Bowling is a fun and, to some, very competitive sport that requires skill and precision to knock down pins. In addition to learning the rules of the game, understanding some of the "unspoken" courtesy guidelines can make your participation more enjoyable for all the bowlers around you. Following bowling's safety rules is also essential, to prevent hurting yourself or others with a heavy bowling ball.
Warm Up
Bowling requires strong arm and back muscles, to deliver the ball with accuracy and speed. Warming up with some gentle stretching of your arms, legs, and back can help you prevent injury when you begin your game. Raise your arms above your head, out to your sides, and down to your toes keeping your knees straight, to help loosen muscles. Throwing a heavy bowling ball cold may result in a strain of your soft tissues, and could land you on the sidelines for awhile. Ask your bowling coach or teammates to show you appropriate warm-up stretches.
Wear Bowling Shoes
Bowling shoes are famous, or infamous, for their bright stripes or drab tones --- but they're essential for the bowling alley. Bowling surfaces are very slick, and you have a higher risk of slipping and falling if you wear street shoes. The flat bottoms of bowling shoes are made especially for bowling surfaces, according to the Special Olympics Summer Sports Rules guide. The slippery surface of the shoe allows you to slide a bit as you deliver the ball, but will help keep your feet from sliding out from under you.
Bowl in Proper Order
Multi-player play is a part of many sports, and in such situations, there is usually an unspoken, yet assumed, order you are expected follow. Bowling is no exception, and calls for you to pay attention not only to bowlers in your lane, but also in the lanes beside you. If bowlers in adjacent lanes are ready to roll at the same time, allow the bowler to your right to go first, per the sport's courtesy rules. Wait until he has finished throwing his ball, and then proceed with your own turn.
Observe the Foul Line
Observing your lane's foul line is a rule of both safety and courtesy. The foul line is cleared marked; in many cases, the flooring looks different past the line. The floor past the foul line looks different because it is oiled and more slippery, to allow the ball to roll down the lane with ease --- the very reason stepping past the line can result in slips and falls. The foul line also creates an equal ground for all players --- each starts from the same point if they release the ball before the foul line --- and should be observed to constitute a fair game, according to the Professional Bowlers Association.
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