Knocking down pins with a special ball is one of the most common games on the whole planet. But few people know how many bowling pins and what are the basic rules. Fortunately, it won't take too much time to learn the game, since you don’t need to have any special skills.
About bowling
A fairly simple and dynamic sport attracts the attention of absolutely all segments of the population. Few players pay attention to how many bowling pins, even despite frequent visits to such places. But still this game is popular in many countries.
Some clubs provide common tracks where one or more players of any age and gender can play. But sometimes there are places where there are exclusively male or female leagues, and there is also a division of leagues: one is played only on weekends or holidays, the other only at night, and so on.
Basic concepts
In addition to how many bowling pins, you should understand the basic concepts. They will be useful to beginners who have never before been involved in this sport.
Bowling ball is the main projectile of the game. The weight of the balls varies from 2.7 to 7.3 kilograms, but this value is usually measured in pounds (from 6 to 16, respectively). Mass is usually marked on the surface for the convenience of players. Professionals most often make custom-made balls in order to provide themselves with even greater comfort.
Bowling pins (10 pins) are arranged in the shape of a pyramid and are numbered from 1 to 10. The very first is considered the main one, so it must be knocked down.
Bowling equipment should always meet the requirements of:
- The circumference of the ball is 69 centimeters, the weight should not exceed 7.3 kilograms.
- The size of the pins is 38.1 centimeters, the width is 12 centimeters, and the weight is about 1.6 kilograms.
- The distance between the pins is 30.5 centimeters.
- The track is 18.228 meters long and 1.668 meters wide.
- Skittles are numbered from left to right.
Bowling equipment (balls and pins) can be purchased in special stores, but without a track they will be completely useless. Although often people buy real accessories and play bowling at home, enjoying it.
Scoring
Having figured out how many bowling pins and what equipment is in general, you can proceed to the game itself. First you need to understand the order of scoring. In modern centers, systems are installed that automatically maintain an account and reflect it on the monitor. But in some cities you can also find places where players have to independently score on a regular sheet of paper, which is not a very convenient method.
Frames
The whole game consists of 10 frames, at the beginning of each of which the player takes a bowling ball and tries to knock them all the pins. If this goal is achieved, then the frame is closed, and the result is called "strike". If on the first try it was not possible to bring down all 10 pins, then the player is given another chance. In the case of a successful throw, the result will be “spea”. There are situations when, after the second throw, all the same it is not possible to knock down all the pins, which is called the "open frame". In this case, the player earns exactly as many points as he can shoot down the pins.
For "spea" 10 points are given, to which is added the number of points equal to the number of pins knocked down in the first throw. And for the "strike" the player also gets 10 points, but points are added to them for the number of pins knocked out in the next two throws.
Ball capture
Familiarization with the basic rules is mandatory for beginners to understand how to play bowling. The technique is not so complicated as it seems at first glance, but still before you go to the club you should know at least the elementary laws of the game, such as, for example, the capture of a ball. Typically, people use a traditional grip when holding a standard ball with two middle and thumb fingers. Both middle fingers should enter the holes only up to the second phalanx, but the thumb is completely.
Starting position
Before throwing you should take the correct position, adhering to the following rules:
- The shoulder line is clearly parallel to the line of approach.
- The free hand holds the ball from below so that the working hand does not strain much.
- The wrist must be kept straight, not tilting to the sides.
- The elbow of the working hand is pressed slightly to the side.
- Knees slightly bent.
Toss
The head must be kept straight during the throw, and the eyes are clearly focused on the target. The ball should be rocked and released only at the moment when it moves near the ankle of the moving leg. To successfully make a throw, the player will need to lean forward a little (about 20 degrees) and bend the knee at the last step. The ball should not pass an ankle less than 2 inches apart to avoid damage. It is in this position that the human body is ideal for directing the ball in the right direction.
A targeted throw is the logical ending of moving the ball. Having made it, the player’s hand rises smoothly, approximately at shoulder level. Despite the fact that the ball has already been released, beginners should carefully train the completion of the throw. This will help to significantly improve the manner of swinging and more clearly maintain balance.
Experienced players are advised to look at the center of the line located near the pins, and then roll the ball smoothly, and not try to throw it as far as possible. In addition, it is also worth noting that without a good aim, knocking down as many pins as possible will be very difficult.