When choosing a ball for tenpin bowling, there are a number of things to consider, as there are different types of balls and accessories from which to choose. One of the first things to think about is how much money you are willing to spend. Are you planning to become a regular bowler who gets involved in league bowling? Or do you have aspirations to play in amateur bowling tournaments or even to become a professional bowler and enter championship bowling tournaments?

The more seriously someone takes the sport of bowling, the more they generally will invest in their bowling balls and other equipment. Even though it does not make much sense to spend a lot of money for a custom ball for a youngster who is taking bowling lessons to learn the game, and who is still growing, such an investment can make a lot of sense for the person who wants to master the game and perhaps become a professional player.

Having the right bowling ball can definitely affect the outcome of one's game. While most of the time the local bowling facility will have hundreds of balls available for people to choose from when they come in to play a couple games, most of these balls have been very well used and are no longer good quality and certainly could not be considered high performance pieces of equipment.

The main problem with the balls that are available for free at the bowling lanes is that they are not taken care of correctly and they withstand a great deal of abuse at the hands of the many people who use them. The fact is that most people do not take care of this equipment that is available for their free use. At the same time, alley owners usually do not invest in high quality equipment because of how it is treated by the public.

For those who do invest in good quality bowling balls, they will also need to buy some basic bowling accessories in order to keep their stuff in good condition. A bag that is specifically made to safely transport the ball from home to the alley is important. Often the bag will also accommodate bowling shoes as well as bowling gloves, and special ball cleaners and polishes that also help to keep a ball in good condition.

Most of the time, people who use their own bowling balls whenever they bowl will start getting higher scores and enjoy those high scores fairly consistently. On the other hand, those who use the balls that are free to use at the local bowling lanes often have a difficult time adapting and getting consistent scores. This is because the balls are typically not in the best condition and the player must get accustomed to the feel and action of the ball each time they go bowling.

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Many bowlers at all levels struggle for years to get their bowling balls to hook the way they should, desperately trying to learn the proper way to get consistent hooks. It is universally known that the best and most consistent way to bowl a strike to have a good hook. Having the right bowling shoes and ball can help, but in the end, knowing this technique and practicing it regularly is the best way to hook that ball into the pocket and walk away with a strike.

There are many bowlers who have the mistaken notion that the most important thing they can do is increase the amount of power they use to get the ball down the lane. The truth is that throwing a slower bowling ball that has a good hook to it has a better chance of knocking down all the pins than a hard hit from a straight ball. Because of this fact many bowlers will take lessons and buy instructional bowling videos in an attempt to improve their game.

In tenpin bowling, successfully hooking a ball, also known as having a good curve ball, is a combination of speed and rotation. If these two elements are missing or are not in the proper balance, then the ball will hook too soon and miss the pocket. Not enough speed, too much speed, not enough rotation, too much rotation; all of these instances can cause a problem with achieving the proper curve to the ball and this will not only result in not getting a strike, but often in ending up with a dreaded "split."

The key to success in learning to hook the ball is all in the wrist. Proper wrist movement means that you start your swing with your hand so that your thumb is at about the one o'clock position. Allow the ball to go back as far as possible, and then as you swing your arm forward, simply rotate your hand to the left, as if you were going to shake hands with someone. Do this at about the halfway point from the farthest point back, and before releasing the ball.

Now that you know these basic factors, the next step is to slightly adjust the starting position of your thumb and the rotation of your hand when releasing the ball. Once you find just the perfect combination, which is slightly different for each bowler, you should strive to practice it often so it becomes second nature. As you do so, you will be able to consistently hook your bowling ball, find the sweet spot of the rack of pins and enjoy higher scores on a regular basis.

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These days, a bowling bag is designed to do a lot more then simply transport your bowling ball from your home to the bowling lanes and back again. With the addition of various bowling gear, the bowling ball bag is also used to store and organize all the equipment that a bowler needs to take with him or her to the bowling lanes.

When considering the various bowling bags available on the market, you should carefully consider how well-built and sturdy the bag is. The best type of bowling bag is going to have a handle that is durable and also comfortable in your hand. It should also have a reinforced bottom and strong stitching which will ensure a long life.

These points are important because it must be remembered that just one bowling ball can weigh as much as 16 pounds. If the bowling bag you are considering is a double bag, which will carry two balls and two pair of bowling shoes as well as other related accessories, then the durability of the bowling bag is even more important because of the weight it will be required to carry. Before investing in a double bag, be sure to test yourself and see if you will be able to comfortably carry a double bag that is fully loaded with balls, shoes and accessories. While it can seem more convenient for a couple to buy one double bag, it can often simply be too much for one person to carry.

