Quick Tips for Bowling Beginners to Break 100 Points
Bowling is becoming increasingly popular, leading to more people trying it out at bowling alleys for the first time. However, it can be disconcerting for beginners when their bowling balls often end up in the gutter. This is especially true during the end of the year when bowling bets with company colleagues are common. If you’ve already had the experience of scoring over 100 points, you won’t lag behind other players.
Bowling pins are further away than you might think, about 18 meters away. But if you stand at the 15-foot mark, hitting the pins becomes much easier. Since hitting distant pins is challenging, pay attention to closer spots. Notice the seven triangle spots on the lane that match the position of the pins, meaning you don’t need to focus on the distant pins. Instead, concentrate on the triangle spots closer to you.
On the approach area, there are dots to help you find the right position, with the center dot being larger than the others. Align the right end of your left foot with this center dot and fix your gaze on the second arrow (spot). This allows you to consistently find the same starting position in any bowling alley. It’s essential not to move your shoulders.
If you roll the ball with your arm parallel to the floor, maintaining a 90-degree angle at the elbow, the ball will go straight. However, if your right elbow and cheek separate during the swing, the ball will head toward the right gutter. Keep your shoulder and body steady and think of the arm movement as a light swing. Remember, rolling the ball is crucial, not throwing it. The mindset of ‘throwing hard to hit’ can make it difficult to score over 100 points.
When choosing a ball, don’t just pick the heaviest one. Choose a ball where the thumb hole allows for a comfortable release. Instead of staring at the pins and throwing forcefully, think of rolling the ball gently. This technique makes it easier to hit the headpin (pin 1), which helps reduce the remaining pin count, resulting in a relatively high score and making it easier to achieve spares.
Using these tips, even beginners can quickly score over 100 points in bowling. Enjoy the game and aim for high scores!
Summary in One Line
-Align the right end of your left foot with the center spot on the approach.
-Focus your gaze on the second arrow (spot), thinking of the ball passing over it.
-Swing with your shoulders fixed.