7 Tips for Beginner Bowlers: How To Start

I’ve picked up a few tricks that really helped improve my bowling game.

Here are some straightforward tips to boost your scores.

When you’re ready to try them out, just read them below:

1. Ball Size

An ideal bowling ball weight is typically around 11-12 pounds for women and 14-15 pounds for men.

However, the weight is less important than ensuring a good fit.

Although heavier balls can knock down pins with more force, a ball with poorly fitting finger holes will likely derail your game.

The holes should be just slightly larger than your ring size, and you should feel comfortable gripping the ball.

Don’t hesitate to switch if the grip doesn’t feel right.

2. Keep Your Swing Relaxed

Avoid overexerting yourself during your swing, as this can lead to slower and less accurate throws.

To relax your swing, it’s important to focus on maintaining a balanced motion that coordinates with your approach.

Start by positioning the ball correctly before you begin your swing.

This involves more than just calming yourself before each throw; it’s about integrating the swing smoothly with your movements up to the lane.

3. Speed

If you prefer a slower approach to the line, begin with the ball at chest level.

This helps ensure that your swing duration matches your approach speed.

For a faster approach, start with the ball positioned between your thigh and waist.

This adjustment accommodates the quicker pace, allowing less time for a full swing.

4. Line up the Shot

Use the lane markings, like dots and arrows, to guide your shots. Don’t just aim down the middle; experiment to find what works best:

• Initial Setup: For right-handed bowlers, aim at the second arrow from the right to start, but use this as a baseline to discover your best angle.
• Adjust Based on Misses: If your ball hits too far to one side, adjust your stance in the same direction but keep aiming at the same target.
• Adapt to Conditions: Be aware that each lane can behave differently, and even the same lane may change over time. Adjust your approach as needed.,

5. Try Some Bowling Tricks

Here’s a straightforward trick for throwing a hook: start with a lighter ball and keep your thumb out.

Use your palm to guide the spin and direction of the hook.

It might feel like you have less control at first, but just stick with it for a few frames.

Once you get used to the grip, everything else will start to fall into place naturally.

6. Release with Power

Let the ball go at the bottom of your swing and aim directly at the pins.

Keep it simple and don’t overthink the process.

Once you’ve moved past the basics, you can start trying more challenging techniques, like the 7-10 split.

This involves hitting a pin at the back of the lane hard enough to send it across to knock down the opposite rear pin.

It’s a tough move that even professional bowlers work for years to perfect. If you manage to hit even one of these pins, you’re on the right track.

7. Bowling Shoes

Most bowling alleys offer shoes for rent, but if you bowl regularly, it’s a good idea to invest in your own pair.

Bowling shoes are usually made from leather and rubber, providing a smooth slide and good foot protection.

Since lanes are polished wood, shoes with rubber heels prevent scratches and help maintain the slick surface of the lanes.