The Best Bowling Tips and Tricks for Beginners

If you’re new to bowling, you’ve come to the right place. Over 67 million people bowl at least once a year, and we’re glad you’re joining the fun! As Richmond’s best bowling alley, we take pride in being a place where competitive bowlers, newcomers, and everyone in between can enjoy the sport. Keep reading to learn some beginner bowling tips and tricks, and come visit us during one of our open bowling sessions… You’re guaranteed to have a ball!

Beginner Bowling Tips

Choose the best bowling ball.

Unlike other sports, there’s not a ton of equipment needed to bowl, and we provide everything you need to get started, from shoe rental to bowling balls. However, choosing the right bowling ball is important, because it is the basis of the game, after all. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to what the best bowling ball is; that will depend on your body size, grip, etc. Check out this guide to choosing the right bowling ball to find the perfect one for you. 

Find your stance.

The ideal bowling stance is relaxed, with your back straight and your body balanced over slightly bent knees. It’s important to keep your head up with your eyes on the pin you’re aiming for. Generally speaking, you’ll want to hold the ball at about waist height. 

Get ready, get set, go!

Once you have a stance you’re comfortable with, it’s time to work on your approach. Try approaching both fast and slow to see which one feels more comfortable to you. If you prefer a fast approach, you’ll want to start with the ball at chest level so you can complete a nice, long swing before releasing the ball. If you’d rather approach slowly, start with your ball closer to your waist or upper thigh. A quicker approach calls for a shorter swing. 

Take aim.

Pay attention to the arrows and dots on the lane; those lane markings can help you line up a shot and adjust as needed. To start with, line your shot up with the second arrow from the left. Depending on how that goes, you can adjust by rolling your next shot over the same arrow or adjusting to the left or right. 

Put some “OOMPH” into it. 

Bowling is all about controlled power. You want to get enough momentum on the ball to reach the pins and knock them over, but it’s important to maintain your form and release the ball at just the right moment. As you swing your arm down, release the ball at the nadir of the arc. 

Most importantly, remember that practice makes perfect! Keep bowling and pay attention to your form. Who knows, you might just be a league bowler in the making.