Print this page

Bowling Equipment It is important for athletes to be able to recognize and understand how equipment works and impacts their performance for the specific events. Have your athletes name each piece of equipment as you show it, and give the use for each. To reinforce this, have athletes select the equipment used for their events as well.   Athlete Readiness Understands where to locate shoes and ball. Asks appropriate person for correct bowling shoe size. Selects appropriate weight for a ball. Wears clothing that is comfortable and provides freedom of movement. Returns bowling ball and shoes to appropriate place after game.   Bowling Ball A properly fitted bowling ball is essential. The most important factors in finding the right ball are appropriate fit and proper weight. The fit or the grip of the ball is determined by the size of the finger and thumbholes and the span between them. The most common grip is called the conventional grip and will be used by most athletes. This grip allows the bowler to insert the two middle fingers up to the second joint, and the thumb completely.     The fingers and thumb should fit relaxed and loose inside the holes and also touch the inside of the ball all the way around. The athlete should test the fit by lightly swinging the ball at arms length. The "span" between the finger holes and the thumbhole allows full extension of the hand between the second joint of the fingers and the thumb when placed in the holes. This conventional grip is found in most "house balls" — balls that can be used for free at most bowling centers. Although this is the least expensive means of bowling, house balls are very generic so that both right- and left- handed bowlers can use them. Intermediate and advanced bowlers need to seek out their own equipment.     Semi-fingertip and fingertip grips can also be used for more advanced bowlers. Both grips allow the thumb to be inserted completely and the fingers to either the first joints, fingertip or between the first and second joints (semi-fingertip). Adaptations, such as allowing holes to be drilled for all four fingers and the thumb for a better grip, can be made for physically challenged (i.e., those with weak hands, wrists or fingers). Inserts, normally made of rubber, can also be used to provide additional gripping.   The weight of the ball will be determined by the bowler's physical makeup. A very generalized gauge is that adult males often choose 14- to 16-pound balls; adult females, 10- to 14-pound balls; and youth, a wide range of 6- to 14-pound balls. A well-balanced swing is a good indication that ball weight is correct. For example, during the back swing, if the ball is too heavy, it will cause the shoulder to dip and pull the body off balance. If the bowler consistently drops the ball at the foul line or lofts the ball onto the lane, the ball is not properly fitted.   Ball speed can be an indication of proper weight. Decrease of speed toward the end of a session may mean the ball is too heavy. Often, when scores begin to decrease toward the end of a session, this is a sign that the ball is too heavy. The material and degree of hardness of the ball determine proper use on different lane conditions, the type of roll a bowler throws, and the way the ball impacts the pins. The ball cannot weigh more than 16 pounds. There are no minimum weight restrictions; however, some ball return machines have difficulty returning lighter balls. Balls generally range from 6- to 16-pounds. Some bowling centers have a "pro shop" staff, which can offer further advice and assistance.   It is recommended that athletes have their own ball if possible. This will provide the athlete with a ball that is the proper weight and fit for their hand. For many Special Olympics athletes, the most important consideration for bowling properly is having enough strength to hold the ball. Selecting a properly weighted house ball often results in the finger holes and span being too small for the athlete. Having their own equipment-bag — ball and shoes — is also a great source of pride for the athletes. Work with your local bowling center or pro shop to accomplish the goal of all athletes having their own balls. For little or no charge, they will often take donated balls and plug and re-drill them to fit your athletes.   Bowling Bag Bowling bag is used for storage of own ball.   Rosin Bag Rosin bag is used to provide athlete with dry hands.   Bowling Towel Bowling towel is used to wipe dirt or oil off of the ball to keep it clean.   Coaching Tips Coaches need to periodically check the athlete's shoes and ball to ensure they still meet the athlete's needs. Make sure that shoes are neither worn down nor have holes. In addition, make sure that the ball is free of chips and properly fits the bowler.     Equipment Selection The equipment required for bowling consists of a ball, a pair of bowling shoes and access to a bowling center. With that, you are ready.   Proper Equipment Selection If you are not professionally trained, it is advisable to check with the pro shop at the lanes. It is best for athletes to have their own bowling equipment if possible.   Teaching Equipment Selection Bowling Shoes Bowling shoes allow bowlers to slide their feet properly. House shoes are designed so that the sole of both shoes allow the bowler to slide with either foot. The sole of the left shoe is the sliding shoe for a right-handed bowler using a four- or five-step approach. The sole of the right shoe is the sliding shoe for the left-handed bowler using a four- or five-step approach.   Bowling Balls   Weight The correct weight and fit of a bowling ball are very important. Bowling balls weigh from 6-16 pounds. A rule of thumb in selecting the correct weight of a bowling ball is taking approximately one-tenth of the bowler's weight. This will not necessarily apply to all bowlers, but it is a good approximation to start with. It is necessary that the bowler be able to pick up the bowling ball with two hands and swing it back and forth with one hand with ease. If the bowler rolls the ball and tends to drop it, it is probably too heavy. However, if the bowler lofts it down the lane, it may be too light.  House balls usually have the weight stamped on the ball, and the various weights are usually in different colors.     Key factors to help the athlete acquire the proper equipment Assist the athlete in obtaining correct size shoes from control counter personnel. Have the athlete get the correct size shoes from the control counter without assistance. Assist the athlete in selecting his/her ball from available house balls; and show him/her how to identify his/her ball by a number (weight) and/or the color of ball. Help athletes obtain their own ball. Discuss with all athletes the wearing of appropriate clothing.   Key Words What size shoe do you wear? Where do you get your shoes? What weight/color ball do you use? Remember to wear loose fitting clothes.   Coaches' Tips for Equipment Selection — At-a-Glance Tips for Practice Make arrangements for each athlete to have his/her own bowling equipment if possible. Athletes who have their own ball ensure the proper weight and hand fit. With many Special Olympics athletes, the problem of having enough strength to hold the ball becomes the most critical problem in bowling properly. Selecting a lightweight house ball often results in the finger holes and span being too small for the athlete. Having their own equipment — bag, ball and shoes — is also a great source of pride for athletes. You can often get equipment donated. Even though the athlete may have his/her own equipment, still teach the above information. There may be an occasion when an athlete wants to bowl, and he/she does not have his/her own bowling equipment.

Prev Page