Added: 12/02/2007 |
Hit The Bowling Lanes For Some FunWhen looking a fun and inexpensive way to pass the time, why not try bowling? The rules are quite simple, you don’t have to own anything to play, it’s a great way to hang out with your buddies, and a few games can cure a case of boredom for at least a couple of hours. This leisure activity can even turn into a money-making one, if you decide to join a league or participate in tournaments!
The “how-to” of bowling is quite simple. A game is divided into frames; each game consisting of ten frames. Each player gets one or two turns in each frame, depending on how many pins they knock down on their first throw in the frame. Also, in the tenth and final frame, the bowler may receive a third turn if he/she rolls a strike or spare in his/her first two throws. The object of bowling is to roll a ball down a lane, and try to knock down all ten pins at the end. Beware of the gutters down the sides of the lanes, and aim straight for the head pin (the front pin), which will increase your chances of getting all ten pins down. The bowling lanes are waxed regularly, making the bowl’s travel down the lane more efficient in getting a strike. A strike is earned when all ten pins are knocked down in the bowler’s first throw of his/her turn during a frame. If he/she is fails to knock them all over, he/she receives a second turn. If all ten pins are down after the second throw, he/she receives what is called a spare.
Scoring is a bit difficult in bowling, but most bowling alleys nowadays have computerized score keeping screens for each lane. All you have to do is put in the name of each bowler, and the computer does the rest. It will automatically calculate your score for each frame, and deliver a total at the end. If the bowling alley you visit doesn’t have the scoring computers, and you must do it manually, you may want to ask an instructor or bowling alley employee for help. It can be quite confusing, for scores can vary considerably and largely depend on how well you performed in previous frames of the game, especially if you scored any strikes or spares.
No equipment of gear is required if you just want to go down to the bowling alley and bowl for fun. Most alleys offer shoe rental and a wide variety of bowling balls. Balls vary in size, so that everyone can fairly enjoy the game. Bowling shoes help protect the floors of the bowling areas and lanes, and help the bowler with his/her throws. Most alleys require that you wear special shoes be worn while playing. Specialized balls and shoes can be purchased, if the bowler wants his/her own equipment. Many bowling bowls offered at bowling alleys vary in the size of the finger holes, which can lead to someone using the wrong size ball. Buying a ball and have it drilled to specifically fit your fingers may be the way to go in this situation. Powders and towels are also some optional items used by professional bowlers.
Bowling is a sport that even young children can enjoy. Many alleys offer five or six pound balls, which most toddlers can at least push down the lane. There is also the option of bumpers, which are metal rails that prevent the ball from going into the gutters. Shoes are also made in youth sizes, and many young children enjoy bowling as much as their parents! Bowling parties are also a great way to celebrate a little one’s birthday!
Article comments:
No comments for this article yet. Post your comment now!
