by A.C. Turley

Created on: September 01, 2009

It's official. Children love bowling! Having permission to throw a ball and send ten pins crashing noisily into one another is like a dream come true for most kids. They're supposed to smash something? Yes! This fun factor, along with easy-to-understand basic concepts, and the all season, family friendly environment make bowling a perfect sport for children to begin learning as soon as they are old enough for school. And just like with school, children need direction to learn and enjoy the game.

To begin with, consider giving your first bowling lesson during the bowling alley's slowest hours, away from Friday night loud crowds and league play times. If your bowling alley has more private lanes, ask for them so that your children won't feel rushed, and will be able to focus and have fun.

When you select bowling shoes for your kids, keep in mind that the house bowling shoes can be very stretched out due to so much use. Bring extra socks, and if necessary, trade in for smaller sized shoes if the first pair doesn't fit. The shoes should not be loose or too uncomfortable because they will irritate the feet, hinder movement, and possibly even cause a fall. For tiny tykes, shoes are probably not available, so bring good thick socks for them to wear instead. You will be accompanying them up to the foul line anyway, so you can help them keep steady.

Next you'll need to choose a bowling ball, which can get frustrating for kids and adults alike. The lightest ball available is 6 lbs. Many bowling alleys have a color system to identify the different weights, but ask the bowling staff if the weight isn't clearly marked. A general guideline is to select a ball that is 10% of the body's weight (so an 80 lb child gets an 8 lb ball), but you should also select a ball that is comfortable enough for your child to hold and lift in one hand. Most lighter balls will have slimmer drilled holes for a child's grip, but make sure your child tests a few out. The thumb and fingers should fit snugly, but loosely enough to slide out of the ball without popping or grabbing. For the youngest set, those under 60 lbs, the finger holes don't matter yet as they will be rolling the ball with both hands.

Once the equipment is chosen, and you've settled the kids onto the lane, it's time to discuss the proper behavior for bowlers. The first important rule concerns the right of way: if the bowler on your right is ready, he has the right of way. No two bowlers on adjacent lanes should ever bowl at the

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