Getting your own Ball

If you are going to be bowling frequently, it’s a good idea to take the time to shop for a ball. While you might occasionally luck out and find a house ball at your favorite bowling alley that will help you bowl the perfect strike, more often than not you’ll end up bowling with whatever happens to be available and that can affect your game. Making an investment in your own bowling ball can also provide another strong advantage-you can purchase a ball that is suited for you and not have to worry about bowling with a ‘standard’ ball that might or might not have holes drilled to fit your fingers. Once you’ve made the decision to purchase your own bowling ball, keep in mind that it’s always a good idea to purchase your ball from a pro shop. While balls are certainly available at the local discount department store or sporting goods store, you won’t find as good a selection of balls and you won’t be able to take advantage of having the ball measured to fit your hand by a professional ball driller.

When you first enter the shop you will certainly note there will generally be a wide selection of balls. This can certainly be intimidating but the guide can help you in determining the best type of ball for you. Some factors that should be taken into consideration include the following:

How often do you bowl?
Where you regularly bowl?
What type of ball do you throw? (straight, small hook, medium hook, big hook, etc.)
How heavy is the ball you typically use?
How long have you been bowling?
How fast do you throw? (Fast, medium, slow)

Be aware that the guide at the pro shop may also ask to see you bowl so they can gain an idea of how you deliver the ball and maybe even make some suggestions regarding which type of ball would be best for you based on their observations. If this is your first ball, it might be best to select a ball in the mid-price range that is known for good performance. Later, after you’ve picked up some experience, you might want to consider purchasing a more expensive ball.

The guide will also most likely ask you about whether you would like to have your new ball drilled with a conventional grip or whether you would prefer a fingertip grip. The difference between the two is that a conventional grip is the type that is used in most balls for house use. In this type of grip the fingers are inserted up to the second knuckle. With a fingertip grip, the fingers will only be inserted up to the first knuckle.

The guide will also need to measure your hand, including your thumb and fingers so he will know how to properly drill the holes. This is because everyone’s hands are different, especially in regards to size, length, shape, etc. Therefore, the guide will need to measure the following:

The hole sizes-This will be the size of your thumbhole and two finger holes

The span-This is the distance measured between the finger holes and the thumbhole; or from thumb to the middle finger and the thumb to the ring finger; usually not the same.

The pitch-this is the angle of the holes drilled in the ball.

Finally, you may be asked whether you want to add a pound of weight for a ball fit. House balls are usually more loose-fitting.

Taking the time to have a ball custom fit is not only more convenient but will also likely improve your game. Not to mention you will look like a more serious player.