There are also bags that will accommodate three to four bowling balls, and even more if you need that. These are rather special bags and they come with rollers on the bottom to make it easier to move them. However, it is still important to remember that when one of these bags is fully loaded, it must still be lifted in and out of your vehicle and often down a short flight of stairs to the player area of the bowling alley.

Most serious bowlers today not only fill up their bowling bags with the basic necessities, such as their shoes and their custom ball, but also with any number of various items that bowlers can make use of these days. Some of these items include tape, wrist supports, powder, rosin and ball cleaner, just to name a few. Most of the bags have special storage compartments for these items so that they can be found easily and will not be crushed or damaged by the ball. With a loaded bowling bag in your garage or car, you will be ready to join your friends at the bowling lanes at a moment's notice.

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With a good quality, sturdy bowling bag, you can take along your custom bowling ball as well as other bowling accessories that you might need. One of the basics, other than the bowling ball of your choice, is a good pair of shoes made specifically for bowling. Most bowling bags sold these days are designed to accommodate a bowling ball and a pair of shoes at the very least. Other bags will carry much more than that as well and give the serious bowler everything he needs to have on hand in order to bowl a good game.

Any bowler who is serious about their game will most likely have acquired a custom bowling ball fitted to them and a quality pair of bowling shoes that fit their feet just right. With these basics in place, the next thing a serious bowler needs is a good, sturdy bowling ball bag that can easily accommodate their belongings and that is also sturdy, durable and well-made.

The strength and durability of the bowling bag you select is important because of the fact that the bowling ball itself will weight somewhere from 12 to 16 pounds. The last thing you want to happen is for the handle to break or for the bag to come apart at the seams and have your bowling ball either landing on your foot or rolling across an asphalt parking lot. Of course, if it lands on your foot, the main damage will be to yourself, and if the ball goes careening across a rough terrain, a great deal of damage can be done to the ball, which may not be easily fixed.

A good bag will have a secure place for the bowling ball and a separate place for the shoes. Often these bags are designed with a separate compartment either at the bottom or at the top where the shoes can be placed so that they don't get crushed and will maintain their shape. Some also have special inserts that can be put into the shoe compartment to reduce smells and to help keep moisture from building in the bag.

There are many models of bowling bags that you will be able to find at most bowling alleys. Some are designed to carry just one bowling ball, while others will carry multiple balls. These larger bags usually have wheels on the bottom for ease of movement. The bowling ball bag that is right for you will depend on how many additional supplies that you will need to take with you to the lanes.

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The surface material of the ball is probably the most critical aspect to consider in purchasing a bowling ball.  This determines the friction on the lane as  the ball travels down the lane.  More friction gives more hook.

Following are the different types:

Polyurethane or plastic--Great for beginners.  Has the least friction.  Fairly inexpensive and easy to control.

Urethane--Gives better pin action than plastic and has more hook.

Reactive--Called this since the ball reacts to the lane surfact.  Good pin action and hook.

Particle--Designed for maximum friction and maximum reaction to the oil on the lanes.  Good for bowling with a high  speed ball.  This ball has minute particles added to the surface which has a grabbing effect on the lanes.

Whatever type of bowler you are, having the right ball is very important.

Storm Products, Inc. Silver Level Coaching Staff Members

Brigham City, UT– Storm Products, Inc. manufacturer of high performance bowling equipment is pleased to announce the Silver Level Certification of several staff members.

Recently fourteen sales and staff members from Storm attended a 3-day conference to complete all the requirements for USBC Silver Level Coaching. This advanced level training taught our staff member such skills as:

· Building a bowling arsenal

· Advanced lane adjustment

· Video Analysis

· Matching ball surfaces to lane conditions

“Coaching is an integral part of Storm Products. We are proud to have all of our sales staff and many of our pro staff as certified USBC Silver Level Coaches.” said VP of Sales and Marketing Hank Boomershine.

Those successfully completing this training are:

Dave Symes                                                    Hank Boomershine

Roger Noordhoek                                           Tim Mack

Ernest Goedicke                                             Tyler Jensen

Peter Somoff                                                  Chris Sand

Victor Marion                                                 Jim Callahan

Wes Pye                                                          Lee Upp

Wes Malott                                                     Ralph Solan

About Storm Products Inc.

Storm Products Inc. is a leading manufacturer and marketer of high performance bowling equipment, featuring the Storm and Roto Grip brand names. For more information please visit stormbowling.com

2009 Storm USBC Silver Level Coaches
Bowling Ball Video Reviews and Tips

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A true bowling shirt is a box cut, short sleeved, with a button up front, pocket, and small collar. Most bowling shirts are very colorful, with panels of different colors, such as black and red. They also have piping along the shoulders.

They are usually made of a cotton/polyester blend. Charlie on the Two and Half Men TV show is fond of wearing bowling shirts for every occasion. Bowling is enjoyed by about 100 million people over several continents.

