Bowling Tips
HOW TO SCORE.
GAME - a game of tenpin bowling consists of 10 frames. A maximum of two deliveries is made in each frame, except the tenth, when three are made if the player has scored a strike or a spare in that frame.
STRIKE - a strike is scored when all pins are knocked down by the first ball in a frame. It is marked with an `x`. Because a strike earns ten pins plus a bonus of all the pins knocked down by the next two balls, no figure is entered until the next two balls are rolled. A strike in the 10th frame earns two extra rolls.
SPARE - a spare is scored when all the pins are knocked down with two deliveries. It is marked with a diagonal line. because a spare earns tenpins plus a bonus of all the pins knocked down by the next single ball, no score is entered until the first ball of the next frame is rolled. A spare in the 10th Frame earns one extra roll.
ERROR - an error (or MISS) occurs when all the pins are not knocked down with 2 balls. There is no penalty for an error, other than that of failing to gain the bonuses for a strike or a spare. When an error is made, simply add those pins knocked down to the total in the previous frame.
SCORES AT TAMWORTH TENPIN ARE CALCULATED AUTOMATICALLY BY COMPUTERS. ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS BOWL.
SELECTION OF YOUR BALL
Spend a few extra minutes selecting your ball. A good comfortable ball makes your game much more enjoyable and enables you to get the most out of bowling.
WEIGHT
Select aweight which is comfortable for you, but do not attempt to bowl a ball which is too heavy or too light.
Small childre should use 6lb-7lb balls. These weights are for childrens use only. Ladies should use a 10lb-12lb, depending on their build. Men and youths should use 14lb-16lb balls, unless they are extremely slight in build.
Generally speaking, the heavier the ball in relation to a person's physique, the better they will bowl - but only if they are bowling correctly. Champions (men and ladies) usually bowl with the maximum weight of 16lbs because it helps their natural swing.
When you are beginning, stay with a comfortable weight but if you asses comfort by feel, make sure the ball fits your hand - a badly fitting ball feels much heavier.
FIT
Firstly ensure that the thumb hole is large enough for your thumb to slide in and out without any `grab` whatsoever.
With your thumb fully in the hole, spread your hand over the ball with your middle and ring fingers across the finger holes. the creases of your middle joints should be 1/4" (6mm) past the innermost edge of the holes without moving your thumb. If you are satisfied, then extract your thumb, put your middle and ring fingers in the holes up to the knuckle joint, pull back, and then insert your thumb again.
Gently squeeze the ball, pick it up and turn it over so that the weight is resting on the heel of your hand. Help support the weight with your left hand. If you have chosen well, your palm should be fully in contact with the ball without any strain on your fingers.
Carefully give it a practise swing and see that it is still comfortable.
There are other types of grips used by bowlers, but until you have a few years experience under your belt, stay with this CONVENTIONAL grip.
House balls are generally designed to suit both right and left hand bowlers, but if you are not comfortable ask the staff for assisstance.