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The journal
Tips, guides & thoughts from the lanes.
Practical advice for bowlers at every level — gear explainers, technique tips, and the occasional deep cut. New posts regularly.
TechniqueThe fastest way to raise your bowling average: sparesStrikes are exciting, but spares win games. Here's the simple shift that helps you stop leaving easy pins and watch your average climb.June 18, 2026
TechniqueWhat are bowling lane oil patterns? A plain-English guideThe invisible thing that decides where your ball goes. Once you understand oil patterns, lane play stops feeling like luck.June 10, 2026
GearShould you buy a used bowling ball? What to check firstUsed balls can be a bargain or a money pit. Here's how to tell the difference and what to inspect before you buy.June 2, 2026
CultureWhat is candlepin bowling? Tenpin's quirky New England cousinSkinny pins, a ball that fits in your palm, three balls a frame, and fallen wood that stays on the lane. Meet candlepin.May 30, 2026
BeginnersFirst time at the lanes? 10 tips for a great nightEverything a total beginner needs to walk in confident — from picking a house ball to keeping score and not embarrassing yourself on the approach.May 28, 2026
GearHow to pick the right bowling ball weightThe 10% rule, why comfort beats the chart, and how to know if your ball is too heavy — plus a free tool to find your range.May 20, 2026
GearPlastic vs. reactive bowling balls: which should you buy?The single most useful thing to understand before buying your first ball — and why most bowlers should own one of each.May 12, 2026
TechniqueWhy does a bowling ball hook? The simple explanationFriction, oil, and spin — the three ingredients of the hook, explained without the jargon, so you can start curving it into the pocket.May 4, 2026
BeginnersThinking of joining a bowling league? Here's what to knowHow leagues work, what handicap means, what gear you actually need, and why a league is the fastest way to get better.April 25, 2026
GearThe best bowling gifts (and the one thing not to buy)Safe, thoughtful gifts for the bowler in your life at every budget — and why a bowling ball is the trickiest gift of all.April 15, 2026