Why Should I Learn How to Bowl?
Bowling can be a fun activity for people of all ages. Is bowling a practical skill that you will use frequently? Probably not. But if you learn how to bowl, you will be within driving distance of an alley in most places you live or travel. This makes bowling a reliable away-from-home hobby that does not require you to own any equipment to enjoy.
With groups of 2-6 per lane and one person bowling at a time, Bowling offers a balance of actively participating and socializing. Many bowling alleys have fun music, tvs, and/ or a bar with drinks specials. It can be a nice change of pace from hanging out in your apartment or at a bar.
Is Bowling Easy to Learn?
Bowling is one of the easier ball sports to start learning. Thanks to optional “bumpers” that protect your ball from going out of bounds (in the “gutter”) and bowling balls as light as 6 lbs, bowling is an activity that many kids try at a young age.
The bowling environment is relatively standardized. Each bowling lane is the same width and length (42 inches wide and 60 feet long) and at the end of each lane are 10 pins that do not move. All bowling alleys will offer bowling shoes (you can also optionally bring your own). Bowling balls are the same size, with different options for weight. This consistency makes it easier to bowl at different locations.
Because pins do not move, you have full control of their future as the person holding the bowling ball. Throws that are generally down the middle will have the highest probability of knocking down the most pins. Throws that go outside of the 42 inch width of the lane will land in the “gutter” and not count. If you are having problems with ball control, bowling alleys also offer “bumpers” prevent gutter balls.
How should a beginner bowler start?
The best way to start is to try it out!
My three starter tips would be:
- Start with a light ball – Prioritize letting the ball swing naturally and working on the timing of your approach. Once you are comfortable, consider adding more weight.
- Skip the bumpers – Bumpers are a great tool to keep children engaged, but do not encourage good habits. If you are an adult learning bowling, skip the bumpers. Everyone throws gutter balls! So don’t stress about your score and instead focus on trying to get a good throw each time you are up.
- Aim at the arrow not the pins – It is tempting to look all the way down the lane and eyeball where to aim. The alternative is aiming at the line of arrows that 15 feet down each bowling lane. I try to visualize my ball going through a specific arrow and draw the dotted line for where that ball would end up when it hits the pins.
If you are looking for a more comprehensive guide before you get started, there is a series of videos from GoldPinTenpinBowling that talk through all of the basics from “choosing your bowling ball weight” to “approach to the lane” to “how to throw a good ball”. The first video is in the series is linked here
If you are hoping to teach a friend or child, I have also linked is a quick tip list from Youth Bowl Canada.
Do I need to be strong to bowl?
Bowling is a game of accuracy. Speed and weight of a ball do not matter if you do not hit the right spot!
This said – you will be rewarded if you can throw a heavier ball of similar speed and accuracy. Heavy balls tend to create more pin “action”, displacing pins from their starting place and creating a domino effect that hits other pins.
Another way to create pin action is by putting spin on the ball, or throw a “hook” ball. This will be the easiest way to throw more consistent strikes without adding ball weight.
What is considered good bowling?
Bowling is scored out of 300. You get two tries to get 10 pins down each frame, and there are ten total frames in a game. Bowlers are awarded score multipliers if you knock down all pins in one or two tries.
I think the goal for any beginner bowler should be to consistently break 100. When bowling socially, you will very rarely be embarrassed by a 100+ score. Practically – this means you throw a bunch of 7-9 scores mixed in with a few spares (all pins down in two tries).
A longer-term goal for any bowler is averaging 150+. Throwing between 150 and 180 usually involves a solid mix of strikes, spares, and limited open frames. A personal goal of mine is to break 200. Hopefully 2023 is the year.
Is bowling an expensive hobby?
It depends. I have personally found bowling to be reasonably priced in rural areas and expensive in large cities. This is likely because bowling alleys take up a lot of space.
The good news is that most bowling alleys offer specials. I would highly recommend you call in advance or check out their website! Most bowling alleys have lower priced games / shoe prices during the week and may also have an unlimited bowling night. Specials may also include discounted drinks or concessions.
Are there bowling competitions?
Bowling alleys typically offer league play. Level of commitment varies but expect 1x per week for ~6-12 weeks.
Leagues range from just for fun leagues to competitive leagues with prize money. Look on the announcement wall at your local bowling alley or their website to find out more about leagues in your area. You may also be able to find third-party intramural leagues that coordinate weekly play.
Don’t have a full group of people to sign up with? Not a problem! Most leagues accept individuals or small groups, and will organize putting full teams together.
Do I need to book ahead?
Best practice is to call ahead and see if the bowling alley accepts reservations. Most bowling alleys will accept walk-ins. For larger groups, it is better to call a few weeks in advance and see if you can get a discounted group rate.
Where should I bowl?
Google maps is pretty reliable for bowling alley locations and hours.
If you happen to be in NYC, check our blog post on “Where to Bowl in NYC”. ~Coming soon~
That’s it! Best of luck and let us know how your progress with bowling is in the comment section below!