The most important thing in bowling is probably choosing a bowling ball. The ball will determine how you roll different lane conditions and will determine your fun factor. The right ball on the right lane conditions makes the sport fun!!!

First, find the correct weight. This will be between 12 – 16 lbs for competitive bowlers. This includes league bowlers. There is no limit to how light a ball you can throw but under 14 lbs starts to give up pin action and backend hitting power. You should throw the heaviest ball that is comfortable.

Second, select the correct coverstock. Plastic, goes straight, is the cheapest, house balls are plastic, beginner balls and is the least versatile. Urethane and Reactive resin balls allow the bowler to throw a hook. Urethane balls take a smoother path to the pins and are for the intermediate bowler. (Next step after the plastic ball). Reactive balls will pick up friction at the end of the lane and hook much more aggressively to the pins and are usually thrown by more experienced bowlers. Urethane balls are generally more expensive than plastic and reactive are even more than urethane. Particle coverstocks are a hybrid of urethane and reactive resin. Best used on heavy oil lanes, mainly used by experienced bowlers and are the most expensive. Talking with your pro will give you the answers for which coverstock you should have.

Third, get the ball drilled for your hand. This gives more control, makes heavier balls feel lighter and reduces the risk of injury. If you have been rolling house balls, going to a ball drilled for you will feel strange. That is because the house balls do not fit right and it will take some getting used to. You must be patient and allow the benefits to work. The only cure for this is practice.