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 children 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.
CORRECT STANCE
When you start bowling, it's important to consider your stance and posture. How you are placed at the start of the lane will affect how your ball reaches the pins. Here are a few tips:
Stand facing the lane, with your shoulders square to the pins.
Place your fingers in the ball first and then the thumb and hold the ball about belt height. This is a good height from which to begin your approach to the line.
Point your thumb towards the pins. If you are right-handed, the ball should be positioned to your right side; the opposite if your left-handed. Your elbow should be at 90 degrees.
Bend your knees slightly, but keep your torso and shoulders vertical. Your bowling ball is now in the perfect position for a good approach.
APPROACH AND DELIVERY.
There are several methods bowlers use to approach the foul line; practise will help you find the one that suits you best. The four-step approach is the most common and allows a smooth and easy approach. Here's how it's done.
If your right-handed, you first step is with your right foot; if you are left-handed, then it's left foot first.
The four steps should be small, almost a shuffle.
With your first step, begin to swing your arm, and the ball, back in a pendulum action alongside your body.
At your second step, your arm should be at the lowest point of its swing, down beside your body.
Your third step is when you increase acceleration, bending forward a little with the ball at it's highest point behind you. Remember that the ball should go no higher than your shoulder.
With your fourth and final step, slide your foot. Bend your knee (left knee if you're right-handed, right knee if you're left-handed) as you slide - this is your shock absorber.
As you slide, let your ball swing forward, keeping your body square to the pins.
RELEASE AND FOLLOW THROUGH
This is where all your careful preparation pays off! The most important thing is to let the ball flow naturally from your fingers.
Here are some tips for a perfect finish:
When the ball is at its lowest point in front of you, and your foot reaches the line,it's time to let go: your thumb will slide out first, then your fingers.
Your arm continues its swing, upward and forward - all you have to do is give the ball a little squeeze and it goes on its way.
It's perfectly acceptable to lift your back foot from the boards a little, to help you balance.
