Selecting the right house bowling ball from the seemingly endless supply at the bowling center can seem like a daunting task. Here are a few tips that will help you on your search for that perfect house ball:
There are two main things to look for in a house ball: proper weight and finger holes.
Proper Weight
House balls come in a variety of weights and usually this is printed on the cover of the ball. It is very important to use a ball that is the appropriate weight. If the ball is too heavy, you run the risk of injury. If it is too light, you may have trouble knocking down all the pins. An easy way to determine if a ball is too heavy is to hold the ball straight out in front of your body and see if you can comfortably hold the ball there for five seconds. If not, try this test again with a lighter option.
Finger Holes: Find the Right Fit
Now that you have narrowed your search down to the appropriate weight, it’s time to assess the finger holes and find the right fit. The best way to go about this is to stick your fingers into the holes and pull them out slowly. You are looking for holes that offer a snug fit, but be careful because too snug can cause injury. Another aspect to look for is the spacing of the finger holes. Ideally, the thumb and finger holes should be the length of your palm.
One of the most common ways to hold the ball is called the conventional grip and is shown below. A conventional grip is formed by inserting your middle and ring fingers all the way to the second finger joint (knuckle) followed by inserting your thumb into the thumbhole all the way to the base. House balls are designed to be held using the conventional grip. Eventually you may want to invest in your own bowling ball and should consider another way to hold the ball called the fingertip grip, which is also pictured below. When you are ready for this step, your local pro shop can provide more information and properly fit you with a new ball.
(Conventional Grip on the left image and Fingertip Grip on the right image)
Remember these tips next time you head to your local bowling center because the right house bowling ball can make all the difference.