• Do you love the sound of a bowling ball as crashes into heavy pins? Have you ever wished that could be you scoring the perfect game? Perhaps you have been bowling for years but have never quite mastered your game? This guide will help provide you with tips necessary to bowl better.

• Before you begin learning how to bowl, it is essential to choose the right bowling ball. Generally, the lightest bowling ball is six pounds, but these balls are usually for children and have extremely small finger holes. Most bowling balls range in weight from eight pounds to sixteen pounds and come in a variety of colors and materials.

To improve your game, you should have your own ball. Go to your local pro shop (inside many bowling centers) and have a custom-fitted ball drilled for you. Most adult women can start with 10 or 12 pounds, men 12-14 pounds. You don't need an expensive ball when you start, you should be able to find something for less than $70. Ask for a "plastic" ball.

If you're an experienced bowler and already have your own ball, look at buying a reactive resin ball. If you're not using a finger-tip, switch to that.

• After you have chosen your ball, it is important to become familiar with the scoring system. In today's bowling alleys, most scoring is done via a computerized scoring system. However, it's good to know the strategy to employ when it comes to scoring.

Strikes are 10 pins down on the first ball. Spares are 10 pins down on two shots. Opens occur when you fail to spare. It's important to try and build up strikes. This is called a string. When you spare, it's very important to knock down as many pins as possible on the next ball. And if you're faced with an open, always try to get as many pins as possible.

• Before starting your first game, take some time to sit and watch other bowlers. Get a feel for the various styles and approaches.

If you're already a bowler and are trying to improve your game, watch professional bowling on television. Check out the PBA at pba.com for a viewing schedule.

• The bowling stance is crucial to bowling and involves standing about 4 1/2 regular steps from the foul line, facing the 10 pins head on. The ball should be held at your waist and should never be aimed directly at the middle pin. If you are a right-handed bowler you should do the following:

1. Use the left hand for balancing
2. A 4 step approach begins with a step forward with your right foot while pushing the ball out in front of you. Make sure you push out the ball horizontally, not vertically on the first step
3. The second step is made with the left foot. Let the ball "drop" into a swing at this point. Keep your elbow straight, but relaxed.
4. The third step is the right foot and the ball should reach the apex of the back swing.
5. On the fourth step, slide your left foot forward with your knee bent and let the ball roll out of your hand
6. Make sure when you release the ball that you line your thumb up with the arrows to the right of the center pin

• If you are left handed you will perform the above procedure in reverse, using the right hand for balance and starting by stepping with your left foot, etc.

1. Buying your own bowling ball. Bowling balls can be custom made to fit your finger perfectly, which is essential if you want to have the best grip on the ball.
2. Purchase your own pair of good bowling shoes. Most bowling alleys provide you with beat up rentals, and like a bowling ball, a nice pair of shoes goes a long way.
3. Get Lessons: From a local pro, often the pro shop owner is a good bowler and can provide lessons.
4. Learn How to Throw a Hook: For a right hander, this means turning your wrist to a handshake position as you release the ball. You'll need a strong wrist to do it right.
5. Watch PBA pros on television.
6. Join a league that is sanctioned, the USBC is the sanctioning body in the U.S.