Understanding Bowling

Want to give bowling a try? Join us at our Watch ‘N’ Play Bowling Night on February 22, 2022 from 6:30-8:30 PM at the Student Union Bowling Center. Members of the Bowling Team will be there to help you learn how to play. Space is limited, so register today

Hello everyone, My name is Willis Tsui and I am an international student from Hong Kong. I started bowling when I was really young because of my parents. I have been bowling for more than 10+ years and am now currently on the SJSU Bowling Team. Before you begin, here are the basics of how to bowl properly. 

How do you score in bowling:

On the scoreboard, you will see 10 boxes beside your name. Each box is called a “frame”. A bowler has 2 chances of knocking all 10 pins in each frame.

If the bowler hits all 10 pins in their first try, it is called a strike, the strike will earn the bowler ten points plus the number of pins knocked down the next two turns in the next frame.

If the bowler hits all 10 pins in their second try, it is called a spare, they will receive 10 points plus the number of pins they knock down the next first turn in the next frame.

How to properly Hold a Bowling Ball:

Place your middle and ring finger in the top 2 holes and place your thumb into the bottom hole.

Bowling Team Archive, Source Unknown



How to release the Bowling Ball:

Maintain a straight-forward, non-twisting approach of your body, as your ball and hand position should be held relatively the same. Just like the picture indicated on the right.

Swing your ball arm smoothly back and then forward to release the ball. Release the ball when your arm has moved as far forward as it can go. 

How to Strike Consistently:

There are 10 pins at the end of the bowling lane.

In order to consistently knock down all 10 pins, the ball should hit between the #1 and #3 pin, if you are right-handed or #1 and #2 pin if you are left-handed.

If you are right-handed, you should stand on the right and aim for the 3rd Arrow, vice versa if you are left-handed.



And there you go! These are the basics of bowling. Feel free to ask if you have any questions. Enjoy the game!

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