Bowling Tips For Beginners, With Rules

A game of bowling is broken up into ten rounds, called frames. Each bowler is allowed two balls per frame to try and knock down all ten pins. If the bowler succeeds in doing this with her first ball, it is called a strike. If the bowler succeeds in toppling all ten pins using a combination of the two balls, it is called a spare. The only exception to this is the tenth frame, when the bowler has an opportunity for extra rolls. If the bowler rolls a strike with her first ball in the tenth frame, she gets two more balls. If she throws a spare, she gets one more ball. If, however, she doesn't knock down all ten pins with her first two rolls of the tenth frame, she gets no more chances, and her game is over.

Bowling rules are fairly simple. The only real rule a beginner needs to know is concerning the foul line. This is a line dividing the bowler's area from the lane. The bowler is never allowed to cross the foul line. It is easy to slip across this line, so beginners should be careful (the lane is slippery, and you can get injured).

Scoring is the most complicated part of bowling. The score sheet is divided into a row of ten squares for each player. If the bowler rolls a strike, it is marked in the scoring sheet with an "X." If the bowler rolls a spare, it is marked in the scoring sheet with a "/." Throwing a strike means that the next two balls rolled are added to the score of the strike frame; throwing a spare means the number of pins knocked down with the next ball will be added to the score of the spare frame. For example, let's say you rolled a strike in the first frame. Now, in the second frame, let's say you knocked down seven pins with your first ball, and one pin with your second (since you get two chances each frame to knock down all ten). These two balls are added to the ten of the strike frame. 7 + 1 + 10 = 18. So in the first frame box on the scorecard, you would have an 18. However, since you didn't get a strike or spare in the second frame (only knocking down eight pins), you do not get to add any rolls from the third frame onto the second frame. So, instead, you simply add the number of pins from the second frame onto the total from the first. 8 + 18 = 26. So, after two frames, you have a score of 26. Now let's say in the third frame you roll a spare. The first ball you roll in the fourth frame will be added to the ten pins you knocked down in the third (the spare). Let's say you knock down 9 with the first ball of the fourth frame. Add the 9 to the 10 of the spare frame, and you get 19. Add this number to the 26 that you already had, and you have a total of 45 after three frames. So, in summary: Frame 1 = 18, Frame 2 = 26, Frame 3 = 45. It seems confusing at first, but once you understand the way strikes and spares work, it becomes very easy.

For beginners, following these tips will make your bowling experience more enjoyable. First, select a proper bowling ball. Bowling alleys have many balls to choose from; make sure you get one that your fingers and thumbs fit comfortably in, and is not too heavy for you. However, if you can handle it, a slightly heavier ball will provide you with better action when it hits the pins, giving you an advantage. Second, you always want to keep your hands dry when you are bowling. You may see professional bowlers using a towel for this, or holding their hands over the air vent of the ball return. A dry hand is crucial for a good grip and release. Finally, you must develop a proper approach and good release. How you do this is up to you, as long as you feel comfortable. A basic strategy is to stand several paces away from the foul line, hold the ball up in front of you, and focus on a mark. There are several marks to choose from: a point on the foul line, or one of the dots or arrows that cover the lane itself. Focus on this mark rather than on the pins. Next, approach the lane at an even pace, bringing the ball down to your side. As you swing the ball forward, bend the opposite knee of your swinging arm, as if you are going into a deep-knee lunge. Make sure to keep your arm and your back straight, and to follow through as you release the ball. Practice your approach from different angles and at different speeds until you find something that works for you.

Finally, it is important to note rules of bowling etiquette. The first rule of etiquette is that you should never approach the lane while somebody in a lane directly next to you is preparing to bowl. This is distracting, and is considered extremely rude in the world of bowling. If somebody next to you has already begun their approach, just wait for them to finish before you begin yours. Along the same lines, although bowling is a very social sport, and you should have fun, try not to disrupt other bowlers. Only bowl in your assigned lane, and don't throw, or loft, your ball down the lane, as it will damage the floor. Finally, never bowl in any shoes other than specially designated bowling shoes, as regular shoes can damage the floors. You may think they look silly, but remember everybody else is wearing them too.

So now you know how to keep score. You know the rules. You know the object of the game. What are you waiting for? Head down to your local alley, pick out a ball, put on some funny shoes, and bowl!