Most amateur bowling leagues and tournaments utilize a bowling handicap system. Learning how to calculate bowling handicap will allow you to plan and to compete against other bowlers with varying levels of skill and ability and have an equal chance of winning.

A bowling handicap is a percentage of the difference between your average and a basis average.

If you’ve never bowled in a league, don’t worry. Leagues assign you an average until you establish one or apply your initial average retroactively as soon as you bowl a few games.

Ask your league or tournament officials what basis score and percentage factor they use. The basis score is a high score intended to be more than any individual bowler’s average. Typically, basis scores range from about 200, 210, or 220.

The percentage factor is used to calculate your handicap and will usually be 80, 90, or 100 percent, but may vary in special competitions.

To find your average score, add the scores from all of your official league games, then divide by the number of games you bowled.

For example, if you have three games with scores of 140, 146, and 156, you have a total series score of 442 pins. Divide your series score by three for your per game average which is 147.3 pins per game. Always drop an fraction of a pin. Your official average in this example then works out to 147.

Subtract your average score from the basis score and multiply the result by the percentage factor to calculate your bowling handicap. Suppose the basis score is 200 and the percentage factor is 90 percent. If your average is 147, you have (200-147) X 0.90 = 47.7. Again, drop the fraction. Your handicap in this example is 47 pins per game.

Add the handicap to your actual score for each game. For instance, if you have a game in which you score 160 and your handicap is 47, your adjusted score is 207.

The United States Bowling Congress (USBC), the sanctioning body for bowling making the rules and regulations of play, defines handicapping as the means of placing bowlers and teams of varying degrees of bowling skill on as equitable a basis as possible for competition against each other.

The object of a league is to enjoy yourself and have some fun with your teammates and with others in your league. Handicap leagues usually bring out goodwill in most of the bowlers and an atmosphere of friendly competition emerges. Bowling in handicap tournaments can be rewarding both by remaining competitive because of the handicap system and because of the enjoyment brought forth by competing for prizes or monies.

While you are visiting our site today, please check out the vast menu of bowling consumer products we offer at great prices, with no shipping charges, with free insurance, and with absolutely no hidden handling charges. bowlingball.com has become the No. 1 “e-tailer” of choice for bowling equipment by the consumers of America. Ordering is an easy process by following simple online instructions. Thanks for visiting bowlingball.com.

Here is how it works:

The wrist support device will prevent the back of the bowling hand from tilting or collapsing prior to the delivery of the bowling ball.

The purpose of the device essentially is to limit tilting movement of the wrist.

The limited wrist movement serves to regulate the relationship of your thumb exiting the ball compared to your bowling fingers which act to impart rotation on the ball.

It is important to understand your thumb should exit the ball slightly before the fingers as to allow the weight of the ball to fall onto the pads of your bowling fingers for a split second before your fingers impart the rotation action onto the ball between the laces and the toe of your sliding bowling shoe.

Some wrist devices greatly limit movement of the wrist and the fingers because of a longer support structure behind the bowling hand than other devices provide.

Experimentation will be necessary before finding the best device for your needs. Generally, the longer support structure behind the hand, the wrist and finger hinging movements will be restricted leading to a decisive delivery action.

Getting the thumb out of the ball quickly and at the same place relative to your sliding bowling shoe (by the heel your sliding shoe) will lead to an effective delivery motion.

Without use of a wrist device, your wrist typically will hinge back before the release and cause the fingers to exit the ball at the same time or before the thumb.

The noticeable effect is that the ball will skid a long distance without an effective roll imparted onto the bowling ball.

Long skid with little or no finger rotation will create the least powerful ball rev-rate as it travels down the lane.

Wrist Support devices are available in adjustable and non-adjustable models.

