First Things First.

1. Own Your Own Equipment

If you're serious about improving your game but don't have your own ball and shoes, you're in for a long frustrating haul. Even then, you probably won't ever achieve any level of consistency. A ball that's custom fit to your hand will feel lighter and be much easier to control. Many bowling centers have a pro shop where you can buy excellent quality equipment. If your center doesn't have one, they can tell you where to go. The minimum you need is a ball, bag, towel and shoes. Of course there are all kinds of gizmos and gadgets that are helpful, but those things can come later. The folks in the shop will help you pick out the equipment that's right for you.

2. Choosing the Right Ball's

Not all bowling balls are created equal. Today's balls range from mild firecrackers to highly explosive bombs. Better bowlers carry at least three different balls-- one with high hook potential, one with medium hook potential, and one with little or no hook potential. It's important to realize that even the most potentially hooking ball WILL NOT automatically hook by itself. YOU make it hook! That's why it's a good idea to develop a consistent proper "release" before investing in a variety of bowling balls. Generally, the lane condition will dictate what ball is required: heavy oil calls for maximum hooking potential; medium oil calls for medium hooking potential; and dry lanes require very little hook potential. For example: if your bowling on really dry lanes with a ball with high hook potential, the ball will most likely "take off" in its hooking pattern shortly after hitting the lane. Conversely, if you're bowling on heavy oil, a low hooking ball will just keep sliding down the lane. Both resulting in lower scores. If you want to carry only one ball, one with medium hook potential might be the way to go. If you want to carry two balls, get one at each end of the spectrum. The weight of the ball also has a lot to do with it. Too heavy or too light may be hard to control during the approach. Don't let your ego prevent you from bowling your best by insisting on using the heaviest ball (16lb).  For help in choosing your bowling balls, see your local Pro Shop operator.

3. Take Proper Care of Your Equipment

Now that you've spent a small fortune on your new bowling gear, the last thing you want to do is ruin it. Avoid leaving your ball in the car or garage for extended periods of time. Bowling balls have been known to crack or even melt from exposure to extreme conditions. A good rule of thumb is to not leave it anywhere you wouldn't want to sleep. Also, keep your ball clean. It will reward you with steady progress. What you use to clean it with will depend on the kind of ball you have. Your pro shop or bowling center will have what you need.

Don't wear your bowling shoes anywhere but inside the bowling center. Be careful where you walk and avoid stepping in spilled soda or popcorn crumbs. The idea is to keep all foreign substances off the bottoms of your shoes, especially the pad on the sliding shoe (left shoe for right handed bowlers, right shoe for left handers). Should you happen to step in something, use your towel or a small wire brush to remove it. Many bowlers use special slip-on shoe covers during trips to the restroom and snack bar for protection.

4. Dress for Success

Dressing for bowling is easy. The only specialized attire required are shoes (most bowling centers won't let you bowl without them). Comfortable fitting jeans, chinos, shorts and short sleeve cotton shirts are best. Overly tight or baggy clothes can restrict movement. Some tournaments and clubs actually have dress codes prohibiting t-shirts, shorts or jeans. So if you're goal is to take your bowling to a higher level, it wouldn't hurt to get used to wearing polo shirts  while bowling.

5. Bowling Courtesy

Bowling centers can be busy places at times. On any given day you might have a child's birthday party on your right and a seasoned pro practicing on your left. With all the activity, a little common courtesy will make things more enjoyable for everyone.

Here's a list of pointers:

• Keep your stuff off the seats and out of the way: your fellow players need a place to sit and don't want to trip over your sneakers on the way to the approach.
• Keep quiet around the settee area: loud noises will distract other bowlers.
• Don't bring food or drinks on the approach: if something spills, everything stops and out come the mops.
• Be ready when it's your turn: you don't want to upset the flow of the game.
• Don't go on the approach until it's your turn: avoid traffic jams.
• Yield to the bowler on your immediate left or right if they are ready to bowl (one lane courtesy): don't even go near the ball return if the person on either side of you is bowling or getting ready to bowl. Stay behind the scoring console until the coast is clear. Some leagues and tournaments require two lane courtesy!
• Don't stand next to the ball return while waiting for your second ball: this could distract a bowler setting up next to you.
• A bowler shooting a spare has the right of way over a bowler with a full rack: spare shooters need extra time to concentrate.
• Don't waste time on the approach: get up there and go! Keeps the flow of the game going.
• Don't "loft" the ball: lofting is when you hurl the ball 20 feet forward before it lands on the lane. This can dent the lane and rattle teeth. You want to roll the ball, not throw it.
• Don't roll your second ball until the first has returned: the ball return mechanism is expensive- you don't want to wreck it.
• Don't linger at the foul line after your delivery: maintain the flow! Plus, there may be a bowler on the next lane politely waiting.
• Don't use another person's ball without their permission: this is very irritating!
• Control yourself and be a good sport: don't rant and rave or be a crybaby if you're having a bad game. It will effect everyone's mood.
• Show enthusiasm when others do well: give a little and you'll get a little. Have fun!

