A few days ago, a lady asked our front desk clerk some questions that were simple; yet, without knowing some coaching hints, the answers were difficult to explain - at least, more difficult than they needed to be.

I work in a senior citizen bowling center and the greater majority of people fall into one of three categories: 1) they have been bowling for years, 2) they have been taught by their friends, or 3) they have taken the learn-to-bowl classes provided through the community recreation center. We get very few "beginning beginners" who want to get on the lanes by themselves for the first time. In trying to answer the lady's questions, he over explained things to the point that she got confused and muttered something about the game being, "harder than she thought it would be."

Today, then, I go back to the beginning and give some hints about how to select a bowling ball. If you are already an experienced bowler, I think these tips will help you the next time you coach someone who is just getting interested in our sport of bowling.

The first question is usually, "how heavy should my ball be?" Bowling balls are manufactured from 6-lbs to a maximum of 16-lbs. A general guide is to use a ball that is about one pound for every ten pounds of body weight. Fine tune it from there so that it feels comfortable swinging the ball without over-straining. For example, if a person weighs 125 lbs, start with a twelve pound ball and adjust the ball weight up or down a pound at a time. (A word of caution - young boys tend to want to throw a ball that is heavier than they can comfortably handle. I have seen too many of them strain to throw the ball down the lane, yet, turn around and tell me that they are not having problems.)

"How should I hold the ball?" For a right-hander, use the thumb, middle finger, and the ring finger; for a left-hander, the corresponding digits on the left hand. (A tendency for many people is to use the pointer finger and the middle finger to grip the ball. It is best to discourage them from using that type of grip). The thumb and fingers should fit into their holes so they are snug but feel like they will come out smoothly - in most bowling centers, you should be able to cautiously roll the ball on the carpet to see that the ball comes off your hand easily. The pointing finger and the pinkie will naturally "fall into place" alongside the finger holes on the surface of the ball.

"How do I know it is a correct fit?" (Note: for our purposes, there are three joints - the knuckle joints, the mid-joints, and the fingertip joints.) When starting out, it is best to use what is termed as the "conventional" (think "regular" or "standard") grip. Place your thumb completely into the thumb hole so that the knuckle joint is in line with the edge of the thumb hole, lay your palm on the surface of the ball with your fingers resting over the finger holes and the mid-joints are in line with the bottom edge of the finger holes(do not purposely stretch the fingers over the holes because we want a natural, easy grip).

This technique of putting your thumb in first is actually opposite of how you will pick up and grip the ball in preparation for rolling it down the lane each time you bowl. The way to pick up and grip your ball each time is to put your fingers into the holes up to the mid-joints first, then ease your thumb into the thumb hole. Your grip should feel snug (and perhaps a little loose) but never tight fitting.

You now have a properly fitting bowling ball. In the next article, I will cover aspects of your approach (walk) to the foul line so that you feel comfortable releasing the ball onto the lane.

As always, "A Hui Hou" - see you again!