Here are a few examples of each model types where you simply can click on the links below to view the items at your convenience:

Non-Adjustable Wrist Devices

Brunswick Air Command Positioner Right Handed is currently selling for $24.99

Columbia 300 Classic Vinyl Wrist Device Right Handed is currently selling for $13.99
Mongoose Equalizer Right Handed is currently selling for $41.99
Linds Wrist Positioner Balls Of Fire is currently selling for $19.99

Adjustable Wrist Support Devices

Storm Gadget Charcoal Right Handed is currently selling for $78.99
Brunswick PowerKoil-S Left Handed is currently selling for $69.99
Robby's Revs 2 Right Handed is currently selling for $59.99
Storm Gadget XF Right Handed is currently selling for $78.99

Adjustable wrist supports allow you to vary your wrist hinge forward to “cup” the ball causing a fast thumb release and a crisp finger delivery action onto the bowling ball. The more the forward tilting of the wrist, the quicker the thumb will exit the ball and the more your rev-rate will increase. Be prepared to use bowling tape if your thumb exits very quickly to avoid dropping the ball behind the foul line.

It is recommended to experiment with a straight wrist positioning for a few games until you get used to the feeling of enhanced delivery support. Then practice with the maximum forward hinge and with a reverse hinge so you get acquainted with the full range of motion the wrist device provides and compare your ball reactions accordingly.

It is recommended to purchase a wrist liner to wear under the wrist support device if you have skin which is prone to irritation or chaffing. Wrist Liners are very comfortable to wear and protect your skin when wearing a wrist support device.

Some adjustable devices have removable lining pads which protect your skin and are washable and replaceable.

If you wish to purchase a wrist device after searching our extensive menu of products at bowlingball.com, simply follow our easy online order instructions. Thanks for visiting bowlingball.com.

Controlling your ball loft can accomplish a great deal as stated above. Some experimentation on the practice lanes will be necessary to pin-point the precise delivery method you need to help you get the ball over the foul line, control the distance of your loft, and avoid under or over lofting the bowling ball resulting in errant deliveries.

Here are a few tips to help you control your loft:

1. It all begins with a good set-up position on the approach. Make sure your knees are both flexed at least one inch before beginning your approach. Maintain a minimum of one inch knee flex throughout your approach. Use more knee flex so your legs are bending perhaps 45 degree to 75 degrees if your physical level of flexibility allows you to do so. Tilt the torso of your body forward about 10 to 15 degrees forward so you attain an athletic posture before beginning your approach.

Some senior bowlers cannot bend their legs much so we recommend a slight knee flex, perhaps one or two inches. Maintaining knee flex throughout the approach and slide will help with good balance while you are delivering the bowling ball if an athletic posture with a slight body tilt forward is maintained during the delivery process.

2. When your bowling ball exits your hand, focus on releasing the ball just prior to your ball reaching the back heel of your sliding bowling shoe. Repeat this three to five times during practice sessions.

3. Deliver the next series of 3 to 5 shots releasing the bowling ball as it arrives at the bottom of your swing when your bowling arm is perpendicular to the floor and as the ball reaches the shoe laces of your sliding shoe.

4. Deliver the final 3 ot 5 practice deliveries by releasing the bowling ball as your hand passes the tip of your bowling shoe toe.

5. Check the approach floor near the foul line and watch for ball skid marks behind the line. If you see a pattern developing of your ball falling off your hand too quickly and contacting the approach behind the foul line, then you are likely releasing your ball too soon in relation to your sliding shoe and need to focus on either Step #2 or Step #3 above. Any chance at maintaining an effective roll on the ball is eliminated if you consistently drop the ball behind the foul line.

6. Follow through fully on all deliveries in an effort to get the ball to land on the lane surface at a desired angle of entry. Follow through and hold your form until the ball passes the target on all deliveries. With some practice, you will develop a good bowling release and control your loft distance beyond the foul line.

7. If you are dropping the ball behind the foul line, a more common occurrence among lower average bowlers than one might think, one good practice technique is to place a bowling towel on the approach floor at the foul line extending beyond the line in the area where your ball contacts the lane surface. Make sure the towel does not interfere with your sliding shoe when you slide into the foul line and release the ball.

Practice delivering the ball so the ball clears the towel and lands out onto the lane surface without moving the towel from its position at the foul line on the approach floor.

If you can easily clear the towel 10 consecutive deliveries, then you will avoid the problem of dropping the ball too soon and you will control your loft distance.

If the towel moves, replace the towel in the same position on the approach floor and try another delivery until you are able to release the ball successfully and routinely with out disturbing the towel.

You can adjust the distance the towel is relative to the foul line and practice varying degrees of loft control.

