Tenpin bowling, in its simplest form, takes place on a 60-foot wooden or composite indoor bowling lane. You approach the lane with a bowling ball in hand and use your forward momentum to roll the ball toward a triangle set of 10 pins at the end of the lane. Your goal is to knock all 10 pins down at once, scoring a strike.
History
Bowling can be traced to ancient Egypt. Hickok Sports notes that archaeologists have found 7,000-year-old Egyptian tombs containing implements such as balls and targets. Bowling spread into Germany, then into other European countries, during the Middle Ages, and Dutch settlers brought nine-pin bowling to New Amsterdam--later to become New York--during the mid-1600s. Nine-pin bowling gradually evolved into tenpin bowling.
Bowling grew very popular in New York during the 1800s but was under constant scrutiny because the sport was associated with gambling activities.
By 1895, tenpin bowling had spread to the Midwest and the American Bowling Congress, or ABC, was formed to establish national standards for rules and equipment.
Universal Playing Rules
The World Tenpin Bowling Association has developed rules governing tenpin bowling in many countries. Section 2 of the Universal Playing Rules states that each tenpin game consists of 10 frames. In each of the first nine frames, each player delivers, or rolls, a ball toward the pins. If all pins are knocked down, a strike is declared and the second ball is not needed. If pins remain, the ball is rolled again. If this ball knocks down the remainder of pins, a spare is recorded. If not, the score is the total number of pins knocked down with both rolls. For the tenth frame, a player gets to roll a third time if he strikes on the first ball or spares on the first two. All scores must immediately be written or electronically recorded.
Equipment
Tenpin bowling requires little equipment. Top End Sports notes that bowling balls must be manufactured to strict standards for size, weight and balance. The round ball must be constructed solidly and can contain no voids except for finger holes. Although there is no minimum ball weight, the maximum weight is 16 lbs. Besides the ball, you’ll need specially-designed bowling shoes that allow you to slide easily on the waxed lanes. You also might want a towel to keep your hands from becoming slippery.
Youth and Collegiate Events
In addition to youth and high school teams, the United States Bowling Congress, or USBC, facilitates collegiate tenpin teams throughout the United States. As of 2010, more than 180 college and university teams compete in 80 recognized tournaments. In addition, almost 100 colleges and universities provide bowling scholarships. The USBC reports that collegiate bowling programs have grown more popular in recent years.
Leagues and Clubs
Bowling leagues and clubs are popular ways to enjoy the sport and socialize with friends. AMF Bowling Centers notes that in bowling leagues, the four-member teams meet each week to compete for cash prizes. In contrast, bowling clubs are more informal. Friends and family of all ages meet to bowl and share a common interest. You also might find that themed apparel or other fun merchandise is offered to club bowlers.
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