There are also team shirts which league bowlers favor as they can be customized with the team name, etc. Often referred to as "retro bowling shirts", older bowling shirts from the 40s, 50s, and 60s are very sought after by collectors.

Why are all synthetic approaches so sticky, and what can be done to get some kind of slide on these approaches?

— Stanley Bridgestone, Austin, Texas
Actually, all synthetic approaches are not sticky. The cause of sticky synthetic approaches is high humidity in the bowling center. In centers with very low humidity — those in Las Vegas come to mind — the older-style synthetic approaches can be very slick.

The reason for the stickiness problem is that old-style synthetic approaches have a relatively small humidity range in which the slide is acceptable. The perfect humidity for old-style synthetic approaches is around 45%, with an acceptable slide generated when the humidity is between 38% and 53%.

Wood approaches offer an acceptable slide from around 28% to 60%. In centers with old-style synthetic approaches, the only solution to the problem is to totally control the humidity throughout the building, which is not easy to do in an older bowling center.

Note: I mention “old-style” synthetic approaches because, in recent years, many of the bowling equipment manufacturers have changed their approaches to a textured surface, which gives them a slide characteristic that is more similar to wood approaches. Older synthetic centers can upgrade to this surface.)

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT BALL

With all the different bowling balls out there, how does a bowler make the correct selection for his/her game?
— Bobby Plaxton, St. George, Utah
The real question involves selecting the best pro shop operator for your game. Even pro bowlers rely on ball reps to select the proper ball and layout for the bowling condition and the type of game that they employ.

Therefore, I highly recommend that you select a pro shop operator who is familiar with your game and with the centers where you do most of your bowling in. Once you’ve selected a shop operator to do business with, you can rely on his/her expertise in selecting the proper balls and layouts to maximize your potential.

GETTING OFF TO A GOOD START

Where should you hold your ball prior to beginning the pushaway? I have heard many different ideas from many coaches, and really can’t decide what is best.
— Nancy Fellows, New Brunswick, N.J.
While there is no right or wrong here, I prefer a position whereby the ball can be set straight out in front of the middle of the body and then pushed to the right (for a right-handed bowler) so as to be in line with the right shoulder. The reason I employ this type of positioning is to start the ball in line with the intended swing plane, so you do not have to swing the ball around the hips.

As for the height, I will adjust the position based on whether I want to use more speed or less speed with the shot. I hold the ball higher above my waist if I want to throw the ball faster, and lower if I want to throw it slower.

VISUALIZING THE SHOT

How do you target on the lane? Many of my friends say that you should look close to the foul line in order to get the ball down early and read the conditioner pattern.
— Victor Amenta, Gardena, Calif.
I’ve always been a believer in, with the eye’s mind, drawing an imaginary line from the release point to the arrows to the hook point of the ball and finally into the pocket.

You should begin your shot by drawing this imaginary line in your head, and then starting your approach with the vision of the correct shot going down the lane. As for where to target, I have seen bowlers target from the foul line (Glenn “Mr. 900″ Allison is a good example of a bowler who uses that technique) to the arrows, and even some who have lofted the ball past the arrows (remember Robert Smith when he won the PBA’s CLR Classic in Vernon Hills, Ill.?).

One of the greatest bowlers of all time, Johnny Petraglia, will adjust his target based on how much the lanes are hooking — with a more distant target on hooking lanes, and a closer target on lanes that are hooking
only a little.

AN APPROACH GONE ADRIFT

I will be bowling well, and suddenly I’ll miss the pocket to the right, usually resulting in either a washout or a bucket. I think back on those shots and feel like my timing was OK, so I have little idea as to what to correct. Can you give me some help?
— Freddy Garson, Brockton, Mass.
An errant shot like that usually is the result of drifting too far right on the approach. When you make such a shot, try to check where your slide foot ends up near the foul line, and compare it to where the foot usually ends up on good shots.

I have found that I should visualize the ball and swing going to the inside portion of the target. Try that, and it should correct your drifting right problem.

Need help with your game? Hall of Famer Mike McGrath
answers reader questions each month. Send your question
to him c/o Bowlers Journal International, 122 S. Michigan
Ave., Suite 1506, Chicago, IL 60603. You may also e-mail him at
mikempba13@aol.com.

Bowling is a set up for neck pain. The weight of the ball as well as the motion needed to launch your ball can lead to neck strain. Bowlers use their brains less and their shoulders more (to hurl the ball down as quick as they can while forgetting about good technique).

You even have some bowlers thinking that if they can bench press 130kg or gain 10kg in muscle, then they'll be a great fast bowler. Overuse injuries are gradually appearing pains, aches, stiffness or injury brought on by repeated, mild physical stress to a particular area of the body.

