you do not fall victim to an over-turn or pumpkin again.

Choose the Right Bowling Ball

Before you even get to the lanes or try to curve a bowling ball, you should ensure that your ball is designed to spin.  Some balls are created to make straight lines, while others combat overly oily lanes.  To understand if your ball is made for appropriate spinning, review the material utilized to construct the ball:

· Plastic Balls – These are designed to perform in straight lines.

· Urethane Balls – Designed in the 1970s, these bowling balls give you decent hook.

· Reactive Resin Balls – In the 1990s, these bowling balls were created, giving bowlers greater grip and hook over the balls.

· Particle Balls – To combat oily lanes, these bowling balls are manufactured with both resin balls and small particles of glass, which improve lane grip.

Professional bowlers typically prefer particle bowling balls, as the material gives them greater control over the spin and hook.

Considering Custom Fingertip Drills

You should also ensure that your ball is drilled correctly for maximum spin.  Ideally, a ball that is drilled for your fingertips only, instead of your full finger, is the appropriate one for spinning.

Proper Spinning (or Curving) Form

As you approach the lane, look closely at the markings.  Your target should be the second arrow in from the outside edge of the lane that correlates with your bowling hand.  For example, if you are a right-handed bowler, then you should pick the second arrow from the right side of the lane.

When you are standing near the foul line, make sure your feet are relatively close together, and that your shoulders are squared – ideally, your shoulders should be at a 90 degree angle from your forearm.

When you start to swing, lean your body forward, and as your bowling ball comes around to the front of your body, put down your left foot.   Aim for your target arrow, and let your right leg swing naturally behind your left.  Make sure that when you release your ball, your palm faces upwards.  Practice this motion often, and you soon will be able to put curve your bowling ball in any game.

Solutions to Common Problems

When you first practice spinning your bowling ball, you may occasionally hit your ankle. Keep practicing, and ensure that your left foot is out of reach when you bring your ball forward.

Other times, you might not get any spin at all, and this may be because your thumb position is poor. You should place your index finger so that it points to your target arrow, and keep your thumb at the twelve o’clock position.  When you release the ball, release your thumb first and let your ball ‘fall’ or ‘roll’ off the rest of your fingers. The natural rotation inherent in the movement will aid in providing rotation to your ball.  In addition, keep your wrist straight.

And don’t forget to practice, practice, practice! The more you practice, the better you will become in curving your bowling ball.

Before you consider turning in your team’s bowling shirt, know that a 200 or even 300 score is not far away!  Achieving a clean game may not be as difficult as you may think.  With a few tweaks of your strategy and style, strikes and spares may be the only thing your lane experiences.

Change Your Mental Bowling Game

When you step up to the lane, what do you think about?  Are you completely focused on reading the lane, preparing your muscles, and executing the perfect form?  If you find your mind wandering, then a higher score will also be wandering away from your name on the scoreboard.  

Practice mental discipline every time you step up to the lane. Concentrate on nothing but your next shot.  Block out your teammates’ conversations, or the fact that you may fall victim to a beer frame.  Instead, visualize the path you want your ball to take down the lane, and the result you want to see from the pins.  Breathe deeply, think of yourself only in the “now,” and let your ball go. Increasing your concentration and taking a few short moments before you throw to visualize and concentrate will help you perform at your peak capability.  

Professional bowlers all know that concentration is the name of the game – and in fact, that is why a bowling ball manufacturer recently created “scented” balls that are meant to hone a player’s concentration.   

Evaluate Your Bowling Equipment 

The culprit of your lackluster game may stem from your equipment.  Do you own your own bowling ball?  Is this bowling ball the heaviest you can comfortably utilize?  Purchasing your own ball, complete with custom drilled finger holes, in the right weight can help enhance your game dramatically.  

Your bowling shoes are also highly important, as they need the perfect amount of friction – not too slippery, nor impending of your natural slide.  With the right bowling shoe soles, you can enjoy a consistent, natural stance and swing.  

Take Advantage of Patterns 

Use the oiling pattern of the lane to your advantage.  Take time to read the lane and adjust your style depending upon the intricacies of that specific lane.  With practice, you can adjust your speed, angle, and release – ensuring that you are not forced to play one game when the oil pattern favors somebody else. 

The intricacies of bowling allow anyone to become an excellent player.  As an overview, this guide is meant to help you evaluate your current game, and with our extensive resource of tips and tricks, you can further hone in on strategies that can take your score to the next level.

Why Buy A Personal Ball?

The main reason for buying your own ball, of course, is the ability to completely customize and personalize it.  You can have the holes drilled for your fingers, you can choose the right weight for you, and you can even have a better grip, which will lead to better timing and delivery. 

A personal ball may also lessen the chances of calluses, blisters, and may even prevent injuries such as tendonitis and pulled muscles. 

The Four Schools of Bowling Balls

There are four main types of bowling balls.  You will have to consider your own style and level of play to determine which type of bowling ball is best for you. 

First, there is the plastic or polyester ball. If you’ve ever borrowed the balls in your local bowling alley, this is most likely what you’ve used.  The plastic bowling ball is great for straight bowlers, spare shots and dry alleys, and it is also very durable – which is exactly why bowling alleys keep these balls on hand. 

The second type of bowling ball is urethane, which has a higher friction surface, making it better for hooking. 

The third type is reactive resin, a fairly new option in the history of bowling.  Experienced bowlers prefer its stronger striking power and increased skid. 

The final type is a particle ball. This is a combination of urethane for its controllability and smoothness and resin for its power. A particle ball is essentially only used for oily lanes, but new combinations are being developed that will allow this ball to have more versatility. 

Which Type is Right for You?

If you are a beginner or just an occasional bowler, the plastic/polyester ball is probably the best one for you.  It’s easy to control and can be useful for learning accuracy.  Professional bowlers typically utilize this type of ball when they shoot spares.  However, the hooking capability is indeed limited with a plastic or polyester bowling ball.  

For moderately advanced bowlers, the urethane ball is a great option, both in terms of pricing and its hooking capability.  

If you are an experienced bowler, however, and are accustomed to hooking, a particle or resin ball is best because of its greater power.  Although these are the most expensive types of balls, you get the greatest hooking results.  

Other Factors to Consider

When you are choosing your bowling ball, your weight, along with the angle of the drilled finger holes, are also important.  As a general rule of thumb, the weight of your ball should be approximately 10% of your weight – but professional bowlers tend to choose the heaviest ball they can comfortably utilize.  

With some insight into your bowling style and goals, along with experimenting with the right weight for your bowling style, you are well underway for choosing the right bowling ball for your game.