1. Weighing Your Options
Finding the right weight for your bowling ball is the first step before choosing a specific ball. Bowling balls range from six to 16 pounds in weight. Obviously, if the bowler is younger, then you want to start them on a lighter bowling ball. A general guideline for selecting the proper weight in a bowling ball is for every 10 pounds of the bowler's weight, you can add a pound to the bowling ball. For example, if the bowler weighs 120 pounds, then she should select a 12-pound bowling ball. Now, obviously this is not a hard-and-fast rule, but it is good guideline for choosing a bowling ball.
2. Hold on Tight
What type of grip you use to bowl will effect what type of bowling ball you should choose. Some use a fingertip grip, while others use the traditional sunken finger grip. If you use the traditional grip, place your thumb in the bowling ball and extend the other fingers over the two other holes in the ball. The knuckles of your two other bowling fingers should rest directly on the holes in the bowling ball. The thumb should fit securely inside the bowling ball, but not so tightly that it makes the release difficult. On the fingertip grip, the location of the holes is less relevant than hand strength.
3. Right or Left
Whether you are a right-handed or left-handed thrower will factor into the type of bowling ball that you use to bowl. So, be sure the ball fits properly for the bowling hand you use. Upon first glance, it can be tough to tell the difference, but if you look closely, the ring finger hole is 1/8 inch farther out on right-handed bowling balls.
4. Customization
The best way to make sure the bowling ball fits properly is to have one custom made to fit your hand. This is definitely not for the casual bowler because it can be expensive. However, this will leave no doubt about how the bowling ball fits your grip and hands. Just be sure to ask around the local bowling alley to find the most reputable shop that will do the best work.
5. Inserts and Gloves
If you already have a bowling ball and like everything about it other than the grip, you can put grip inserts inside the holes of the bowling ball. This can also help for those people that just have weak hands, which make it hard to grip and throw any bowling ball. A bowling glove can also assist the bowler in getting a better grip on the bowling ball.
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