How to Play Bowling | A Guide for Beginners

Bowling is a timeless and enjoyable pastime, perfect for bringing families and friends together if you plan to spend a fun weekend with loved ones or seek a new and engaging hobby. 
 

This blog will introduce the basics of bowling, ensuring everyone can join the fun regardless of skill level. 

Basics of Bowling

Before you hit the lanes, it's essential to understand the game's basic components. 

Bowling lane or alley

A bowling lane is measured 42 inches wide and 60 feet long from the foul line to the headpin. You shouldn’t step on the foul line after making a stride to create your momentum before bowling the ball. A player is 15 feet long from the foul line to approach, make momentum, and stride to bowl the ball. 

Scoring machine or TV Screen

This is used to record the players’ scores. 

Bowling pins 
 

The aim of this game is to score by knocking out the bowling pins. If all pins are knocked out, you’ll get a strike given a perfect score, and if not, you’ll get a spare and still get one more chance to knock out all the pins. 

Bowling ball 
 

The bowling ball is made of polyester, urethane, or resin and is used to knock down the pins. You can use different weights of the bowling ball depending on your strength and preference. The most common weight for bowling balls ranges from 6 pounds to 16 pounds.  

Bowling shoes

Bowling shoes are super slick shoes, but their soles are made of rubber. They are flat with no heels, which helps players move smoothly in the bowling alley. Bowling alleys allow guests to rent bowling shoes. 

How to Bowl: Rules and Regulation of the Sport Bowling

Understanding the technical rules, scoring system, and proper form is essential for beginners to enjoy the game.

Technical Rules of Bowling

Foul

Players must roll the ball past the foul line without stepping over. Stepping over is a foul, scoring no points for that roll. 
 

Delivery

The ball must be released smoothly onto the lane without excessive throwing or lofting. 
 

Sweep Bar

Wait for the sweep bar to rise and the pins to be set before rolling. Rolling early can damage equipment and disrupt the game.

Pins

Ten pins are arranged in a triangle at the lane's end.  

Scoring System

In bowling, the scoring system is designed to reward players for both consistency and exceptional performance. Here's a simple explanation:

Frames

A standard game of bowling consists of 10 frames. In each frame, a player has up to two chances to knock down all ten pins. 
 

Scoring Each Frame 
 

Strike: If a player knocks down all ten pins on the first try, it's called a strike, marked as "X." The score for that frame is 10 plus the total number of pins knocked down in the next two rolls. 
 

Spare: If a player knocks down all ten pins with two rolls in a frame, it's called a spare, marked as "/." The score for that frame is 10, plus the number of pins knocked down in the next roll.

Open Frame: If a player doesn't knock down all ten pins with two rolls, the score is the total number of pins knocked down in that frame.

Tenth Frame 
 

 If a player rolls a strike or a spare in the tenth frame, they get extra rolls:

• After a strike, they get two additional rolls.
• After a spare, they get one additional roll. These extra rolls are added to the score of the tenth frame. 
   

Total Score 
 

The player's total score is the sum of the scores for all ten frames. The maximum possible score in a bowling game is 300, achieved by rolling 12 strikes in a row. 

Proper Bowling Form

Stance 
 

Start with feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent. Hold the ball at waist height. 
 

Approach 

Use a four-step approach, which are as follows: 
 

Step 1. Push the ball out and down.

Step 2. Let the ball swing down by your side.

Step 3. Continue the swing back.

Step 4. Swing forward and release the ball smoothly onto the lane. 
 

Release

Release the ball smoothly with your thumb exiting first, followed by your fingers. This helps create a proper spin. 
 

Follow Through

After releasing the ball, continue your arm swing towards the target. This ensures accuracy and power. 

Bowling Etiquette

You have to observe proper etiquette before, during, and after the game. 

Before the Game

• Ensure that you wear appropriate bowling attire, which includes shirts, socks, pants, or skirts. Sleeveless shirts are prohibited.
• Only wear bowling shoes on the lanes. These shoes are specifically designed for sliding and stopping during a proper delivery. Using other types of shoes can cause slipping or tripping.
• Retrieve only the necessary bowling balls (maximum of 2), as they will return before your next turn.
• Do not apply powder to the soles of your shoes, as this can accumulate "dirt" on the lanes, making them either too slippery or too dry, leading to potential accidents.

During the Game

• Ensure your name is registered and highlighted on the screen before you take a shot.
• Allow the bowler on your right to go first if two players approach the lanes simultaneously.
• Roll the ball past the foul line. Do not throw or loft it.
• Stay on your designated lanes and leave the approach area promptly after your ball hits the pins.
• If issues occur, such as missing pins or balls not returning, seek assistance from the lane man.

After the Game

• Return the balls to their respective racks.
• Return the bowling shoes to the shoe counter. 
   

Play Bowling in Limitless Barcade  
 

Head to the bowling alley of Limitless Barcade at Newport Mall in Pasay for a fun-filled experience. Enjoy a game of bowling in a vibrant setting, perfect for unwinding and having a great time.  

Open daily, Limitless offers various entertainment options, including drinks at the bar, arcade games, KTV, and pool. Visit and enjoy a unique blend of activities for kids and adults.  
 

Final Thoughts

Bowling is a fantastic activity for all ages and skill levels. It's a great way to bond with loved ones, have friendly competition, and enjoy a fun-filled outing. With some practice and patience, you'll be rolling strikes and spares in no time.  
 

Remember to check out Limitless Barcade at Newport Mall in Pasay, a great place to practice your skills and enjoy a variety of entertainment options.