Bowling is a popular sport that has been around for centuries. American colonists brought the "nine-pin" version of the game from Europe to the states. Nine-pin bowling was outlawed in the 1800s because of its association with gambling, according to the Help With Bowling website. Bowling enthusiasts found a way around the law by adding another pin to create tenpin bowling. Tenpin bowling remains the standard version of bowling today. Once you learn the basics, you can bowl for fun or competition.
Step 1
Reserve a lane at a bowling alley. Most bowling alleys have electronic score machines on each lane. Follow the on-screen instructions to input player names and start your game.
Step 2
Select a house bowling ball unless you have your own ball. Take your time and find one that is a comfortable fit and weight. Check the fit by inserting your middle finger and ring finger into the two smaller finger holes and place your thumb into the larger hole. Pick up the ball and turn your hand so it is under the ball. The fit is good if your palm fully contacts the ball and your fingers feel comfortable. Finger holes must be loose enough so you can release the ball smoothly. Balls usually range in weight from 6 to 16 lbs. Start with a ball light enough that you can hold and comfortably swing with your arm from back to front.
Step 3
Find your starting position on the lane. Most bowlers use a four-step approach. To locate your starting point, stand about 4 inches in front of the foul line with your back facing the pins. Take four heel-to-toe steps and add a half step to allow for sliding. Turn around and take note of the exact location of your feet related to markings on the floor.
Step 4
Prepare to bowl using the correct stance. Stand in your starting position with your ball, keeping your shoulders square with the pins. With your fingers in the holes, hold your ball with your hand underneath and close to the pit of your stomach. Keep your elbow at a 90-degree angle. Stand with your shoulders and torso in a vertical position and slightly bend your knees.
Step 5
Make your approach down the lane. If you are right-handed, start with your right foot; if you are left-handed, start with your left foot. Each step is small and close to the floor. In step one, start to swing your arm and bring the ball down to your side. On step two, your arm should be straight down alongside your body. With the third step, lean forward a bit and bring the ball back behind you without bringing the ball above your shoulder. Your last step ends by sliding your foot with your knee bent as you swing the ball forward and release. After you release the ball, allow your arm to follow through with a forward, upward motion.
Step 6
Continue bowling the rest of the 10 frames. Don't worry about your score while you are learning, but you should understand scoring basics. In each frame, you can use up to two balls to try to knock down all the pins. You earn points based on the number of pins knocked down. If you make a strike by knocking down all the pins with the first ball of the frame, you earn 10 points plus the number of pins knocked down by the next two balls. If you make a spare by knocking down all remaining pins with your second ball in a frame, you earn 10 points plus the number of pins knocked down by your next ball. In the 10th frame, you can bowl a third ball if you throw a strike or spare. A perfect score in bowling is 300.
Tips and Warnings
- Consider buying your own bowling ball to help advance your skills. With the same ball, you will see more consistent results.
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