It’s hard to tell when the sport of bowling actually began. Some authorities say it began as early as 3200 B.C. Recollection by some, on the other hand, is difficult as there were variations on games involving throwing a ball at some pins. But if you have come here, you have come to find out how you can learn to bowl. So – get ready, get set, and bowl!
If you are new to the sport of bowling, you may need some help in learning a bit about the sport itself. Most bowling centers or facilities will have a resident pro or bowling coach that will be able to assist you with any questions you might have. Do you want to bowl just for fun or in a league; or would you like to bowl and possibly become a professional bowler? He or she will also be able to recommend what basic equipment you will need to begin enjoying your new sport. Where do you find the resident pro or bowling coach? Just ask the person at the counter. He or she will be glad to assist you. Or you may also give your local bowling center a call and set up an appointment.
Bowling leagues are great fun. The resident pro or bowling coach will be able to tell you about any bowling leagues you might be interested in. There are men’s leagues, women’s leagues, and even leagues for the youngsters! Leagues can be both sanctioned and unsanctioned. If you choose to bowl in a league that is sanctioned, you will be eligible for honor awards. The most coveted of all bowling honors is bowling a 300. A 300 is a PERFECT SCORE in bowling.
The American Bowling Congress (ABC), the Women’s International Bowling Congress (WIBC), and the Youth of America Bowling Association (YABA) have the authority to sanction a bowling league or a bowling tournament. Sanctioning means that certain conditions must be met and verified in order to approve honor scores in bowling. For instance, the oil on the lane has to meet specific requirements. Score sheets must be verified. All leagues have officers and the president of the bowling league will submit your information to the proper sanctioning authority.
The basic equipment for bowling is, of course, a bowling ball. You can use one of the bowling balls available at the bowling center. You can also purchase a ball of your own if you so desire. For assistance, check with the resident pro or bowling coach at your local bowling center. He or she will be able to help you decide which ball best fits your hand. Grips and inserts for finger-holes on bowling balls are also available. Bowling shoes can be rented at the counter or you can purchase your own. Items such as bowling bags, towels, and other bowling apparel can also be found in the pro shop.
The following list is a definition of some of the terms used in the sport of bowling:
*strike – when all pins are knocked down on first attempt
*spare – when pins which were left standing are all knocked down with second roll
*split – when pins left standing are not together – there are many variations of a split
*9-pin-no-tap – when at least nine pins are knocked down on first ball and you get to count it as a strike
*grip – span from thumb to finger depending on the position you hold bowling ball
*hook – when the ball moves to left or right depending on the position of the bowler’s fingers when throwing ball
*open-bowling – any bowling that is not considered sanctioned bowling
Bowling is a great sport for family and friends. Almost anyone can participate in the sport. Small children can bowl on the bumper lanes – lanes which assure that some of the pins will usually fall down! Many high schools and colleges have bowling as an option for their physical education classes. Even the physically handicapped can ball with some assistance from special equipment. So, get your friends together for a little fun competition. Keep it fair! Keep it honest! Keep it FUN!
