How to play bowling to win

Bowling is a sport that everyone can enjoy. Age, weight and skill level are not important, it is enough to follow the rules and understand the features of the game to succeed and get positive emotions.

The basics of bowling

It all starts with the equipment and the playing surface. Unlike other sports, they are played not on a field or court, but on a track made of solid wood or urethane, the length of which is 18.2 metres long (from the line to the first pin) and 1.6 metres wide. The line of the spade or foul is marked at the beginning of the track, and the pins are at the far end. A two-metre zone called the approach lies before the line. The player uses it to run up before throwing.

There are gutters on the sides of the tracks, after falling into them the ball will leave the game and will not bring the player points. Regardless of whether it has reached the target or hit the chute, the projectile is returned to the player through a conveyor installation under the track. A standard bowling ball usually weighs from 4.5 to 7.2 kilograms, but the projectile itself displays the pound equivalent, that is, from 10 to 16, respectively. There are three finger holes in the ball. It is assumed that they will be occupied by the index, middle and thumb of the supporting hand.

The game uses ten pins made of solid maple with adjustable weight, which are installed in four rows, starting with one pin. The main one is followed by two, increasing by one pin in each row.

For bowling, it is necessary to wear special shoes so as not to damage the track. Shoes are often bright, with a sole made of tough leather or vinyl, allowing you not to slip at the track.

Origin of the game

The historical formation of bowling is vague. Archaeologists claim objects that served as prototypes of balls and pins. The finds date back to the third millennium BC. Also, it is known about a similar sport that was practised in Germany in the 3rd century AD. However, the modern look of the game as we know it now was formed in the 19th century. America is considered to be the birthplace of bowling, since all the rules, attributes and equipment are designed there.

Rules and principles

The main step on the way to victory is learning the rules. In this regard, bowling is relatively simple. One round in the game consists of ten frames, roughly speaking - moves. A player makes up to two innings in each frame to try to knock down 10 pins.

The ideal completion of a move is considered to be a «Strike» - when it is possible to knock down ten pins at once by making the first throw. With this outcome, the second one is not committed. The «X» symbol appears on the scoreboard in the player's turn cell, indicating the result of the frame. 10 points are awarded for a strike, while the points received in the next two frames are added. If a repeated strike is knocked out next, the player gets 20 points for 1 frame. The maximum number of points per frame will be 30. In the professional environment, comic terms for successful moves have appeared: two consecutive strikes are called «double», three - «teki», four -«hambone».

«Spare» - the result in which all the pins are knocked down, but not from the first throw. That is, the player knocked down the remaining pins with the second throw. Another option is that not a single pin is shot down on the first throw, and all 10 are shot down on the second. The scoreboard displays as «/». In this case, 10 points are awarded plus the points of the next frame, a maximum of 20. There is a special combination with the sper - split - «S». It is achieved if, after the first throw, there were pins standing far apart from each other, and they managed to be knocked out with the second throw. No additional points are awarded for the split.

An open frame is a move that fails to knock down all the pins within two innings. If both throws did not hit any pins, the «-» sign will be displayed in the scoreboard, points will not be awarded. With a more favourable outcome, the number of points received for the frame is displayed, that is, the number of downed pins. That is, apart from the combination, one pin is equal to one point.

The pins knocked down by the first throw are removed from the site using an automatic device. This happens between throws, so the player needs to wait until the remaining pins are restored to their positions.

Another result that does not bring points is a «fall». It is displayed as «F». This happens if the player has stepped over the start line of the track or stepped on it. In case of a fall during the second throw, the results of the first one are annulled.

The last, that is, the tenth, frame has a special status and does not obey the general rules. In this turn, after the strike, the player can make two more throws, after the spin – one more. If pins remain in this frame for two throws, it is considered open, and the game ends.

An ideal game is considered to be this one according to which the results of which the player scores 300 points. Each frame must end with the first throw, that is, a strike.

Knowledge of special techniques will help in achieving victory

Flexibility and ability to adapt to changes. For the accuracy of bowling strokes, you need to take into account that all the equipment is different. Even in a special sports and entertainment facility, two adjacent tracks will be different. The fact is that they are lubricated with oil, and it is difficult to repeat the identical amount and distribution of lubricant. In addition, during the game, the oil pattern may change, which will lead to a change in the behaviour of the ball after the throw. Therefore, you need to be ready to adjust actions right away.

The right choice of target. There are several methods: pin-target, target-point and linear approach.

The essence of the first technique is to choose the first pin as a reference point. The player must draw a line from himself to the Brooklyn - the space between the first and third pins. When making a pitch, it is necessary to adhere to this trajectory and not look away from the goal.

The next way is to mark a point on the track through which the ball will have to pass. The choice should be logical and be located near the bowling alley. After the run-up, the player sends the ball to this point.

And the last - linear approach is to combine both methods. It is assumed that all the main landmarks will be used. Starting from his position, the player finds a point on the throw line and, focusing on it, sends the ball to the Brooklyn. That is, after passing a certain stage, there is a shift of attention to another target.

The player will be able to find the most suitable way for himself only in practice, however, knowledge of the theory significantly increases the chances.

Don't ignore the meaning of shoes. Like everyday, replaceable bowling shoes should be comfortable. It should not be tight, otherwise it will affect your movements and the result. Before fitting, pay attention to the sole, it should be perfectly smooth. Carefully choose an appropriate size, the best option would be to immediately take half the size larger. Feel free to ask for a replacement.

Choose the right ball. The advantage of a heavy ball when throwing is deceptive. Take a lighter projectile so that the blow is as clear and aimed as possible. The greater the weight, the more difficult it is to plot the correct trajectory. Also, before throwing, make sure that the ball is comfortably in your hands. You should be able to raise and lower it easily. If your fingers get stuck in the holes or slip off, take another one. Also, you do not need to strain your fingers themselves to hold the ball, just squeeze them slightly.

Adopt a sports vertical stance. One of the most important factors is how you stand and hold the ball. Use the holes to hold the projectile so that the fingers are pointing down. Use your free hand for support. Do not take it beyond the chest and abdomen - not higher – not lower. The position of the ball should correspond to the right seam on the clothes, if you are left–handed - vice versa. The knees should be bent slightly, the supporting leg should stand behind the body, for ease of pushing.

Tighten your wrist. When making a throw, imagine that the ball is an organic extension of the hand.

Use the gain step. The penultimate step in the move should be as intensive as possible. This will give the body an impulse that will increase the strength of the swing with your hands. With the rational use of inertia, you will get a stronger release of the ball. If you are right-handed, the power step will be done with the right foot. Left-handed, respectively, left. The supporting or pushing leg should have a good bend that will help you slide on your left foot. Don't forget to make sure not to cross the fall line!

Let go and forget. A common mistake in bowling is that the player does not have time to release the ball. This leads to a decrease in rotation and accuracy. After the swing and throw, continue the swing of the arm in a pendulum motion until it is above your head.

Calm, just calm. Try to relax and take your time. Give your movements a smoothness of peace. Act gently and slowly, but accurately.

Do not forget safety precautions and etiquette. Bowling is a relatively safe sport, especially if the basic rules are followed. Do not swing the bowling ball and do not lift it up over your head. This can not only injure you or another person, but also damage the lane. Make sure that you do not let go of the ball until the automatic pinsetter rod rises, so as not to damage the equipment. To avoid injury, do not insert your hand or fingers into the return mechanism.

Manners are also important in bowling. Do not enter the approach until the previous player completes his turn. This will help limit distraction. When you finish the move, do not linger on the set. The other player is probably waiting to play. Try to keep celebration or despair to a minimum so as not to disturb others.