What to Know Before Playing Bowling: A Guide for Beginners

If you’re new to the sport of bowling, you may be feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the rules and regulations. But don’t worry – it’s not as complicated as it seems! This guide will provide you with all the information you need to know to get started, from the basics of the game to the necessary equipment, like AMF bowling pins for sale. So, let’s get started on learning how to play the game of bowling!

The Basics of How to Play Bowling

By and large, learning how to play bowling is fairly easy and requires just a few basic steps. Normally, the game is played on a standard bowling lane, which consists of wooden boards that are joined together with a central gutter on either side. At the end of the lane are ten pins, set up in a triangular formation, and each player takes turns rolling a bowling ball down the lane towards the pins.

The player’s goal is to roll the ball in such a way that it hits the pins and knocks them all down. In other words, this is called a “strike” and earns the player the highest score possible. If the player does not manage to knock all the pins down, they get another chance to do so by rolling the ball again. And, in case all the pins are knocked down on this second attempt, it is called a “spare”. 

Bowling is typically played in a ten-frame game, where each player gets two attempts (or “rolls”) per frame. After all ten frames have been played, the scores are tallied and whoever has the highest total wins. You can find best AMF bowling pins for sale

The Equipment You Need

Now that you’re cognizant of how to play the game of bowling, let’s cast light on what equipment is vital so that the process could be actually feasible:

Bowling Ball 

When it comes to bowling balls, they come in a variety of sizes and weights, so it’s important to choose one that fits your hand comfortably and has a grip that works for you. It’s also important to choose a ball that’s not too heavy or too light for your body size and strength. Generally, lighter balls are better for beginners and kids while heavier ones are better for adults or those with more experience.

Shoes

Bowling shoes are important to wear when delivering a shot since they have a slippery sole that allows you to slide easily. So, if you’re playing at a bowling alley, you can rent shoes for a nominal fee. But, if you plan to bowl often, it’s worth investing in your own pair of shoes. 

Grips 

In simple terms, grips are specially designed gloves that fit over your bowling fingers and thumb. They help create a firm grip on the ball and allow for a smoother delivery of the ball. 

Accessories

Accessories like wrist supports, powder, towel and rosin bags, can all be useful while bowling. Wrist supports particularly reduce stress on your arm and hand when releasing the ball. Powder, in turn, helps keep your hands dry and comfortable when you’re bowling while towel and rosin bags improve your grip on the ball. 

Scoring in Bowling

Of course, bowling is an exciting game, but it can be a little tricky to keep track of the score, especially if you’re a novice player.

As you remember, bowling is typically played in ten frames, which consists of two chances to knock down all the pins, and where you get one point for each pin that you’ve knocked down. But, if you get a strike, you get 10 points plus any bonus points earned on the next two throws. And, in case of a spare, you receive 10 points plus any bonus points earned on the next throw. 

The situation when you don’t knock down all the pins in two throws, it’s called an open frame. This means, you’ll only get points for the pins knocked down and no bonus points will be awarded.

Just so you know, the maximum possible score in a game of bowling is 300, which is usually achieved by getting 12 strikes in a row.

Wrapping up

When you’re ready to play bowling, it’s important to understand the basics of the game and the scoring system, as well as getting yourself acquainted with the necessary equipment. By doing so, you’ll be able to make the most out of your time at the lanes. Don’t forget to have fun and enjoy yourself while you’re there!