How to Choose the Right Bowling Ball

Many people struggle while bowling. However, your issues may not be due to a lack of talent. The problem could be the ball. Many amateur bowlers unintentionally use a ball that is either too heavy or too light. Using the wrong ball will hinder your game and could cause a shoulder, arm or wrist injury.

Instructions

    • 1

      Determine what type of bowler you are. You either throw the bowling ball straight or with a curve. A person who throws a straight ball can use a standard bowling ball. One who throws a curve, however, needs a bowling ball with grips in the finger holes. This puts more spin on the ball.

    • 2

      Choose the right bowling ball weight. Most pros or experts will tell you that your bowling ball should be 10 percent of your body weight. In other words, a 150 person would use a 15 pound bowling ball. The only way to know which weight is right for you is to practice with different weights. If you struggle throwing the ball and/or experience pain when doing so, the ball is too heavy. Being able to launch the ball down the lane with ease is a sign that you're using too light a ball.

    • 3

      Examine the finger holes carefully and make sure they are a good fit for you. Your fingers should be snug in the holes of the ball. There should still be enough room, though, for the ball to comfortably glide off of your fingers. If you have to tighten your fingers or grasp onto the ball, the holes are too big. Pain in your fingers is a sign that the holes are too small for you.

    • 4

      Look over the ball carefully to find any marks. Over time, a bowling ball will get chipped, scratched or otherwise damaged. These small imperfections can send a ball off target. Since they're used so often, you won't find a perfect bowling ball at a public alley. When bowling for fun with friends, use the best ball you can find.

    • 5

      Pick out a couple different bowling balls and practice with each of them. For example, if you determined that you should use a 15 pound bowling ball, play around with 14 and 16 pound balls during practice sessions. You may find that you can control one of those balls better than the 15 pound ball.