8. Another technique to help you get the ball over the foul line is to increase your gripping pressure with your bowling fingers slightly and also work to delay your delivery as Steps 2 & 3 above indicate.

Some of the best players in the world vary loft control from just beyond the foul line, perhaps 6 inches to as much as 4 feet beyond the line, when they wish to control ball skid distances. Once you are able to control a consistent loft distance past the foul line and maintain a regulated ball speed, then you can work at controlling and fine-tuning loft distances. In any cases, avoid releasing the ball so soon that it does not clear the foul line.

Make sure you always maintain a consistent ball speed regardless of how much loft you use.

With some practice, you will develop a good bowling release and control your loft distance. We recommend you consult a local certified bowling instructor to help you improve your loft techniques.

Please take some time to review our extensive list of bowling products and kindly be reminded that our discounted prices are available with free shipping. free insurance, and with no hidden charges for any item at bowlingball.com. When you are ready to make your purchase, simply follow our easy online order instructions. Thank you for visiting bowlingball.com.

Simply click on the “Bowling Shoes” button at the top of our home page, then click on “Price Range” to select shoe options. Click on the image of any shoe you wish to bring onto your screen and review description details, product availability, and the price information. You will not be disappointed in the options you have to choose from when you are ready to make your purchase.

For now, merely click on the highlighted name of any of the example bowling shoes models listed below under the various Price Ranges to view Description Details about the given shoe models with the current Price:

$10. – $20. Price Range

Dexter Men's Ricky White Size 15 Only is currently selling for $24.99

Brunswick Men's Vasu Bowling Shoe Size 9.5 ONLY is currently selling for $22.99

$20. – $50. Price Range

Dexter Men's Ricky II Black is currently selling for $38.99
Pyramid Youth Skull Green/Black is currently selling for $39.99
3G Bowling Women's Kicks White/Blue is currently selling for $33.99
Dexter Men's Jason III is currently selling for $37.99

$50. – $75. Price Range

Linds Women's Rocket Right Handed is currently selling for $59.99
Dexter Men's SST 1 Black is currently selling for $84.99
Etonic Men's Basic Glo Skull II is currently selling for $52.99
Etonic Women's Sport Retro Neon II Pink is currently selling for $55.99

$75. – $100. Price Range

3G Bowling Sport Deluxe Black Men's Right Handed is currently selling for $99.99

Etonic Men's ESS Interchangeable Black Right Handed is currently selling for $99.99
Brunswick Women's Brunspro is currently selling for $79.99

Over $100. Price Range

Dexter Men's SST 8 Black/Red is currently selling for $136.99
Etonic Men's E-Tour Master Black is currently selling for $159.99
Dexter Womens SST 8 LE Wide Width is currently selling for $149.99
Pyramid Path Ball/Bag/Shoe Combo is currently selling for $109.99
T Zone Ball Bag and Shoe Package is currently selling for $104.99

Remember that we provide “Men’s and Women’s Inch-To-Size charts which assist in selecting the right size shoe before placing your order. While you are checking out description details about any given shoe model, please take a moment to learn about our Sure Fit Plan and aSUREd Plan options available with any shoe purchase.

Consider signing-up for our “Newsletter” feature and receive frequent “email” updates with special sale prices on bowling shoes.

There are shoe selections with eye appeal and in styles ranging from the casual and very comfortable tennis shoe type sport or athletic shoe to the traditional shoe which not only is very fashionable but offers stability and desired sliding capabilities. In fact, top-line designer, classic-like bowling shoes are available with interchangeable slide and traction soles and can accommodate right handed bowlers and left handed bowlers alike.

Bowling shoes are typically found in sizes ranging from 5 1/2 to size 15 for women with sizes 7 – 9 1/2 being the most common selection, from size 6 to size 15 for men, and from size 1 to size 6 for kids with sizes 7 – 9 available for teenagers in select shoe models.

Please remember that every item here at bowlingball.com comes with free shipping, free insurance, and no hidden handling charges delivered right to your doorstep. Ordering is easy by merely by following our simple online instructions Thanks for visiting.

To find this item here at bowlingball.com begins by simply by placing your cursor on the “Accessories” button located near the top of our home page, then click on “bowlingball.com“, then search for the bowlingball.com Surface Management Combo 2 currently selling for $17.99 and click on the image of the item to bring up a larger and very colorful image onto your screen along with description details.

