Okay, I want to be a good bowler. What now?

[kev3inp]

A ball that actually fits your hand will be the best investment in raising your average you could make. It's awfully hard to be consistent with house equipment. Check with your local pro shop for used equipment, you can usually find a deal, and, if you can, get some coaching. All the practice in the world won't help if you're practicing bad habits.

[billf]

Don't be afraid to ask questions. Ask here, the pro shop, other bowlers. Get all the info you can but remember, not all of it will fit you. I can't imagine the progress I could have made earlier in my bowling career if I knew of a place like this. This forum is also a good place to get feed back on stuff other bowlers are telling you. example; for years all the other bowlers told me to slow my ball down. All but one. He said to move right three boards. I did and my average went up 15 pins. Learning to slow the ball down didn't help my average but did give me another tool to use at tournaments where speed control is more important.