Bowling: From Hitting Strikes to Nearing Targets
What’s an activity you remember most as childhood birthday activity? Maybe it’s ice skating? Or, going to the pool. For some, it’s bowling. But, do you remember how to play this ball game? In today’s blog, we talk about this history of the pastime. Plus, some tips on how to hit a strike!
What is Bowling?
Bowling is a target sport and recreational activity where players roll a ball towards pins or another target. There are two main types: pin and target. Additionally, each has their own variations.
Pin
In this type, the goal is to knock over pins at the end of a long surface called a lane. These lanes have lubricated wood or synthetic surfaces which vary ball path trajectories and characteristics. There are four main variation of this type in the US:
- Ten-Pin: The one you’re most likely to find at bowling alley. They are the largest and heaviest pins and are bowled with a large three-finger holed ball.
- Nine-Pin: The pins are attached to strings and the ball doesn’t have finger holes.
- Candlepin: With the tallest pins, this variation is played with the smallest and lightest ball.
- Duckpin: Also played with a handheld ball, these pins are short and squat.
Besides different pins and balls, special shows must be worn. The sole of these are made of rubber in order to provide traction against the slippery lanes.
Target
This form of bowling is usually played outdoors on a lawn. The player throws the ball in an attempt to put it closest to a designated point or slot in the arena.
The History
The earliest forms of bowling date back to ancient Egypt as seen in wall drawings and the discovery of miniature pins and balls. Similar games were played during the Roman Empire with a variation much like the target form. Around 400 AD in Germany, the activity served as a religious ritual to cleanse oneself from sin.
In post-classical history, the popularity of the activity rose. In 1299, the oldest-surviving bowling green for target style found its home in Southhampton, England. It is still in use today. What’s more, monarchs, religious leaders, and royalty alike had a great love for the sport. Additionally, lanes found themselves popping up in army bases during the wars of the 20th century.
Accessibility
Technological innovation means bowling is more accessible to members of the disabled community. The IKAN Bowler attaches to a wheelchair and allows the user to control the speed, direction, and timing of the ball’s release.
How to Hit a Strike!
In ten-pin bowling, players have two rolls per turn to attempt to knock down as many pins as possible. A strike happens when all pins are knocked down in the player’s first roll. If they knock some down and then get the rest in their second roll, it’s called a spare. Three strikes in a row is a turkey.
Want to try your hand at hitting a strike? Check out our tips!
- Choose your ball. Pick an appropriate starting weight which is usually the heaviest ball you can reasonably control. If it’s too light, you’ll get inconsistent results. Additionally, you should ensure the ball has the best finger size for you hand.
- Decide your starting distance. About four and a half normal steps is the sweet spot.
- Aim for the second arrow from the gutter on your dominant side. The centre of the land is generally the moist oily.
- Be aware of your throw. If you know you curve a certain way, try to flatten out your shot by standing in the appropriate place.
About the Author
