Choosing the right bowling ball
Bowling has become a very popular sport today, and is played by many, either for fun or professionally. This sport is not as simple as it looks. You have to get the basics and the techniques right to make perfect strikes. The ball being the most integral component of this sport means it is very important to choose the right one. There are hundreds of brands that have been launched in the past few years. This is where the much repeated question 'How To Choose A Bowling Ball?' gets asked frequently.
You should always choose the ball which has features that suit your style of play. Remember, a good ball can improve your performance ten fold, whereas a wrong ball can deter your performance. Different brands emphasise on certain particular features. Each brand comes with its own strong points and drawbacks. So, it is up to you to decide on what features you would prefer, and pick a ball accordingly. A ball that you might find suiting and boosting your style of play could do the opposite for another player because those particular features will not complement his or her style of play.
A player generally chooses a ball, primarily based on its features, but the brand and the label also influences his choice of ball. Of course, a player cannot afford to be blinded by the brand or the label of the ball. Finally, it is the features and the quality that is going to make or break his game.
Consider The Weight
There are certain criteria based on which one should choose a ball. Firstly, the player should consider the weight of the ball. Here you need to use a bit of your common sense. Let us take an example, if you weigh 160 pounds, you ideally should not use an 8 pound ball because it would be too light for you. And similarly, if you weigh 80 pounds, a 16 pound ball will prove to be too heavy for you and could get you straight to the hospital for a case of muscle pull! So weight should be the foremost priority while picking a ball.
Next on, you should decide on the type of bowler that you are. If you prefer straight throws, you should ideally get a heavy ball. In case you tend and prefer to spin the bowl, then a lighter ball will be apt for you. So this totally depends on the style of game that you play.
Consider The Rolling Action
The rolling action of the ball is another important point to consider. The speed of the ball, friction and control determine a good roll. Of course, it depends on how you throw too. Depending on the weight of the ball and your style of play, you should throw the ball at a certain momentum that is not too less and not too much, to get that perfect strike. So, its rolling action is a crucial aspect for deciding the right ball for you.
Let your body do the talking too. Your body can tell if the ball is right for you or not. In case you start to experience some sort of pain or discomfort during or after the use of the ball, it shows that the ball could either be too heavy or not matching your style and body movements. The comfort and ease with which you can use a ball, the better it is. So listen carefully to your body speak!
One throw cannot determine the right ball for you. If it can then, you are lucky. But, generally, right balls are chosen on trial and error basis. You should be patient and prudent while trying out different balls. Do not make hasty decisions. Take your time. After all, your performance is at stake here. The ball that you pick should boost your performance and add an X factor to your style of play. Also it is advisable to keep an open mind while choosing a ball. May be the brand you are looking for does not have the ball with your choice of features, it is better then, to look on to other brands that may have what you have been looking for.
Try Not To Be Too Influenced By Looks!
It is only natural to get influenced by the looks and designs of the balls. But just make sure that it does not influence your choice too much. Many brands manufacture sleek and attractive balls. Though not a crucial criteria while selecting a ball, it does influence your selection. The prices of the balls are determined largely depending on the designs and the looks. Of course, price is another factor that will influence your choice of balls. A ball could be heavily priced just because of its look and design. It is not worth all that money, especially if you are trying to be economical. You need to focus mainly on the features of the ball and how it suits your game. Sometimes searching out a discount bowling ball can be a good option.
This guide will sure help you choose the right ball. Make sure the ball that you select is your choice. Because, nobody can understand your needs and your style better than you can. At the end of it all, you should be satisfied and confident enough of giving a good performance. Also, you being a professional or an amateur can make a lot of difference. A professional will be able to judge a good ball from the bad balls much more easily than maybe what a beginner can. Experience sure matters in the ball selecting process. With good experience, selecting a right ball can become much easier. A beginner or an amateur may require some guidance in this matter.
So with some basic common sense, an open mind and a patient approach, you will definitely be able to find the right ball. Since you are going to invest good money on the balls, you rather get the best deal out of it. So bowl with the “right” ball and make those perfect strikes to become a winner.