The most obvious piece of bowling equipment, and the one that will make the biggest difference in your child's game, is the ball. If you're not a bowler yourself, the choices can be confusing. Here are some tips, and don't forget the advice of your child's coach and the pro shop.
- Weight: Not your child's, the ball's. Bowling balls are available from 6 to 16 pounds and it's important to purchase one that your child can handle well. If the ball is too light, your child will likely lob it, throw it too hard, and not be able to control it well. If the ball is too heavy, your child will have a hard time swinging it and could damage joints and muscles.
Do not buy a heavier ball figuring your child will "grow into it." You want a comfortable weight that your child can control. One test is can your child hold the ball on the palm of his hand with his arm outstretched in front of him. If so, you're close to the right weight.
- Surface Material: Bowling balls can be made from different materials. Most house balls are made of polyester. You can also purchase polyester balls. They're a good choice for a beginner bowler or a more experienced bowler who is rolling a straight ball.
Balls are also available in urethane, reactive urethane and particle resin. These balls are more suitable to a curve ball and the various surfaces affect the way they grip the lanes and hook. The choice here depends on your budget, lane conditions and child's bowling style.
- Ball Core: The interior of the ball can also varies from ball to ball. They are weighted differently for different hooks and effects on the lane. There's a lot of physics involved with core design. You'll want to have your coach or pro help you decide what will work for your child -- he'll understand how the different balls react.
- Grip: There are several ways to drill a bowling ball. The two most common are a conventional or fingertip grip. Most beginners go with a conventional grip where the middle and ring fingers are inserted to the second joint. This helps with control while learning the game and is also a good grip for someone with weaker hands.
A more serious bowler may opt for a fingertip grip where the middle and ring fingers are inserted to the first joint. It takes a little more hand strength to hold the ball like this, but it can improve your child's game by giving him a better release and roll. Just be sure your child is ready for a fingertip grip.
You will have to have the ball drilled for you child. Be sure to have someone trusted drill the ball. It may cost a little more, but having someone at a reputable bowling pro shop drill the ball may be a better choice than a do it all sports store. The pro will carefully measure you child's finger width and grip length before drilling. The result should be a ball the fits beautifully to his hand so he has a comfortable grip.
- Color, design, etc.: While it may not affect their performance, balls come in a lot of colors, patterns and designs including licensed characters, logos, funky designs and more. You may find one that your child just loves that will work well for her.
- Consider your options carefully
- Check with your child's coach or pro
- Review your child's needs
Page 1: Intro to Bowling Equipment
Page 3: Bowling Shoes
Page 4: Bowling Bags and Accessories