Basics of Bowling

Bowling might be the ultimate leisure activity in the U.S. as pretty much everyone has picked up a ball, put on some heavily sanitized shoes and tried to knock down 10 pins for at least 10 frames. The sport goes through its peaks and valleys in terms of interest and participation, but the fact remains that it is cheaper, easier and less stressful than golf.

  1. Choosing the Right Ball

    • The heaviest bowling ball weighs 16 lbs., which might not sound like a lot, but that is heavy when propped up with only three fingers. One rule of thumb is to go 1 lb. of ball for every 20 lbs. of human weight. For example, a 200-lb. man should use a 10-lb. ball. However, arm strength and ability also factor into play. Basically, feel the ball out before using it. If it feels too light, don't use it.

    Clothing

    • Yes, you need those flat shoes to avoid scuffing the lanes, but there really aren't set rules for clothing when going to a bowling alley. Dress loosely because you will be doing a lot of bending and stretching during a game. League play might require people to wear uniforms.

    Bowling Motion

    • Start with both feet together, facing the pins and with the ball in your dominant hand. Step forward with your opposite foot about a half step, then your other foot. As your other foot goes forward, start bringing the ball back in a cradle motion until your elbow almost locks. Bring your original foot forward and use the momentum to bring your arm and body forward. Let go of the ball as your knee bends and your rear leg sweeps behind.

    Tricks of the Trade

    • Just like in golf and baseball, following through is important. Guide the ball when you push it down the lane. This extra push will help steer the ball. Also, many pro bowlers use a wrist support to help keep their arm still. Make sure to flex and rotate your hand between frames. Use the arrows painted on the lane as targets to increase your score. These point to the corresponding pins at the end of the lane.

    Scoring

    • There are 10 pins arranged in a triangle that need to be knocked down. Each pin scores a point. If you knock down all 10 pins at one time, you earn a strike. That counts as 10 points plus the score of the next two balls. For example, if you knock down five pins and three pins after a strike, then you scored 18 for the strike frame. If you keep rolling strikes through all 10 frames, you score a perfect 300. A spare is awarded when you knock down all 10 pins with two passes. That score is 10 plus the score of the next ball. For example, if you get a spare and then knock down nine pins, your scores is 19 for the spare frame.

    Cultural Experience

    • Most cities have bowling alleys of various shapes and forms. Most were built during the sport's boom of the 1960s and '70s and are recognizable because of their multilane format, lounges and subsequent pool tables that made the building a sort of leisure hub. Most of these were updated during the 1990s to add computerized scoring. Many alleys have theme nights such as "glow bowling," during which lights are turned low and the pins are illuminated with black light.

    League Play

    • League play is a key part of the bowling culture, and every alley has dozens of teams that play for tournaments and titles each year. Each alley is different about its rules for league play such as size of teams, individual play and equipment used. However, most bowlers say league play is their favorite part of the sport.