Did you know bowling first had it's origins way back in 3200BC in Egypt? Yes, the Egyptians weren't just good architects but they had a talent on the bowling alley too.

So what makes a good player? Is it the equipment, the ball, the clothes and shoes they wear or does none of that matter and it comes down to sheer ability. Seriously, it's definitely got more to do with ability but use faulty equipment and it could mean the difference between hitting 200 in a game.

Ten Pin Bowling

Ten pin bowling is obviously the game most know and see. It has plenty of television coverage and in the United States for example, has become a past time for many families. It's not just a time to dig deep and find that competitive spirit - bowling is also a great social sporting game and one of the reasons it's so popular.

Bowling Surface

The bowling surface has undergone some changes since those early days of the Egyptians. Actually, we are not quite sure what surface they used back then but we do know that surface wood dominated the platform that balls were bowled down on. This has since changed.

In fact, technology has definitely crept it's tentacles into all facets of bowling and it has extended to the surface where materials that imitate the old surfaces are now being used.

The Bowling Ball

The material employed in making the bowling ball has changed. Originally, this was made out of wood. The most frequently used balls in bowling alleys are made of hard rubber. They come in several weights so that players of all ages can play this game.

Customized balls are ones made according to the player's specs. Custom made balls are for major bowlers, particularly people who are in contests. They come in several colors and designs. There are also those that are clear which are painted in a way that makes it appear that there's a figure or an object within the ball. A bowling ball can be held in alternative ways.

#1...The 1st is known as the conventional grip where the bowler's middle and ring fingers are placed into the ball holes up to the second joint.

#2...The second is called the finger tip grip. Here, the middle and the ring fingers are placed in the holes up to the 1st joint. More effort is needed by the second, but it gives the player better control when the ball is released.

#3...The 3rd is known as the Sarge-Easter Grip. Again the middle and the ring fingers are used but in contrast to the other 2, both fingers occupy one hole which works really well with players with high "rev" rates.

The style used to hold and release the bowling ball varies among players. It's best to experiment with the different types of grips so you know which one works best for you. Bowling is a fun sport that needs hand and eye coordination like basketball or soccer. Getting the right bowling ball will help the player feel comfy - a right step in making the necessary improvement to be very competitive at bowling.