Ten Pin Bowling Tips

Bowling can be a great sport for young children who enjoy knocking down pins as well as a highly competitive sport played for money and prestige. Most players fall somewhere in between and might improve their game with a little advice.

  1. Insert Tape

    • One necessity for bowling well is a full arm swing that is done in a relaxed manner. If your thumb slips out of the ball, you can't get that relaxed swing. To overcome this problem, put insert tape on the grip side of the ball. It will keep your thumb from slipping out as you swing the ball forward.

    Spare Ball

    • Bowling balls sold today to league and tournament bowlers provide a significant hook to get maximum mixing action on your initial shot. That may give you the opportunity to get more strikes, but it really doesn't help much if you need only a pin or two to convert your spare. Bring your "spare ball" with you--one that is only mildly reactive so it is easy to keep straight. This ball should be plastic or urethane (most pros use plastic).

    Lighter Ball

    • Most bowlers tend to look for a heavy ball because they think it will give them more power in their swing, but that's not true. A lighter ball will give you a freer and faster arm swing, which will provide more power. When trying out bowling balls, you may find three balls that you would consider. Go for the lightest or second-lightest and stay away from the heaviest.