Tenpin bowling is the most common form of bowling found in the United States. Bowlers get two tries to knock down 10 pins that are set up in triangle formation. Each of those sets of tries is called a frame, with the game consisting of 10 frames. Here are some tips to help you improve your bowling score.
Gaining Length
You can get more length, or get your ball to skid farther down the lane, with a couple of tricks. Extend your follow-through toward your intended target on the lane. Also move your target farther down the lane, say from the dots to the arrows, advises Bowlers Journal International. There are five dots and seven arrows on the approach in the bowling lane that can help you align your shots. The arrows align with the front pins, according to Essential Bowling by Michael Benson.
A 7-10 Split
The 10-pin is a common leave when bowling, as is its counterpart in the other outermost rear spot, the 7-pin, according to Benson. If you are left with a 7-10 split, you will find it very difficult to score a spare. A right-handed bowler should aim to hit the 7-pin on the left side and try to hit as little of the pin as possible. Do the opposite if you're a lefty.
Strike vs. Spare
Bowl differently for a strike than for a spare. Focus on power and leverage as you bowl for a strike by using a long backswing and using as much hook as you can control, advises Benson. Focus on accuracy more than power when going for a spare by shortening your backswing and keeping your hand on the bottom of your bowling ball at the release point so that the ball rolls straight to the pins. Always aim at the pin that's closest to you--or in front--when you are going for a spare, Benson advises.
Using Leverage
Leverage can be used to help you adjust to different lane conditions. If you are bowling on a heavily oiled lane, you can benefit by using more leverage through delaying the ball placement--or, in other words, delaying the point at which you start your bowling swing as you take your approaching steps, according to Tom Kouros of Bowlers Journal International. This creates a shorter, faster swing before the ball is released. On the other hand, if a lane is hooking strongly, you may benefit from reducing leverage by placing your ball into the swing earlier during your approach. This creates a longer, slower swing.
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