Looking to learn the rules of bowling to smash your friends in a friendly game? Ten pin bowling is one the most fun and nostalgic games for people around globe. This article explains the rules of bowling, history, fouls and strategy. Perfect for a first timer or novice looking to up their game!
The History of Bowling
A form of ten pin bowling dates back as far as 3200BC. The modern 10 pin game grew out of 9 pin bowling which was banned in the mid 1800 following a moral panic linked to gambling and organised crime.
The governing body of Bowling is the International Bowling federation (IBF). The IBF fosters worldwide interest in bowling and encourages tournaments between bowlers and different countries.
The Basics of Bowling
Ten Pin Bowling is an indoor sport, where players try to knock down ten pins at the end of a wooden lane using a bowling ball. The bowling lane is 18.288m (60 feet) from the foul line to the centre of the first pin and 1.0668m (42inches) wide. The indoor area, is called a bowling alley.
Rules of Bowling Explained Simply
While ten pin bowling is a straightforward game, it’s essential to understand the basic rules of ten-pin bowling. Players take turns rolling the ball, aiming to knock down all ten pins. Each player gets two attempts per frame, except in the case of a strike, where only one attempt is needed. The player with the highest score at the end of the game emerges as the victor.
Common Fouls to Avoid in Bowling
The most important foul to be aware of is when player crosses the foul line during their approach or release. Stepping over the line results in a zero score for that particular attempt. Additionally, touching the lane or pins while the ball is in motion can also lead to a foul. Staying mindful of these rules will help you maintain a fair and enjoyable game.
How Bowling’s Scoring System Works
Understanding the scoring system in ten pin bowling is essential for tracking your progress and competing against others. The scoring is based on a frame system, where each frame consists of two attempts to knock down ten pins. Strikes, spares, and open frames all contribute to your final score. Bonus points are awarded for strikes and spares achieved in the tenth frame. The maximum number of points to win is 300 points, known as a perfect game.
A Strike
A strike occurs when a player successfully knocks down all ten pins with their first ball in a frame. It is considered a significant achievement in the sport and has a substantial impact on scoring. When a strike is scored, the frame is immediately completed, and the player is awarded ten points, plus additional bonus points.
In terms of scoring, a strike is denoted by an “X” on the scorecard. Along with the ten points earned for the strike, the player receives bonus points for the next two balls they throw. The sum of these bonus points is added to the ten points, resulting in a potentially high-scoring frame. The maximum score for a frame with a strike is 30 points (10 points for the strike itself, plus 10 points each for the next two balls).
A Spare
A spare occurs when a player successfully knocks down all ten pins with their two balls in a frame. In other words, they need both attempts to clear all the pins. While not as prestigious as a strike, spares are crucial for maintaining a strong score and keeping momentum in the game.
A spare is denoted by a “/” on the scorecard. When a spare is scored, the frame is completed, and the player is awarded ten points, plus additional bonus points. The bonus points for a spare are calculated based on the number of pins knocked down on the first ball of the next frame. The sum of these bonus points is added to the ten points, resulting in the total score for that frame.
It’s worth noting that the bonus points for a spare are awarded only for the first ball of the following frame. If the player scores another spare in the subsequent frame, the bonus points are not accumulated again. However, the spare is still recorded on the scorecard and contributes to the overall game strategy.
Strikes and spares are pivotal in ten pin bowling as they offer opportunities to maximise scoring potential. Skilled players strategically aim for strikes and spares, ensuring they capitalise on the bonus points and maintain a competitive edge. Understanding these concepts and practicing techniques to consistently achieve strikes and spares can significantly elevate your game and overall scoring performance.
Exploring the Different Types of Bowling Balls
Bowling balls come in various shapes and sizes, each designed to suit different playing styles and lane conditions. The three primary types of bowling balls include plastic, urethane, and reactive resin.