Right arm bowlers almost exclusively develop pain to the left side of the lumbar spine at a point named the pars interarticularis. A combination of rotation coupled with hyperextension and left sided lateral flexion is known to give rise to such fractures.

The bowling action involves repetitive twisting, extension and rotation of the trunk at the same time as absorption of large ground reaction forces over a short period of time. Overuse injuries are also common. Fast bowlers often suffer overuse injuries in the lower back region.

Sports injuries are too common and getting your bowling ball checked by a certified pro-shop operator is a simple step to take to avoid such pain. An overuse injury is usually a sprain, strain or fracture to part of the body that has been used repetitively.

In recent years, however, the field of sports medicine and orthopaedic surgery has begun to develop techniques such as transplantation of one's own healthy cartilage or cells to improve healing. At present, this technique is used for small cartilage defects.

Most doctors agree that the single most important advance in sports medicine has been the development of arthroscopic surgery, or arthroscopy. Arthroscopy uses a small fiberoptic scope inserted through a small incision in the skin to see inside a joint. It is interesting to read about injury statistics for more common sports.

The NSC Injury Facts reports that in 1999, 339,775 people were treated in American emergency rooms for injuries related to baseball and softball, 372,380 were treated for football injuries, 175,303 were treated following soccer games, 22,639 were treated for bowling injuries, and 2,486 were treated for injuries following participation in horseshoe pitching.

No athlete in any sport starts out at full speed. That's what warming up is all about, gradually allowing your body to get into the athletics of your sport. Use of intimidating tactics used by fast bowlers are often unsportsmanlike and promote violence, and are shunned by many teams and players.

The Sports Science Institute at Newlands was contacted for assistance in providing visual and technical aids for our Bowling Academy players. They invited some quick bowlers to take part in a study based on bowling injuries.

It is almost inevitable that if you put a fast bowler through several consecutive competitive matches, he will pick up injuries. While no one considers bowling a contact sport, there are injuries that occur. The most common injuries are to the hand and wrist of the bowling arm.

Recent news stories discussing the popularity and benefits of Wii Bowling for seniors indicate that Wii bowling, as well as Tennis may gain more fans in retirement communities around the country.Wii bowling is fast becoming a favorite pastime at retirement homes. Older adults get some exercise and can improve eye hand coordination when playing Wii bowling, or any of the many other great games for the Wii, such as golf or tennis.

Having tried the demo version of Wii Bowling shipped with the Wii console, I am impressed. I immediately thought of someone bowling for many years, even decades and then being unable to continue because of arthritis or other medical problems associated with aging.

Wii systems have been difficult to come by and many have waited until just recently to get their hands on one. While the games that ship with the Wii are fun, the true Wii experience comes through when playing the "real" games.

The Wii bowling games from Brunswick and PBA are much more realistic in appearance, with characters that look like real people with every configurable option imaginable from shoes to hats to colored bowling balls. You can customize your character to your hearts content.

The more advanced bowling games for the Wii also offer a much more 'tactile" feel, meaning more sensitive controls and somewhat higher learning curve than the Wii bowling demos. If you like the Wii bowling demo at all, then you really should check out the full Wii bowling games.

While kids and younger adults may love the actions games and shooter games for Wii and other platforms. Older Americans have opted for the benefits of the Wii sports games like bowling, golf and tennis.

These are sports games they often already know how to play, they know the rules and, because of the Wii controller's "easy to learn" nature, within just a few minutes they can be playing and enjoying the game. Now you can enjoy bowling in the comfort of your own home!

In the 3rd century in Germany, bowling was a religious rite. There was a club carried called a kegal, used for protection. The kegel was stood up in the church cloister symbolizing a heathen and a ball was rolled at it. If the kegal was knocked over, the church member was said to have killed the heathen and was honored at the banquet.

Bowling spread from Germany to Holland and Switzerland and later to France, England and Spain. The first public establishment in England was in the 15th century and was associated with taverns.

The original bowling surfaces were clay, slate, and cinders with wood being used later. A maximum score of 200 was used toward the beginning, but was later changed to 300 to allow for more chance to improve the game. 10 pins were also adopted later as bowling grew in popularity.

The sport of bowling came to America with the Dutch colonists in 1626. German immigrants used bowling as an outdoor family activity.

In about 1840, America's first indoor bowling establishment was opened in New York. Gamblers were drawn to the sport. Bowling spread to other areas of the country, however, bowling was played with different rules in different parts of the country. Eventually bowling groups were formed called clubs. Uniform rules were adopted.

The National Bowling Association was formed in 1875 to ensure certain standards, however, it didn't survive. The American Bowling Congress was formed later and most bowlers today belong to ABC.

Automatic pin setters were introduced in 1952 and bowling continued to gain in popularity. With the computer age came the computer scoring which eliminated keeping score by hand.

League bowling is popular in modern times as well as individual bowling with friends.