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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! We’ve all been there.
Bowling is a fun and easy sport to pick up, but it does require some basic knowledge of technique and form to really enjoy the game. You don’t need to be a pro to have a great time, but hitting a few pins makes it much better.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the different aspects of bowling so you can hit the lanes with confidence. Get ready to improve your game and impress your friends!
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 sounds simple, but it has a rich history. It’s been a popular sport for centuries, with roots dating back to ancient Egypt and Rome. Archaeologists have found primitive bowling balls and pins in tombs dating back to 3200 BC!
Over the years, though, bowling has evolved from an ancient lawn game into a competitive indoor sport with professional leagues and global tournaments. Today, it’s a staple of American entertainment.
Everything You Need to Know About Bowling
Without further ado, here’s your beginner’s guide to mastering the basics (and spares) in bowling. Let’s get you ready to roll!
The Attire
Bowling doesn’t have a strict dress code like golf, but what you wear matters. You want to prioritize comfort and range of motion. Bowling involves a lunge-like motion, so restrictive jeans might hinder your game.
Opt for loose-fitting pants, joggers, or shorts that allow you to bend your knees deeply. If you’re comfortable, you’ll bowl better. Match that with a t-shirt or polo that allows your arm to swing freely. You don’t want a tight sleeve catching your arm during your backswing.
And don’t forget socks! Since you’ll be renting shoes, bringing a clean pair of socks is mandatory. And hey, we won’t judge you if you end up bringing two.
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.
How to Score a Spare
Understanding how scoring works can make the game much more exciting. The spare is the secret weapon of high scores. If you leave an open frame (where you don’t knock down all pins in two tries), you just get the total count of pins. However, when you get a spare, your score for that frame is 10 plus the number of pins you knock down on your very next roll.
This is why spares are so valuable! They compound your points. A clean game with no open frames often results in a score over 150.
To pick up spares, you usually need to aim across the lane. If pins are on the left, stand on the right and throw diagonally. If pins are on the right, stand on the left. Using angles makes it much easier to hit those stubborn corner pins.
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.