5. Bowling Safety

Their are a few issues regarding safety that will actually help develop consistency in your game:

• Make sure your shoes are clean and dry before stepping onto the approach: get into the habit of checking the bottoms of your shoes for foreign substances before getting up to take your turn. Especially the sliding shoe (opposite of your bowling hand). It's amazing how even the smallest crumb or spot of moisture can cause you to stick or slip at the foul line. I once went flying head first down the lane because I had a candy wrapper stuck to the bottom of my left shoe. Use a towel to wipe off moisture or small particles, and a wire brush for ground-in goop. If you find a sticky spot on the floor somewhere, be sure to report it to someone in the bowling center.
• If you're sticking at the line: there is something called "Easy Slide." It's a little bag of powder that is meant to be used on the bottom of the sliding shoe (also on the thumb). Be very careful not to put too much on as the excess will come off on the approach and may cause other bowlers to slip. If you need Easy Slide, remember, "a little dab will do." Be sure to completely rub it in leaving no loose powder on the pad.
• Don't pick up the ball with just one hand: save your wrists and back! This is a common mistake made by many bowlers. Besides not injuring yourself, you want to look like you know what you're doing, even if you don't. Here's how to properly remove the ball from the return mechanism:

Stand in front of the ball return, bend your knees and pick up the ball with BOTH hands. Be careful not to slide your hands between your ball and someone else's or you might smash your fingers. Cradle the ball in your non-bowling arm and walk to your starting position. After getting your feet in place, insert your fingers (fingers first, thumb last).

The Pre-Shot Routine:

A consistent pre-shot routine is one of the most overlooked aspects of bowling. The next time you're watching a basketball game on TV, watch what the players do when getting ready for a free-throw. Each player has his own pre-shot routine, and they do it exactly the same way every time! A consistent pre-shot routine will not only keep you relaxed and focused, it will help ensure safety and proper performance of your equipment. No two routines will be the same but any pre-shot routine might include the following (not necessarily in this order):

• When it's your turn to bowl, BE THERE and BE READY! You can't keep your mind on your game if you're running around the bowling center between frames. Plus, some bowlers get very irritated when people aren't ready.
• Make sure your bowling hand is bone dry. This helps ensure a clean release. Use a towel, rosin bag, or the air blower on the ball return to remove moisture.
• Check the bottom of your sliding shoe for moisture or foreign objects. You want to knock the pins over with the BALL, not your HEAD! I always give the bottom of my shoe a swipe with a towel before every frame.
• Correctly remove your ball from the ball return (see above).
• Wipe your ball thoroughly with a towel to remove any dirt or lane oil. This will help the ball grab the lane and do its thing. As well as help to prevent carry down (see "the language of bowling" below).
• Take a deep breath and exhale before beginning your approach. Relax!

Practice:

There are two basic ways to practice: actual games with friends, and focused solo sessions where you work on various aspects of your game. Both are beneficial. Here are some practice tips:

• When bowling alone, don't keep score. The scoreboard can be the most distracting thing. Don't worry, once the lanes are "on" the automatic mechanism will keep track of how many frames you've bowled. Just go out there and roll frame after frame. This is the best way to improve spare shooting because the pressure is off and you can experiment with different angles.
• Concentrate on one thing at a time. For example, if you're having trouble executing a consistent "follow through", just work on that for a while and forget everything else. Then move on to something different.
• If you get frustrated, STOP and come back later. Otherwise you might develop bad habits.
• Make friends with some of the better bowlers in your center and get them to take you under their wing. These folks usually keep regular practice schedules. See if they'll let you join them. You'll be surprised at how bowling with "the big boys" improves your game.
• Pace yourself. During league play, you could be bowling with as many as nine other bowlers on the same pair of lanes. Even though you're crisscrossing, you usually have to wait a few minutes between frames. It's a good idea to maintain a similar pace during practice.
• Bowl in more than one house if possible. No two bowling centers are the same. "bowling in only one house does not a good bowler make." Everyone has their favorite house, and that's OK, but if you want to really improve your game and maybe compete in tournaments, it's a good idea to learn to adapt to different oil patterns and lanes.

League and Tournament Play:

So what is all this practice and preparation for? COMPETITION! Yes, you can actually earn money bowling. Not to mention the personal satisfaction you'll get from bowling well and taking your team over the top in a tight game. As mentioned earlier, hours of practice ARE necessary to succeed, but it all comes together during competition. Here are some pointers that will make league and tournament play more rewarding:

• Give yourself time to do an equipment check prior to leaving for the Bowling Center . Make sure everything is there and in good condition. Do any maintenance BEFORE you leave as you may not have the opportunity once you arrive at the site. Plus, you don't want to get there and find out you've left your lucky towel or wrist brace at home.
• Arrive at the Bowling Center well in advance of start time. This allows you time to relax and get comfortable with the Center's vibe. Most importantly, it gives your fingers and thumb time to shrink or swell to their natural size based on the atmosphere of the Bowling Center .
• Prior to start time, make sure that EVERY BALL in your bag fits your hand. Add or remove bowling tape as necessary. You want to minimize the distraction of a poor fit if you have to make a sudden ball change.
• Look sharp and be friendly. Nobody likes a slob or a snob. Chat with other bowlers while you're getting used to the environment. This will help you to relax and who knows, you might even learn something or make a new friend.
• When pre-game practice time arrives, be ready! These precious few minutes can make or break your series. The two most important things are to find the strike line and the 10 pin line (7 pin for left handers). If you can find these two, you should be able to adjust to whatever else happens.
• Lastly, during play, keep your head on straight and stay focused. If things aren't going your way, don't loose it! An even temperament will go a long way towards breaking out of a slump. Try to find another bowler in the tournament with a similar style as yours who is doing well. Watch what they're doing and try it. You never know!