Improve your game with this great combo package. By purchasing this Combo 2, you receive the following:

Brunswick Factory Finish High Gloss Polish 6 oz

Rub on the surface of your reactive bowling ball to return the original high gloss luster, length and performance.
Works great without a ball spinner, even better with one.

Brunswick Remove All Ball Cleaner 4 oz

Simply spray it on and wipe it off.
Works on all bowling ball surfaces.
Removes oil from the ball.
Cleans belt marks from the ball.

bowlingball.com Stitched Microfiber Towel

bowlingball.com MicroFiber Bowling Towel is made of superfine, high density fibers that absorbs dirt and oil – like a magnet,

absorbs up to 7 times its weight in moisture, is more moisture absorbent than any other conventional cotton towel, and doesn’t create static electricity helping to clean and polish the ball after using. Towel measures 16″ x 16.”

There is little question that this Combo 2 package can be of value to you while being offered at a great price. Every bowler should own a microfiber bowling towel and a top grade cleaner and polish to keep their ball surface oil free and ready to go.

Please be reminded that all bowling items at bowlingball.com are available with free shipping, free insurance, and with no hidden handling charges. Act quickly and follow our easy online order instructions so you do not miss out on these wonderful price opportunities while supply lasts. Thanks for visiting.

bowlingball.com has offered an array of polyester coverstock bowling balls for many years, or more commonly referred to as plastic bowling balls. The arrival and roll out of Pyramid Path series is one example of the continuing effort on our site to make available the latest models of plastic bowling balls to our shoppers.

Check out the following examples of numerous polyester bowling balls by leading manufacturers available here at our site. Simply click on the link to any given ball you wish and then you will be able to find description details and other useful information about the given product:

Pyramid Path Blue/Black/White

Pyramid Path Pink/Black

Pyramid Path Orange/Black

Brunswick T Zone Indigo Swirl Blue/Black/White

Hammer Taboo Spare

Columbia 300 White Dot Blue/Purple/Orange

bowlingball.com Spiral Pink/Black Viz-A-Ball

Storm Team Storm White

OTB Vortex Blue - bowlingball.com Exclusive

Brunswick Skull Black

Track 100P

bowlingball.com Money Ball Viz-A-Ball

Ebonite Maxim Royal/Purple/Yellow

KR Strikeforce NFL New England Patriots 2011

Clear Balls Cal Golf Ball

These example polyester balls on the above list are certainly an array of colorful products. Some of these items are great gifts for your favorite bowler at birthdays, holidays, or perhaps merely for someone getting introduced to the game.

An emerging trend in bowling is to find bowling balls which are easy to control the hook potential. Polyester bowling balls will help you gain control when the lane oil conditions break down, on fresh wet/dry conditions, and when shooting spares, particularly the tricky corner pin spares.

Polyester coverstock bowling balls replaced the rubber ball in the 1970′s in popularity and were the dominant balls during that decade. Although the industry provided successful rubber bowling balls well into the 1970′s, essentially from about 1971 forward, the polyester bowling balls have been and are used today on the PBA Tour and by top amateur players in the country.

Polyester balls are the least aggressive of all modern day coverstocks available in the market. Polyester balls favor slow ball speed players for both strike and spare ball deliveries. Plastic balls will not hook as quickly as urethane balls because of the lesser amount of friction generated on the lane surface with a stiff coverstock made of polyester materials. Polyester or plastic bowling balls are factory finished with a polished and shiny surface which further indicates the longest skid potential and least amount of back end ball reaction of all choices of bowling balls in today’s market.

It is recommended to consult with your pro shop professional or a local bowling instructor to help you develop your equipment arsenal. Please don’t be afraid to add a polyester ball to your personal inventory if you have not already done so.

You can find other polyester models of bowling balls by simply browsing our site and checking out the great prices available which include free shipping, free insurance, and no hidden handling charges. Ordering is easy by following our simple online instructions. Thanks for visiting bowlingball.com.

How to quickly sharpen your game starts by using these practice tips below which have been tested over time and proven to work:

1. For 10 minutes, work on balance and maintaining an athletic posture during your approach. Avoid any unneeded head and shoulder movement during the approach and particularly during the delivery of the bowling ball. Keep your head steady at all times to help you maintain balance.

