Expert: - 1/18/2008

Question
Can you tell me what size ball would be right for a 5 year old boy. He likes bowling but we need to know how to get him started. Also where to get this right size ball. Thks, Mark

Answer
Mark,
As you are no doubt all ready aware, Kids grow fast. Start him with the lightest ball you can find at the bowling center. We start kids at about 10 percent of their body weight.

Position the ball so the holes are up or down. And have him roll the ball with two hands, out straight in front of him. Teaching control, will have a strong long term benefit.

The ball size (27 inches around) in relationship to your boy, is kind of like you trying to roll a modestly sized BEACH BALL, that measured in at ten to 15 percent of your weight!

If the little guy likes to bowl, you can get him a ball at the local bowling store, but many of my "new" bowlers roll their first ball without holes. We encourage the two handed approach until a child is large enough not to be overwhelmed by the sheer size of the ball in relationship to their size.

Hopefully, the local store operator will walk you through picking out the first ball. I'd encourage you to have it scaled for balance (so you know where the heaviest point is, to keep it centered as he throws) and engraved (kids will identify their name). But also make sure the operator is OK with having it brought back later to have holes drilled. A note on your sales receipt should do it.

Best of luck, thanks for the question. Please check back if other questions come up.