GF's 1st Bowling Ball

[SAgosto]

I used to be very active in the scene about 15 years ago and I decided to make a comeback. Unfortunately, it has changed quite a bit so I am not much help to her. But, this thread is for her. She has been wanting to get her own ball and start bowling more. I am not sure even where to begin.

My goal is to get her a first ball, new bag, and new shoes. The ball is the hard part. I doubt she will do anything but recreational bowling on random weekend nights. She typically uses whatever 12LBS ball that fits her fingers. She throws across her body and prays it goes down the middle. She is as beginner as they come and probably averages about 50-80. I have a friend who is a instructor/PBA member who is going to give her a few first lessons but I wanted to start thinking of an entry ball.

Any ideas? Basically, I can probably seeing her throw the ball straight for a while until she gets basic format.

[CoachLefty]

go to any site that sells bowling balls and have her pick out something pretty.
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Go Balls Deep

Lefty

[The Bowlers Edge 2]

tropical storm or a link

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The Bowler's Edge Pro Shop

[SAgosto]

I could easily have her pick out something pretty but I was hoping to get her a ball that she could benefit from besides appearance. Or is that not really an option given her level?

[MC]

at her level just having the ball fit good may be a benefit. I think most of the "real" cores start at 13lbs
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[azguy]

I'd also agree on the Power Groove or Tornado. Drill it to go straight at first, then when she's ready, wants to, plug and drill for a slight hook. Saves on getting her another ball, better reaction when she's ready for that.


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az guy aka: R & L Bowlers Pro
  rlbowlerspro@cox.net

[FranVarin]

It sounds from you description that she is just starting out. I would recommend starting with a plastic ball, i.e. Brunswick T-Zone, White Dot. Once she can consistently roll the ball on an intended target, you could consider moving her to an entry level reactive, i.e. Brunswick Power Groove, Storm Tropical Storm. The only reason she (or anyone for that matter) would throw anything but plastic (Reactive or Particle) would be to hook the ball. Since she is just starting out, I do not recommend starting by learning to throw a hook. Way too much frustration, the bowler needs to have some basic fundamentals in place in their physical game first. Once in place, they can choose to learn to hook. Only at that point would I spend the extra money for a Reactive ball.

[JohnP]

Your first step should be to identify a competent fitter/driller.  At the gf's level of expertise the fit is way more important than the ball choice.  Let the driller you choose watch her throw a few balls and then make a recommendation.  From your description I agree with Fran - a basic plastic ball would be your best choice, pick one she likes the looks of.  But someone with a practiced eye might see some potential you haven't noticed.  But under no circumstances would I recommend anything beyond an entry level reactive resin ball such as a Tornado, Power Groove, Scout, etc.  Good luck  --  JohnP

[sherm390]

get a ball that goes straight...until she gets her form down(u know hitting where she aims )...u can prob get a better deal with shoes bag and ball all together...once she gets the coaching and wants to start hooking try a Tropical Storm...great beginner hooking ball...my gf 1st ball was a 12lbs plastic(too light)...then we got her a 14lbs Tropical Storm(slightly heavy)...13lbs Secret Agent is perfect for her...if your gf throwing a 12lbs house ball then 13lbs might be the way to go...
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Bowling is FUN....until u lose...

[TWOHAND834]

SAgosto,

message sent.
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Steven Vance
Pro Shop Operator

If anyone out there is worried about the scores being too high, try duckpin!!

[SAgosto]

Thank you all for the help.

To be honest, she has a LONG ways to go before she is able to throw the ball consistantly at a target so a hook ball is not really a consideration. I am hopeful though.

So, yea, a properly drilled ball is obviously the way. I could go plastic or reactive. I thought the reactive would be better just for the "pin action". I don't care about the money if it would benefit her. I am a bit mixed whether I should go with a plastic or reactive?

[FranVarin]

I coach a lot of folks of varying levels and ages. What will mater most with respect to pin action is to match the ball weight properly. The entry level reactive balls do not have much of a weight block so, it is a minor consideration. The only thing that a reactive cover will do is to allow a bowler who throws a hook to increase the angle of entry into the pocket thus, increasing the chance for a strike. A straight ball hits the pocket and tends to deflect because of the entry angle. This is true regardless of the material that the cover is made of.

I would recommend the following:

1) Drill a conventional plastic ball.

Make sure that you use a good proshop in your area. Keep in mind that house balls typically feel heavier because they seldom have a good fit. One way to judge the proper weight is to have her stand with the ball on her fingers by her side. If she is able to stand for a minute or so without leaning that is generally a good sign. What we find in our shop is that women will typically end up in the 10-14lb range. Some who bowl a lot or who are competitive tournament bowlers will tend to be in the 14-15lb range. As an example, my 14 year old daughter who bowls regularly throws 14. She is not a big strong girl, pretty average in fact but, she bowls a lot and has built up muscle strength. I have another daughter who bowls NCAA in college and she throws 15lbs.  


2) Find a USBC certified coach in your area.

This is not meant as a dig so, please don't take it that way. A certified coach has been trained and will typically have the experience to instruct her on proper technique. Many people who are decent bowlers often try to take matters into their own hands and find it frustrating trying to train someone. Also, what can happen is that bad technique is often communicated to the new bowler.  


3) Find a mixed fun league to bowl with her in.

There are lots of leagues that are recreational in nature. I have found over the years that unless a bowler participates in a league, especially when they are new, they tend to drift away because it just isn't fun to bowl for practice once in a while.


4) Have fun and be patient.

Remember Rome was not built in a day. Regardless of what level any bowler takes the sport to, if it stops being fun we make it a job and so why are we doing it?



If you have any questions please feel free to PM me.

Fran

[blacknois]

the Hammer Razyr would be a great ball, it has a strong coverstock, with a pancake core, so she can start out with a straight ball, and when she learns to hook, the ball will be  a perfect beginning ball.

[SAgosto]

Thanks all for the help. First thing is first. I'll let the instructor help her choose what weight ball and help her with the basics. I think she will enjoy it.

If not, the laptop I got her is a nice fall back.