Bowling is a fun pastime with friends and a serious competitive sport. If you want to learn bowling or want to improve your skills, you've come to the right place.
Steps
Part 1 of 5: Learning the Basics
Step 1. Get to know the bowling alley
Before you start playing, you will need to understand the function of the track. A bowling alley is 20 meters long from the foul line, the one closest to the player, to the first pin. There are channels on both sides of the track. If the ball leaves the track, it goes into the channel and is no longer in play.
- The approach area is 5 meters long and ends at the foul line. The player cannot cross the foul line during the approach or his shot will be invalid.
- If the ball lands in a channel and then bounces and hits the pins, it is not a valid shot
Step 2. Learn about the pins
At the end of the bowling alley there are 10 pins, arranged in a triangle with the point facing the player. A pin is placed in the first row, two in the second, three in the third and four in the fourth.
- The pin positions are numbered from 1 to 10. The pins in the last row have the numbers 7-10, the pins in the third row 4-6, the pins in the second 2-3, and the first pin is the number 1.
- All pins are worth one point if knocked down. The numbers indicate only the position, and not their value.
Step 3. Learn the technical terms
Before you can call yourself a real bowling player, you will need to learn some terms of the sport. Knowing them will allow you to better understand the rules. Here they are:
- When you knock down all the pins on the first try, you get a strike.
- When you knock down all the pins on the second try, you make a spare.
- You will need to split when with the first throw of a series you knock down some pins and leave at least two standing non-adjacent. It is difficult to make a spare in this situation, particularly if you have a 7-10 split, which is the most difficult to make.
- A turkey is a series of three consecutive strikes.
- If any pins remain standing at the end of a player's turn, that set is called "open".
Step 4. Learn the rules of a bowling game
A game consists of 10 frames or turns. The player's goal is to knock down as many pins as possible in one turn, ideally all of them.
A player may throw the ball twice each turn, unless he has scored a strike
Step 5. Learn the score
If a player has an open turn, score the number of pins knocked down. If a player has knocked down six pins in two rounds, his score will be 6. If, on the other hand, a player hits a spare or a strike, the rules become slightly more complicated.
- If a player makes a spare, he must slash his turn. After the next round, he will receive 10 points plus the number of pins knocked down that round. Therefore, if he knocks down 3 pins after the first roll, he will receive 13 points before his second roll. If with the second roll he knocked down 2 pins, he would get a total of 15 points for that round.
- If a player hits a strike, he should mark an X on his scoreboard. The strike awards 10 points to the player plus the number of pins knocked down in the player's next two throws.
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The maximum score you can get in a bowling match is 300 points. This is possible by making 12 strikes in a row, or knocking down 120 pins in 12 throws. A perfect game consists of 12 strikes and not 10, because if a player gets a strike in the last turn, he can shoot twice more. If he scores a strike in the next two shots too, he will score 300 points.
If a player makes a spare in the last round, he can shoot again
Part 2 of 5: Preparing for the Match
Step 1. Find a bowling alley
Search the internet for a local track that suits you. Try to find one that offers bowling lessons or organizes beginner leagues.
If you want to go play with friends, find a fun environment and where you can maybe eat something
Step 2. Go to the track you have chosen
Talk to other players and staff and see if you can make a match. Alternatively, you can go with a group of friends. If you ask strangers if you can play with them, make sure the competition isn't too heated. You might even make some new friends.
Step 3. Get some bowling shoes
If you are a beginner, you can rent shoes on the track. But if you are a real fan, you could buy your own shoes. You can't play with normal shoes because they don't allow you to slide on the wood, or they will slide too much and you risk getting hurt.
- If you are not wearing bowling shoes, you could damage or mark the wood of the lane. Rent a pair of shoes unless you want to get in trouble before you even play.
- Don't forget to wear socks or bring socks to the track. Some tracks sell the socks, but they are very likely to be expensive.
Step 4. Choose the right ball
Before you can play, you need to find a ball of the right weight for you and the right size for your fingers. Each ball has a number indicating its weight in pounds, so a ball with the number 8 will weigh 8 pounds, which is about 4 kg. Here's how to find a ball of the right size and weight:
- Weight. A 7-8kg (14-16) ball will be fine for most adult men, while a 5-7kg (10-14) ball will be fine for most adult women. Generally, it is best to use a heavier ball as it will have more strength on impact. The general rule is that the ball should weigh 10% of your body weight, so if you weigh 70 kg, you should play with a 7-ball.
- Thumb hole size. The thumb should stick to the hole. You should be able to get it out of the hole without pulling, but the hole shouldn't be large enough to pinch your thumb to hold the ball.
- Size of the finger holes. Once your thumb is inserted, you should put your middle and ring fingers in the two remaining holes. If the distance between the holes is suitable for your hand, the fingers should easily and comfortably reach the holes, so that the knuckles between the phalanx and the phalangin are aligned with the part of the hole closest to the thumb. Fold your fingers into the holes to make sure they fit like your thumb.
Step 5. Find your track
Once you have signed up for a match and put your shoes on, your track will be shown to you. If you can choose a track, choose one away from noisy people. But the choice is yours: you may find that you play better if you are surrounded by other players.
Part 3 of 5: Start Playing
Step 1. Hold the ball correctly
First, grab the ball and head to your track. Put your middle and ring fingers in the top 2 holes and your thumb in the bottom one.