2. For the next 10 minutes, focus on a consistent pace or tempo of footsteps. Avoid accelerating your steps excessively as to allow sufficient time for your arm-swing to match in tempo. Count cadence allowing about one second on each step until you release the ball. The final two steps of your approach are the very critical in making accurate deliveries. Strive for a consistent pace of steps.

3. During the next 10 minutes, begin your arm-swing toward your target slightly before beginning the first step of a four-step approach and do not rush the process. Allow the down-swing to flow freely to the top of the back-swing in one uninterrupted motion, then allow the ball to swing freely and smoothly without arm control downward until the ball reaches the “delivery zone.” Maintain a consistent tempo on the back-swing and forward-swing on each delivery.

4. For the next 10 minutes, practice a full follow-through motion and hold your form at the foul line at least until your bowling ball passes your target on the lane.

5. For yet another 10 minutes of a one hour practice session, key on releasing your ball over the foul line and entering the lane surface at a gradual descending angle. It helps to keep body balance during this delivery process to attain accuracy and good results. Avoid moving your head until the ball leaves your hand and passes your target while keeping your eyes focused sharply on your target on the lane.

6. For the final 10 minute interval, just bowl. Make the best deliveries possible and allow the above practice techniques to merge together. Making a series of good deliveries is the primary key to bowling good scores. Make one good shot and then repeat the process. This simple strategy of using your practice to work on the key components of your physical game is an efficient practice system.

While you are visiting today, please spend time searching our extensive menu of products at bowlingball.com. If you wish to make a purchase, simply follow our easy online order instructions. Thanks for visiting bowlingball.com.

Gift cards are popular selections by our shoppers.

There are three delivery options you can find at our site:

1. We can send your gift certificate electronically to your recipient
2. We can print a color copy and send it via UPS
3. We can print a color copy and include it in a nice hand-written card sent via UPS.

Bowling balls are the most popular selection of anyone receiving a gift card. You can easily find bowling balls for adults and for the kids such as the top performance bowling balls like the ones pro’s use on television. You can also find entry level bowling balls in great colors and in a wide range of weights or you can choose from our exclusive line of bowlingball.com specialty bowling balls. Please click on the “Bowling Ball” button on our home page to find a vast menu of products. You can access videos of the latest bowling balls in today’s market rolling down our test lanes. Here are a few examples of bowling ball items where you can use the gift card toward a purchase:

Roto Grip Shooting Star is currently selling for $89.99
Hammer Taboo Electric Blue/Silver is currently selling for $164.95
DV8 Hell Raiser is currently selling for $139.95
Brunswick Nexus f(P+F) Solid is currently selling for $152.95

Bowling bags are available in either the roller or tote bag varieties. Roller bowling bags for adults can accommodate from one to six bowling balls, come in great styles and colors, are available with retractable handles for ease in transporting to and from the lanes, and offer a range of durability and sufficient storage for accessories and bowling shoes. Bowling bags for kids come in great colors, artsy logos and popular designs both in roller and tote selections which the kids much enjoy showing to their friends. Here are a few examples of bowling bags where a gift card may be used for a purchase:

bowlingball.com Pink/Black Spiral Single - bowlingball.com Exclusive is currently selling for $14.99
bowlingball.com Money Single is currently selling for $22.99
Brunswick "D" Double Tote - bowlingball.com Exclusive is currently selling for $24.99
Hammer Double Roller Black/Blue is currently selling for $119.99
Ebonite Transport I Black/Purple is currently selling for $59.99
Roto Grip 3 Ball Rolling Tote Green/Blue/Black is currently selling for $79.99

Bowling shoes make great gift items and range in styles and models, colors, and designs from the comfortable sports-type shoe to fashionable classic style shoes which offer comfort and sliding stability. Some bowling shoes are available with interchangeable sliding heels and soles to match with a variety of lane approaches and may be used by lefties and righties alike. Referring to our “men’s and women’s inch-to-size” charts by clicking on “Site Features” and then “shoe sizes” option will aide you in finding the right size shoe every time. Here are a few examples of shoes which can be acquired by use of a gift card:

