Candlepin Bowling Techniques

Candlepin bowling is a form of bowling played mainly in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Maine and Eastern Canada. Due to the size of the bowling ball and the shape of the pins, the game calls for a unique set of skills and techniques to find success.

  1. Candlepins

    • Candlepin bowling uses a ball, ten pins and a lane, and that is just about where the commonalities with traditional ten-pin bowling end. Candlepins are less than three inches wide and tapered at both ends. They are named for their likeness to candles. Bowling balls are only 4.5 inches in diameter and a maximum of 2.7 pounds compared to their 12 to 16 pound counterparts in ten-pin bowling. Since any pins knocked over remain in the lane and can be used in the second throw, the complexity of the game is raised significantly. Due to the size of the ball and shape of the pins, strikes (knocking all ten pins down on the first throw) are far less common in this type of bowling.

    The Approach

    • A three-step approach is nearly universal in the game. To find your starting point, stand with your heels near the foul line facing away from the pins. Take three strong steps and turn around to face the pins. This is where you start your throw.

    Speed

    • A hard throw and the speed of the ball are not the most important aspect of the game. Accuracy is far more important. Because of their shape, candlepins are fairly easily knocked over when struck, the key is to deliver the ball on the correct line.

    Rolling the Ball

    • Since accuracy is so important, rolling the ball smoothly out of your fingers toward the pins with a full follow-through yields the best results. Take your three, balanced steps toward the foul line, stoop low to the ground and roll, don't throw, the ball down the lane toward your target.

    Focus

    • Don't just step up and throw your ball. Stand in your ready position before launching your three-step approach. Focus on your target and concentrate on rolling the ball directly into it. Candlepin bowling is truly a game of focus and concentration much the same way as golf or darts.

    Tradition

    • With a long history in the northeast region of North America, candlepin bowling is a game of etiquette and sportsmanlike conduct. Maintaining courtesy toward your team mates and competitors is an integral part of this game and adds to the longstanding traditions of the game and the enthusiasm of the participants.