How to Find the Right Bowling Ball

When going to a bowling alley, the array of ball choices can intimidate any newcomer. Some feel like they weigh a ton; other have holes that you can fit three fingers through. Knowing how to choose the right ball for you will make your bowling experience enjoyable -- and may even lead to a few strikes.

Things You'll Need

  • Hand
  • Approx. Weight
  • Selection of bowling balls
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Instructions

    • 1

      Weigh yourself, then figure out what 10 percent of that is.The general rule of thumb is that this should be your ball weight. Unfortunately, the heaviest ball you can have is a 16-pound ball, and for beginners, that's completely too heavy. If 10 percent is too heavy, move down a pound or two. You should be able to put your fingers in the ball and hold the ball out with your arm bent like an "L" for a few seconds. You don't want to be able to hold it there forever; that's too light. If you can't lift it up, then it's too heavy.

    • 2

      Find a ball that's the right weight and put your thumb into the thumb hole. If it's able to slide in and out of the hole with some contact on the inside of the hole, it's a good fit. You don't want the hole to be too big or too small. If it's too big, it'll slip off. If it's too small, the ball won't leave your thumb, which can be painful.

    • 3

      Make sure your other fingers fit. To do this, put your thumb in a ball and stretch your fingers out over the holes. Line up your middle and ring fingers over the finger holes, but don't put your fingers in the holes just yet. If the hole is under your first middle knuckle, then it's the right hand size. When you put your fingers in they should be snug, but not too tight. You don't want to dislocate your fingers.