by Conrad Luznar

Created on: May 12, 2010   Last Updated: May 15, 2010

You must start with a bowling ball which fits you well.  If you can buy your own that is the best way to get a good fit, if not choose an alley ball and ask the person at the desk if it looks like a good fit.  This is important because if you drop the ball on your foot or it hits your ankle as you swing in your approach it is VERY painful.  Now that you have a ball you need shoes which fit.  Again buying your own is best, but you can rent them at the bowling alley.  Just remember to tell them if you bowl right or left handed so you get the right shoes.

Now you are ready to bowl.  These instructions are for right handed bowlers, if left handed you will do most of this the opposite.  Placing your hand in the ball, stand with your left foot on the center of the approach.  Place your left hand on the left side and slightly under the ball for added support, allow your bowling thumb to be slightly to the left.  This relieves stress on your bowling hand.  Now you will walk toward the foul line and aim for the 1- 3 pocket.

If, after throwing three or four strike balls the ball keeps going to the left of the headpin, then move your feet two or three boards left on the approach and still throw from the 1 – 3 pocket.  If the ball stays to the right of the headpin then move your feet two or three boards to the right on your approach and again aim for the 1 – 3 pocket.   If moving two or three boards are not enough you can continue to move two boards at a time in the same direction.

The general rule of thumb for shooting spares are if the pins you leave are on the left side of the lane then move right of center on the approach and aim toward them.  In doing so you can walk slightly left as you approach the foul line.  For shooting pins on the right side of the lane stand left of center on the approach and aim for the pins.  You can walk slightly to the right as you approach the foul line.

Once you have mastered these things you will see your bowling improving and you will be ready for tips which will help you become a more advanced bowler.  Until then remember that practice makes perfect and good bowling to you.

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