The approach area is 15 feet (4. 6 m) long and ends at the foul line. The bowler cannot overstep the foul line during their approach or their shot won’t count. [2] X Research source If a ball goes into the gutters and then bounces out and hits the pins, it won’t count.
The locations of the pins are assigned numbers 1-10. The pins in the back row have the numbers 7-10, the pins in the row above the back row are numbered 4-6, the pins in the second row are numbered 2-3, and the head pin is pin 1. All pins will earn the bowler one point if they are hit. The numbers are based on location, not value.
A strike is when you knock down all the pins with the ball on your first try. A spare is when you knock down all the pins on your second try. A split is when the first ball of a frame knocks down the headpin (the pin closest to you) but leaves two or more pins that are non-adjacent. It’s tough to hit a spare in this situation, especially if you have a 7-10 split, which is the hardest split to hit. A turkey is three strikes in a row. If any pins remain after the bowler’s turn, it’s called an “open frame. "
A bowler can roll the ball twice in each frame, provided that they do not hit a strike. A bowler gets an extra turn on the tenth frame if they knock down all the pins on the first turn.
If a bowler hits a spare, then they should place a slash mark on their score sheet. After their next turn, they will receive 10 points plus the number of pins they knock down with that turn. So if they knock down 3 pins after their first turn, then they will get 13 points before their second turn. If they then knock down 2 pins in their second turn, they get a total of 15 points for that round. If a bowler hits a strike, they should record an X on their scoresheet. The strike will earn the bowler ten points plus the number of pins knocked down on the player’s next two turns in the following round. The most a bowler can score in one game is 300 points. This represents 12 strikes in a row, or 120 pins that were knocked down in 12 frames. A perfect game has 12 strikes and not ten, because if the bowler gets a strike on the last frame, then they can take two more turns. If those two turns are also strikes, they will have 300 points. [7] X Research source If a player rolls a spare in the last frame, then they can take one more turn.
If you want to go bowling with friends, find a place that’s rated for having a fun environment and maybe some food and snacks as well.
If you don’t wear bowling shoes, you can also damage or leave scuff marks on the alley floor. Rent a pair of shoes unless you want to get in trouble before you even start bowling. Don’t forget to wear socks or bring socks to the alley. Some alleys sell socks, but they will be expensive.
Weight. A 14-16 lb ball would work for most adults with bigger hands, and a 10-14 lb ball would work for most adults with smaller hands. Generally, it’s better to have a ball that is a little heavier because it will help you gain momentum. A general rule is that a ball should weigh 10% as much as your body, so if you weigh 140 pounds, you should bowl with a 14 lb ball. Size of the thumb hole. Your thumb should fit snugly into the single thumb hole. You should be able to take it out of the hole without it snagging or getting stuck, but the hole shouldn’t be so large that you have to squeeze your thumb in the hole to hang on. Size of the middle finger holes. Once you’ve inserted your thumb, you should lay your middle and ring finger across the other two holes. If the span is correct, your two fingers should easily and comfortably lay over the two holes so the middle joint lines up with the side of the hole closest to your thumb. Curl your two fingers into the holes to make sure they fit snugly in the hole like your thumb.
Hold the ball slightly to your side with your bowling hand underneath the ball and your other hand resting on the bottom side of the ball for extra support. Keep your thumb on top of the ball at 10:00 position if you’re right-handed. Use the 2:00 position if you’re a lefty.
Your feet should be slightly apart and your “slide foot” should be placed slightly in front of the other foot. Your slide foot will be the opposite of the hand you use to bowl (a right handed bowler will slide with their left foot).
Even if you aim your ball through the center of the marks, you may not be able to hit the pins because the ball can slow down or roll off toward the gutters. Just notice where the ball rolls when you do and don’t bowl a solid frame and adjust your aim accordingly. You also want to hit in between the head pin and the pin right next to it. By doing this, you will hit most of the pins, creating more strikes. If you hit the head pin, you will likely create a spilt. Focus on aiming at the marks, not the pins.
When released properly, your thumb should come out first, followed by the fingers. This should help get rotation on the ball, which should help the ball hook and carry once it gets down the lane. Keep your eye on the target you’re aiming towards as you release the ball. If you look down at your feet or the ball, you will lose balance and won’t be able to aim your ball correctly.
You can also use rosin, which can be found in most pro bowling shops, to make your fingers and thumb slightly tacky and less slippery.
The area in the upper left of each frame is to record the first ball, and the box to the left is for the second ball and if you have a strike. A strike is marked with a “X” and a spare with a “/”.
Remember that a strike is 10 plus the next two balls, whereas a spare is 10 plus the next ball. If you strike in the first ball in the 10th frame, you get two more balls to determine your final score. 300 is the highest score you can get.
Try to imitate the bowler’s stances in your own home. Just remember that you’re watching experts, and that your bowling technique will be much simpler than theirs.
If you cross the foul line, you also risk slipping and other personal injury.
