by Theresa Cobb

Created on: September 01, 2009   Last Updated: September 03, 2009

Once you have everyone settled in at your lane, it's time to go on the hunt for perfect ball. Most bowling alleys have plenty of bowling balls on hand, sitting in racks around the bowling alley, just waiting for someone to pick up one of them. These are called "house balls" and come in a wide variety of colors. These balls will range in weight from four pounds to sixteen pounds and have finger holes drilled in all kinds of combinations. If you are looking for a ball for a child, remember one thing, a fifty pound child, picking up a six pound ball, is the equivalent of a 200 pound adult picking up a twenty-four pound ball. It's heavy!

First find the correct weight. With both hands, pick a ball up and hold it about twelve inches from the your waist. If you feel any strain, at all, in your arms, shoulders, elbows, hips, or back, it's too heavy. While it's recommended you choose the heavier balls over the lighter balls because they carry more power and are more likely to make it all the way to the pins, a beginning bowler should always select the ball that that is easiest to handle and lift. Most house balls will have the weight of the ball stamped just below the the finger holes.

If you are right handed look for a right handed ball if you are left handed, find a left handed ball. To determine which is which, check the finger holes. There will be three holes drilled in all the balls. Find the two holes that sit side by side. If the larger of the holes is to the right, it is a left handed ball. If the larger hole is on the left, it is a right handed ball. Most house balls will have same size finger holes allowing for a ball to be used by a right or left handed bowler. Finger holes should be snug, with little room to wiggle, but not tight. Try sliding your finger straight in and out to check for size and slip.Your fingers should never stick.

Next place the fingers of your dominate hand in the finger holes - middle and ring fingers first, thumb last. Try to lift the ball, from the rack, with your dominate hand sitting at the top of the ball. If there is more than a half an inch or dead space between the surface of the ball and the palm of your hand, the finger spacing is too close. If you feel a strain or pull in your fingers or thumb, the grip is too wide. If, when you pick up the ball, it all but flies, try to find a heavier ball. Just like Goldilocks, if it feels comfortable, it's just right.

Now, step away from everyone else and practice a few easy basic swing motions. Start by placing your fingers from your dominate hand in the holes, middle and ring finger first, then your thumb. Hold the ball with both hands in front of your chest just below your chin. This is your starting position. Now, with very little exertion, gently and slowly, push the ball away from your chest, straight out in front of you and with your arm fully extended, thumb up. Swing the ball along your side, from front to back and then back to the starting position, gently catching the ball before it hits you in the chest. If this feels comfortable, then you've picked a great ball. Welcome to bowling!

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