Ball and Grip
A bowler must use a ball which fits properly to the hand to attain any degree of enjoyment and success. Most importantly, the grip should be natural and comfortable. There should not be any strain on the thumb, fingers or wrist.
The majority of bowler use one of three basic grips, the conventional, fingertip or semi-fingertip. Whichever one feels most natural and comfortable to the bowler is the one that should be used. For a bowler who doesn't own a ball selecting the right house ball is important. Attach great importance to the span, which is the distance between the thumb hole and the center line between the finger holes. You will not be able to hold a ball properly if the span is either too narrow or too wide. To check for the recommended conventional grip, insert your thumb to its full length in the ball. Lay the fingers across, not into, their holes. The crease of the second joint should extend about 1/4" beyond the nearest edge of the finger holes. If the joints do not reach the edge the span is too wide. If they go more than halfway beyond the center of the holes, the span is too narrow.
The maximum weight of a ball is 16 pounds and most men use one approaching that weight. Because strength is a factor, women might not be able to handle the 16 pound ball with as much success. Many women use 12, 13 or 14 pound balls with effective results. Size of the bowler is not a key factor. If a bowler constantly drops the ball at the foul line, the answer usually is the ball is too heavy. On the other hand, if the ball is lofted onto the lane, or the speed is too great, the bowler is probably using a lighter than necessary ball. One way to check is after two good games the third game score is lower, chances are the ball is too heavy. Find out what is comfortable you Don't use a ball too heavy to handle; and don't use one so light that it becomes too easy to handle.
The selection of ball is a matter of personal choice and comfort, and what works best for you. A properly fitted ball, no matter what grip, will increase accuracy and begin to raise scores. Bowlers who want their own ball should consult a pro-shop operator for proper spanning and drilling of finger and thumb holes.
Conventional Grip
Beginning bowlers should use the conventional grip because it provides a firmer hold with the fingers and gives the bowler a more secure felling about having full control of the ball. The conventional grip allows the bowler to hold more of the ball, thus providing the feeling of a secure release. The conventional grip does not allow for any exceptional lifting action, but it does provide the bowler with the ability to hook the ball into the strike pocket. Upon becoming a more experienced bowler, the change to a finger tip or semi fingertip grip can be made.
Fingertip Grip
The ball is supported by only the first joint of the bowling fingers. The thumb is inserted all the way into the ball and when the bowling fingers are extended over the finger holes, the first joint crease should extend slightly over the inner edge of the hole, providing a comfortable finger tip grip. The fingertip allows the greatest leverage at this point, thus giving increased lift and/or turn. The wide span could present control problems for the new bowler, but for the advanced a comfortable fitting fingertip grip will provide an easily controlled release.
Semi Fingertip Grip
The fingers are inserted into the finger holes anywhere between the first and second joint and the thumb is placed all the way into the ball. Since the depth of the fingers could vary in a semi fingertip, it is possible that a bowler may get a different feel or release occasionally. A semi might be advisable for the bowler who is not comfortable with a fingertip grip. But in generally a fingertip grip is recommended over a semi fingertip grip.
Point of Origin
As in the selection of the ball, the beginner should experiment and select a stance which is most comfortable and natural. The first objective is to find your point of origin, or where to stand on the approach before starting to move towards the foul line. Walk to the foul line, then turn round 180 degrees. Place your heals approximately 2 inches from the foul line. For a four step bowler take four and a half brisk walking steps forward. Then look down at the dots or the ball return to see where your toes are placed. Turn and face the pins you should be at approximately your point of origin. Take several practice approaches and use common sense to adjust your point of origin if need be.
Foe right handed bowlers, the point of origin should be to the right of the center dot. The right shoulder should line up directly above the board where the second dot right of center is in line with the second arrow on the lane, which is the common strike target. Bowlers should begin by using the second arrow on the right as the strike target as a guide to the 1-3 pocket.
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