Bowling is a game enjoyed by children and adults alike, but mastering the fundamentals can really help you enjoy the sport even more, whether you're a beginner or a more advanced player. Even if you've been bowling for a while, it can't hurt to get tips, even if they're just reminders of what you should be doing every time you pick up a bowling ball.
Grip
Novice bowlers may be inclined to insert their fingers as far as possible into a bowling ball's three holes. But you will maintain greater control if you hold the ball with your fingertips in each of those holes and maintain a pocket of air between the ball and the palm of your hand. And be aware that if you approach the foul line quickly, you should hold the ball close to knee level, while a slower approach would suggest you hold the ball closer to shoulder height.
Aim for Pocket
Your best chance of making a strike is to have the ball strike the 1-3 pocket, if you're right-handed, or the 1-2 pocket if you're left-handed. To do this, start from the far left, if you're right-handed, and aim for the center arrow in your lane. You may be more likely to pick up the 10-pin, which is often left standing when a ball just misses the 1-3 pocket.
Practice Steps
The steps you take leading up to the foul line and the release of the ball are critical to good scores. You may opt to take a three-step, four-step or five-step approach, but you should try each one to find the the approach that is most comfortable. In addition to the number of steps you take, you should also try out various starting points, speed and stride length until you find the combination that is the most comfortable for you.
Protect Muscles
While bowling might seem like a low-stress, low-impact sport, it can still put a strain on arm and back muscles. To prevent problems, stretch your arms, shoulders and back before bowling, and always use two hands to pick up a bowling ball to help prevent wrist injuries as well. And always wait until the ball has come up through the return and stopped to avoid having fingers smashed between two bowling balls.
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