If you’ve just been invited to Stars and Strikes family fun center for a party and you’re not even sure what a spare in bowling is, don’t worry! Bowling is a fun and easy sport to pick up, but it does require some basic knowledge of technique and form. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the different aspects of bowling and give you some tips to help you improve your game.
A Brief History of Bowling
Bowling is a sport where players roll a heavy ball down a lane to knock down ten pins arranged in a triangular format. It’s been a popular sport for centuries, with roots dating back to ancient Egypt and Rome. Over the years, though, bowling has evolved into a competitive sport with professional leagues and global tournaments.
Everything You Need to Know About Bowling
Without further ado, here’s your beginner’s guide to mastering the basics (and spares) in bowling.
The Equipment
To get started with bowling, you’ll need some basic equipment. As a beginner, it’s best to start with a lower-weight bowling ball and gradually work your way up as you build strength and technique.
Next up: bowling shoes. These are specially designed for slippery bowling lanes and have different soles on each shoe. One sole is for sliding, while the other is for braking. But fret not—most bowling alleys will have rental shoes available, so don’t worry about purchasing your own.
The Techniques
There are a few key techniques to keep in mind when bowling so you’re not on pins and needles:
- Approach: This is how you approach the lane before releasing the ball. The most common approach is the four-step approach, where you take four steps toward the line and then release the ball.
- Grip: Your grip on the ball will affect its trajectory and speed. There are three main grips in bowling, but as a beginner, it’s best to start with the conventional or fingertip grip, which means your fingers will be inserted into the holes up to the first knuckle or second knuckle.
- Release: The release is arguably the most critical part of your shot. To achieve a consistent and accurate release, keep a relaxed grip and focus on your arm and wrist movements.
- Targeting: Bowling is all about aiming for a specific spot on the lane. Start by aiming for the pocket, which is the space between the 1 and 3 pins or the 1 and 2 pins.
The Lingo
Like any sport, bowling has its own unique terminology. Here are a few commonly used terms you should know and descriptions for scoring (including a spare in bowling):
- Frame: A frame is a round of bowling, and there are ten frames in a game.
- Strike: This is when all ten pins are knocked down within the first roll of a frame.
- Spare: Put simply, a spare in bowling means you were able to knock down all ten pins, but it took you two rolls instead of one.
- Turkey: Three strikes in a row.
- Split: When there is a gap between two or more pins after the first roll.
- Gutterball: You can almost hear a pin drop when this shot happens: a gutterball is a shot that lands in the gutter and fails to knock down any pins.
The Location
Once you understand what a spare in bowling is, start practicing at a local bowling alley like Stars and Strikes! Bowling alleys are designed to accommodate players of all skill levels and ages, so don’t be intimidated by more experienced bowlers. Most alleys offer rental equipment, lessons, and leagues for beginners to get involved in the bowling community.
Stars and Strikes is the Perfect Place to Start
Now that you have a basic understanding of the bowling techniques and spares in bowling, it’s time to put your skills to the test. Stars and Strikes offers state-of-the-art bowling lanes, delicious food and drinks, and an exciting atmosphere for bowlers of all levels. Contact us today to strike up a conversation on how to reach new bowling heights.
