Bowling became an official demonstration sport for the first time during the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul. Even though it was only included as a demonstration sport and only 20 nations entered the competition, bowling nonetheless made an appearance at the Olympic Games. However, as it may be referred to as both a sport and a recreational activity, the answer to the issue of whether it is a sport is extremely confusing. It all depends on your perspective and how much attention you give it. Let’s discuss some crucial aspects of bowling for that purpose.
Bowling line
You must comprehend how the bowling line works before you can start to bowl. Knowing and understanding these important things will make your bowling journey more pleasurable and successful. The distance between the foul line and the headpin on a bowling lane is 60 feet. Gutters are present on both sides of the bowling lane; if a ball wanders off the path and into the gutters, it is eliminated. The approach area is 15 feet long and ends at the foul line. The bowler must not cross the foul line to make a legal shot when getting close to it. A ball is unsuccessful if it enters the gutters, bounces out, and strikes a pin.
Bowling shoes
One of the essential pieces of equipment a bowler may employ is likely a pair of bowling shoes. Shoes made specifically for bowling can support your body through the throwing technique.
You toss a heavy object on one side of your body while you bowl. If you were wearing conventional shoes, their traction would cause you to abruptly halt, ruining your shot and perhaps putting you in danger of harm. If you’re starting, you may just rent shoes at a bowling alley. On the other hand, you may get a pair of your shoes if you wish to step up your game. Please remember to carry or wear socks before entering the alley. Although they will cost a lot, certain alleyways will offer socks.
Bowling ball
Find a ball that is the perfect weight for you and the proper size for your fingers before you start bowling. The labels on the balls will reflect their weight; for example, a ball with the number “6” will weigh 6 pounds. A little heavier ball is often preferable since it will help you acquire velocity. According to a general guideline, you should bowl with a ball that weighs 10% of your body weight.
When doubtful, the following general rule should be used:
- Children, 8 to 10 pounds;
- Teens, 13 to 14 pounds;
- Adults, 14 to 16 pounds.
Ensure that your thumb fits inside the thumb hole when choosing a bowling ball. The hole shouldn’t be so big that you have to push your thumb in to hold on, but it also shouldn’t be so small that you can’t remove it from the hole easily.
Holding the ball
Of course, you need to know how to grasp the ball correctly if you want to succeed. Take it in your hands and move it to the proper location in front of the bowling lane. Put your thumb in the hole and your middle and ring fingers in the upper two holes. Hold the ball gently to your side with your bowling hand below the ball and your other hand on the bottom side for additional support.
Scoring
Each pin is worth one point when scoring a game of bowling. A strike, when all of the pins are knocked down on the first try, might result in extra points. The additional 10 points earned for a strike are added to the total pins of the following two throws. A spare comes with the extra benefit of the subsequent throw’s pins added to the spare’s 10 points.
History
There is proof that the Egyptians played bowling games in 3200 B.C. Wall paintings of Egyptians playing the game and items like bowling pins and balls were discovered in tombs from this period. When the ancient Egyptians initially established bowling, it was presumably played similarly to how it is played today: the object is to knock down as many pins as possible.
In the end, it all comes down to whether you view bowling as a sport or not. There is no denying that it is a wonderful game that everyone should engage in since it can be entertaining, especially with friends. It can improve physical health by getting you moving and being more active. We hope this post will pique your curiosity and show you some great bowling-related characteristics.