Dexter Men's Ricky II Black is currently selling for $38.99
Linds Women's Rocket Right Handed is currently selling for $59.99
3G Bowling Sport Deluxe Black Men's Right Handed is currently selling for $99.99
Dexter Men's SST 8 Black/Red is currently selling for $136.99

Click on the “Accessories” button at the top of our home page if you wish to view many options in handy accessory items which also make useful gift items such as:

bowlingball.com Monster Pad Microfiber Sponge Yellow
[bowlingball value="9879/]
bowlingball.com Logo Suede Microfiber Towel
bowlingball.com Shoe Protectors
Elite Bowling Pin Key Chain
bowlingball.com 2-Sided Workout Tool

Gift cards are extremely handy when you are in doubt as to what to get a bowler you wish to surprise at a birthday, for a holiday, or perhaps for introducing the person to the game.

bowlingball.com provides technology information, articles and videos about the many products available in today’s market to make it extremely convenient for anyone considering a gift card. We are the number one “e-tailer” of choice by consumers of America for bowling equipment. Merely following our simple online ordering instructions when you are ready to purchase your gift card. Thanks for visiting.

Tropical Breeze Hybrid Black/Cherry

Let’s look at some technical data:

Product ID: 10245

Brand: Storm
Release Date: 05/08/2012
Perfect Scale®: TBD
Performance: Entry Performance(2)
RG: 2.57(Low-Med)
Differential: 0.009
Flare Potential: Low
Lane Condition: Medium-Dry
Finish: Polished
Coverstock: Hybrid Reactive
Coverstock Name: Reactor Hybrid
Factory Finish: 1500 Grit Polished
Fragrance: Cherry
Core Type: Symmetric
Core Name: Camber
Quality: First Quality
Storm Product Line: Tropical
Color(s): Red,Black

The new Black/Cherry’s hybrid blend is highly polished just like the others in this series. While it can be sanded to create a stronger reaction, the factory finish will produce a very controllable and smooth ball reaction that you likely will not alter the coverstock from its out-of-the-box finish.

The symmetric Camber Core’s inverted light bulb shape powers this new color option, too. It provides ample predictability and control, a must for bowlers with slower speeds or those bowling on dry lane conditions. It is difficult to find the level of performance the Hybrid Black/Cherry provides with such a small investment. This ball will act like a solid reactive on the front ends of the lanes and like a pearl reactive on the back ends. The 1500 grit Polished finish ensures a smooth skid to the mid-lane and a steady and consistent arc motion to the pocket.

bowlingball.com has become the No. 1 “e-tailer” of choice for bowling equipment by the consumers of America. Ordering is an easy process by following simple online instructions. Thanks for visiting bowlingball.com.

Tropical Heat Hybrid Black/Purple

Let’s look at some technical data:

Product ID: 10244

Brand: Storm
Release Date: 05/08/2012
Perfect Scale®: TBD
Performance: Advanced Performance(6)
RG: 2.55
Differential: 0.038
Flare Potential: 3-4″
Lane Condition: Medium
Finish: Matte
Coverstock: Hybrid Reactive, 4000-Grit Finish
Fragrance: Reactor Hybrid
Core Type: Symmetric
Core Name: Turbine
Quality: First Quality
Storm Product Line: Tropical
Color(s): Purple,Black

Storm is cranking up the “HEAT” again with the introduction of the new Tropical Heat Hybrid Black/Purple.

This line of bowling balls raises the standard in performance at a value price. The power behind the Tropical Heat is the highly-successful symmetric Turbine core. This mid-RG and mid-differential core boasts a tighter spin radius for quick revving mid-lane and enhanced entry angle to the pocket.

With a 4000-grit finish, the Black/Purple’s Reactor hybrid coverstock is an awesome complement to the Tropical Line. While it can be polished for extreme situations, this shell offers an ideal blend of friction and power.

What you will get with this Hybrid Reactive coverstock is a smooth glide to the mid-lane and a strong arc motion to the pocket with a sufficient angle of entry to ensure good pin carry. This is a great bowling ball for the price point.

bowlingball.com has become the No. 1 “e-tailer” of choice for bowling equipment by the consumers of America. Ordering is an easy process by following simple online instructions. Thanks for visiting bowlingball.com.