Plastic Balls: Typically the most basic and straightforward type of bowling balls. They are often used by beginners or recreational bowlers. These balls have a polyester cover stock, which provides a smooth surface and minimal hook potential. Plastic balls are designed to roll straight, making them ideal for shooting at spares or for players who prefer a more direct and predictable shot.
*hook potential: ability for the ball to curve as it rolls down the lane*
Urethane Balls: Urethane balls are a step up from plastic balls and are favoured by many intermediate to advanced bowlers. They feature a urethane cover stock, which offers slightly more friction with the lane surface, resulting in increased hook potential. Urethane balls have a moderate level of control and are versatile for a variety of lane conditions. They are often used to create a controlled hook and have a good balance between straight-line accuracy and hooking power. Here is a great one for those looking to step up their game with their own: Brunswick Rhino Bowling Ball
Reactive Resin Balls: The most advanced and widely used bowling balls among serious bowlers. They have a cover stock made of reactive resin, which creates the highest level of friction with the lane surface. This increased friction allows for greater hook potential, generating a more aggressive and powerful hooking motion. Reactive resin balls are highly responsive to lane conditions, making them suitable for a wide range of oil patterns.
It’s important to note that bowlers choose their balls based on personal preference, playing style, and lane conditions. Factors such as oil pattern, lane surface texture, and ball weight also play a role in ball selection. Bowlers may have a collection of balls to adapt to different lane conditions, ensuring they have the right equipment to maximise their performance.
How to Choose a Bowling Ball
If you are a novice choosing the right ball can be difficult. A simple guide is to ensure your thumb completely fills the hole but can slide in and out easily. The span size is correct if you can just fit a pencil under your palm and bowling ball. Finally, aim for a weight roughly 10% of your body weight (up to 16 pounds). Check out this awesome article for more info: Click Here!
The Perfect Scale: When you become more advanced and wish to buy your own ball you will hear lots of talk on the ‘perfect scale’. A 1-300 scale rating the hook potential of a particular ball i.e.. 5 is a low hook potential (ball will travel very straight) and 300 is a high hook potential.
Helpful Beginners Bowling Strategies
If you’re new to bowling and looking to improve your game, here are some helpful beginner tips to get you started:
Maintain Proper Grip: Grip the ball with your fingers inserted up to the second knuckle, and your thumb positioned straight or slightly tilted. Avoid squeezing the ball too tightly, as it can affect your release and accuracy. Practice your grip to find a comfortable and consistent hold.
Develop a Smooth Approach: Focus on having a smooth and balanced approach to the foul line. Start with a few short steps and gradually increase your stride as you gain confidence. Maintain a steady pace and keep your body relaxed, avoiding any sudden movements.
Aim for the Arrows: Look for the targeting arrows on the lane, usually located around 12 to 15 feet from the foul line. Align your feet and target towards these arrows. For right-handed bowlers, aim between the second and third arrow from the right. Left-handed bowlers should aim between the second and third arrow from the left.
Focus on a Consistent Release: Work on developing a consistent release by releasing the ball with a slight rotation of your fingers. Practice releasing the ball at the same point of your approach, ensuring a smooth and controlled roll down the lane.
Learn to Read Lane Conditions: Pay attention to the oil patterns on the lane. Lane conditions can affect the ball’s hook potential and trajectory. Adjust your targeting and technique based on how the ball reacts to the lane’s oil patterns. If the lane is dry, you may need to move left (right-handed) or right (left-handed) to find more oil and create hook.
Stay Positive and Have Fun: Bowling is meant to be enjoyable, so maintain a positive mindset and have fun. Embrace the learning process and don’t get discouraged by missed shots. Remember, practice makes progress!
Ten pin bowling offers an exciting blend of skill, strategy, and camaraderie. By familiarising yourself with the different types of balls, honing your techniques, understanding the scoring system, and adhering to the rules, you can elevate your bowling prowess. So, gather your friends, hit the lanes, and embark on an exhilarating journey in the world of ten pin bowling.
If you enjoyed this article, check out the rules of another family favourite: The Rules of Table Tennis.
