Bowling Draft
Roll a heavy ball down a lane to knock down ten pins. It works for all ages, is easy to learn, and is a relaxed way to socialize.
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How to start
What you need
- Bowling ball (house balls are provided)
- Bowling shoes (rented at the alley)
- Comfortable clothing
- Optional wrist support or your own ball once you play regularly
Typical cost
A game costs about $5 to $9 per person, or $20 to $50 per lane per hour. Shoe rental is about $4 to $6. A personal ball and bag cost $80 to $250 (approximate, varies by city).
Where to play
Bowling alleys, entertainment centers with lanes, community leagues and school or youth programs.
Rules
- A game has 10 frames. In each frame you get up to two tries to knock down all 10 pins.
- A strike (all 10 pins on the first ball) scores 10 plus the pins from your next two rolls.
- A spare (all 10 pins using both rolls) scores 10 plus the pins from your next roll.
- In the 10th frame, a strike or spare earns bonus balls (up to three rolls total).
- The maximum score is 300 (12 strikes in a row).
- Foul line: do not step over it when you release the ball, or that roll scores zero.
- Players take turns in order; wait for the lane beside you to clear before rolling.
Drills
Aim at the arrows 8 min
Instead of aiming at the pins, aim at the arrow markings on the lane about 15 feet away. Roll 10 balls, trying to hit the middle arrow.
Four-step approach 10 min
Practice the four-step approach with no ball, then with a ball. Slide on the last step and let the ball swing.
Spare shooting 10 min
Leave a single pin and aim for it. If the pin is on the left, stand on the right side of the approach (and vice versa) to cross the lane.
Release and follow-through 8 min
Hold the ball with fingers in the holes and thumb in the thumb hole. Swing like a pendulum and finish with your arm pointing at the target.
Spare ladder 12 min
Roll 10 frames trying to convert the first spare you leave. Record how many you make.
Etiquette
- Do not step onto the lane or hold up play.
- Wait for neighboring bowlers to finish before you approach.
- Keep rental shoes on the approach only and change back to your own shoes when you leave.
Safety
- Choose a ball that is light enough to control, usually about 10 percent of your body weight up to 16 pounds.
- Lift the ball with two hands and avoid loose clothing that can catch.
- Avoid wet shoes on the approach.
Levels
- 1First games; learning grip and release; scores around 60 to 90.
- 2Hits the pins most of the time; average around 100 to 130.
- 3Regularly leaves spares; average around 130 to 160.
- 4Strong in both strikes and spares; league bowler averaging 160 to 190.
- 5Expert shot-making and ball control; averages over 190 in competitions.
Questions
Do I need my own shoes?
No. Rental shoes are required for the lane surface and are cheap.
What ball weight should I choose?
Pick one you can swing comfortably. Many adults start with 10 to 14 pounds; kids and smaller players use lighter balls.
How do I curve the ball?
Add a slight wrist rotation at the release so the ball spins and hooks. Practice this after you can roll straight shots.
Draft guide: written from general knowledge and not yet checked by someone who plays bowling. Costs are approximate and vary by city. Check with a coach or doctor before starting anything new.