Which Bowling Ball Should You Use?

One of the most important pieces of bowling equipment is the ball. When a bowler goes to a bowling alley, there will be various balls to choose from. In a typical bowling alley, the balls are usually color-coordinated so that each color matches the size and weight of the ball. Also, each ball usually has a number on the side, indicating how heavy the ball is. So, which bowling ball should you use?

Choosing a Bowling Ball

The weight a bowler chooses will vary because every individual is different, so there is no universal answer for which ball to choose. It is up to the bowler to test the balls and determine which weight and grip they are most comfortable with. All bowling balls have a diameter between 8.5 and 8.595 in. Bowling balls weigh anywhere from six to 16 lbs. The average adult man will use a bowling ball weighing from 13 to 16 lbs, while the average adult woman will use a bowling ball weighing anywhere from 10 to 14 lbs.

Why Choosing the Right Ball Is Important

The weight and size affect how a bowler throws the bowling ball. Two main components of bowling effectively are the use of accuracy and force. Since the goal of bowling is to knock over the pins, the bowler needs to be able to hit the pins accurately to knock over as many as possible and hit the pins with enough force to knock them over. So, when choosing a ball, a bowler must find one with the weight and size that will give them the optimal ability to have accuracy and force behind their throws.

How Weight Affects Bowling

The weight of the ball affects a bowler’s accuracy and force. If a ball is too heavy, then the bowler won’t have as much control, so they won’t be able to throw it as accurately. Also, if a ball is too light, they won’t be able to generate enough force in their throw to knock the pins down as easily.

A bowler will also have to consider their stamina when choosing the weight for their ball. Even if the bowler can use a heavier ball accurately, continuous use can tire them out more quickly and make them less accurate throughout a game. However, if a bowler chooses a ball that is too light, then they won’t generate the same force needed to knock over the pins as effectively as a heavier ball. A bowler must find a ball that is heavy enough to knock over the pins effectively but not too heavy to affect their accuracy.

How Grip Affects Bowling

The ball’s weight can affect how you grip the ball as well. Advanced bowlers hook the ball on their throws, which means they curve the ball towards the pin instead of rolling it in a straight line. To do so, the bowler must grip the ball differently. In a conventional grip, the ring and middle fingers should go into the ball holes until about the second knuckle to stabilize their throw. However, to hook the ball, the bowler uses a fingertip grip where they only insert their ring and middle fingers up to the first knuckle. This grip provides less stability on the throw, so choosing a ball that’s the correct weight and is not too heavy becomes even more important while using this grip.

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