- Hold the ball slightly to the side of the body with your dominant hand and bring the other hand to support under the ball.
- Keep your thumb over the ball at 10 o'clock if you are right-handed. Keep it at 2 o'clock if you are left handed.
Step 2. Approach the foul line
The standard approach involves standing with your back straight, shoulders perpendicular to the target, and knees bent. You should keep the arm holding the ball straight by your side. Lean your back slightly forward.
Keep your feet slightly apart, with the one sliding further forward than the other. The sliding foot is the one opposite your dominant hand
Step 3. Work on the accuracy of the shot
Your bowling alley should have a series of dots 2 meters inside the lane, and black arrows 5 meters from the start. If you are a beginner, you should aim for the center of these indicators. When you get better, you can aim left or right and hit the ball.
- Even if you aim for the center, you may not be able to hit the pins because your ball can slow down or roll towards the channels. Note the direction of the ball and adjust your aim accordingly.
- Focus on the marks on the track when aiming, not the pins.
Step 4. Release the ball
Take care of the position of the arms and shoulders during the shot. Use a straight, spin-free loading, keeping the hand carrying the ball in the same relative position at all times - under and behind the ball. Swing your arm back and then forward to release the ball. Release it when your arm has reached the furthest point in its path.
- To release the ball correctly, your thumb should come out slightly before your other fingers. This way you will be able to rotate the ball, which will curve slightly on the track hitting the desired point.
- Keep an eye on the target when you release the ball. If you look at the feet or the ball you will lose your balance and will not release the ball properly.
Step 5. Clean your hands at the end of the shift
Make sure your hands are completely dry before picking up the ball. Use a cloth to dry your hands, or at least do it on your pants if you don't have one. If your hands are sweaty, the ball may slip.
You can also use rosin (which you can find in specialty stores) to make your fingers stickier
Step 6. Keep score
In most of the tracks a computerized system will keep the points for you, but in some cases you may have to do it yourself with a scoreboard that will be provided to you. Either way, the process is the same. Here's how to keep score:
The top left area of each box is for scoring the first ball, and the immediate left for the second ball, or if you have hit a strike. A strike is marked with an "X" and a spare with a slash (/)
Step 7. Finish the move near the foul line
The distance between you and the line should be approximately 15cm if you want to achieve optimal release. This means that the ball is dropped a small distance above the foul line before making contact with the lane. Thus, the ball moves away along the lane and conserves energy when it hits the pins. If you finish the move too far from the foul line, it means that you will need to get close to it when you get ready in position.
Remember that a strike is worth 10 points plus the next two shots, while a spare is worth 10 points plus the next shot. If you hit a strike with the first ball of the tenth round, you will have two more balls available to determine your final score. 300 is the maximum score you can get
Part 4 of 5: Improve Your Game
Step 1. Watch movies and bowling games
Look closely at the pros and their technique. You will find many useful videos on the internet as well.
Try to mimic the moves of professional players at home. Remember that you are looking at experts and that their techniques will be much more complex than yours
Step 2. Ask for advice
If you really want to improve, get help from experienced players and coaches. A critical eye that can show you where to improve will be very useful.
Step 3. Take part in a bowling league
This is a great way to practice and find new friends.
Part 5 of 5: Rules of Conduct
Like any other sport, bowling must be fun! As you read the following rules of conduct, keep in mind that they are designed to make games run more smoothly.
Step 1. Read carefully and follow all the rules that are posted on the bulletin board of the room where you are
Step 2. On the slopes, wear only the proper shoes
Step 3. Do not pull before the machine has finished setting the pins correctly
Step 4. If another player in the lane adjacent to yours prepares to shoot while you are doing it, give them time to shoot
Otherwise, roll first who comes first.
Step 5. Don't step on or cross the foul line, even when playing with friends
Bowling is a sport, play it right.
Step 6. The ball must be thrown into the lane
Do not throw it and do not make it take a lane jump, you could do some damage.
Step 7. Don't play in another lane as well, yours should be enough
Step 8. If you use someone else's ball, always ask permission first
Step 9. Do not distract other players while they are shooting
Control the language and limit swearing as much as you can.
Step 10. Be ready when it's your turn
Step 11. Try to keep the score well
In any case, today almost all bowling alleys have automatic point counters.
Advice
- Keep your eyes on the pins as the ball is released.
- The final part of the movement is important, for example if you finish the movement with your hand in the position of a handshake, the ball will have a retracting effect.
- Bend your knees when you are about to pull. This will help you keep going.
- Ideally, you should throw the ball so that it curves into position 1-3 (if you are right-handed) to have the best chance of hitting a strike. To make a spare the best shot is a straight shot, especially in the case of a single pin.
- If you are into bowling, consider purchasing a bespoke grip ball, which will allow you to tire less and improve your accuracy.
- The run-up is a very important part of bowling. At the start of the shot, hold the ball at waist level with both hands with the left foot on the center marker. If you are right, step with your right foot, and move the ball outward. With the next step, start swinging the ball back. During the third step, the ball must be behind you in a swinging motion. With the final fourth step, which you should take with your left leg, you will find yourself a few inches from the foul line and bring the ball forward before releasing it.
Warnings
- Don't lose your grip or you might throw the ball far.
- Do not abruptly block the shooting movement to avoid injury.
- Don't swing your arm back too far when loading, or you could injure your shoulder.
