Well, as a "newbie" to bowling, the first thing I would suggest that you do is to PURCHASE GOOD SHOES! Shoes are they key to comfort, balance, and consistency. It's all in the legs! As a beginner, if you bowl in only one house, I would say there is no reason to get anything with interchangable soles and heels, just buy a nice, solid shoe that will perform and last. Here is a good example:
http://www.buddiesproshop.com/product/336/Dexter_Mens_SST_1_Bowling_Shoes_-_Black_-_Right_Handed.htmNext, AFTER YOU HAVE GOOD SHOES, it's time to purchase a ball. ONE BALL! Don't get caught up in this whole "arsenal of bowling balls" business because there is no need for a beginner to have more than one ball until you learn to properly throw the ball that you have. If you have been bowling with a house ball for the last few months and you want to learn to hook the ball, the first thing you need to do is FIND A COACH and a good PRO SHOP that can help you. This is important on so many levels, from properly fitting the bowling ball to you while drilling, to teaching you the proper way to throw a bowling ball to achieve accuracy and hook potential without developing bad habits (like taking your thumb out of the ball). As for the ball, I would go with a VERY LOW-END reactive ball. DON'T BREAK THE BANK ON THIS PURCHASE! There's no reason that a beginner should have a high end piece of equipment. Just because it is expensive does not make it a good ball for a beginner. Most of the high end equipment on the market is meant for very condition-specific shots and situations that are irrelavent to beginners. Now, in terms of the purchase... Remember that you have to get the ball DRILLED somewhere. I would suggest going to your local pro shop, or a shop in your area that has a good reputation from other bowlers (ask around!). The reason for purchasing from the shop is that they will most likely throw in the drilling for free (if you bring in a ball from somewhere else, they will charge you up to $50 to put holes in the thing). Also, you will be building an early relationship with a local professional who can help you along the way. In terms of the ball you should purchase... Something like this ball would be a good choice:
http://www.stormbowling.com/products/balls/archive-ball.asp?ballid=80This is a low-end reactive ball that will show hook potential for you AS LONG AS YOU RELEASE IT PROPERLY. Great teaching ball. This ball will be very inexpensive compared to may others that you will see. Do NOT allow the pro shop to talk you in to the latest, greatest, most expensive thing. This ball is all you need for a while. Hope all this helps!
Here are some more places I suggest looking:
Technique Advice:
https://www.morichbowling.com/MosCorner/January2004/January2004.htmhttps://www.morichbowling.com/MosCorner/February2004/February2004.htmhttps://www.morichbowling.com/MosCorner/March2004/March2004.htmGood Online Shops:
http://www.allstarbowling.com/ (Username on this forum: allstarbowling-joe)
http://www.buddiesproshop.com/http://www.bowlingball.com/http://www.mgbowling.com/http://www.bowlersparadise.com/ (Good place for books and videos)
Good luck!
Edited on 1/29/2007 6:53 AM
