Bowling Alley’s Different Types of Bowling
The interesting thing about bowling, is that unlike any other sport,
bowling can refer to two very different games.
The first kind of bowling is not common here, in the United States, but is
well loved in other countries around the world. This kind of bowling does
not use a bowling alley, or lane. Instead, it is played outside, typically
on a lawn. Instead of rolling the ball, players either throw or hit a ball
to have it land near or on a selected spot. This group of bowling includes:
Bocce Ball, which is played all around England, especially in Italy
Lawn bowls, which is popular in the United Kingdom, Australia, and
Canada.
Pétanque, which is played in France.
The second type of bowling is known and loved by millions of people in the
United States. This game is played inside a bowling alley, on a lane made
from either a real wooded surface or made from some synthetic material made
to look like wood. This sport involves a person stepping close to the
bowling lane and rolling a heavy ball toward pin targets. Usually the lane
will have arrows to guide the bowler. Each player attempts to score the most
points by knocking down all of the pins in a given round. There are
different variations of this type of bowling played all over America.
Ten-Pin Bowling
This is the game most Americans are familiar with. Played in a bowling
alley, the game is essentially simple. Here is the gist: Players roll a
weighted ball down the bowling lane and try to knock down as many pins as
they can. But, here is the trick: the blowing lane, or wooden pathway, has
gutters on each side. And, if your ball swerves into the gutter, then you do
not score any points because no pins were hit.
The players get two rounds per frame to knock down all of the pins. In
between tries, a machine picks up the pins. If a player knocks down all of
the pins on their first try, that is called a “strike,” and they sit down to
let another bowler play. If the player knocks down all of the pins on the
second try, that is called a “spare.” If a player scores 300 points at the
end of the game, he or she has bowled the “perfect game.”
Candlepin Bowling
Have you heard of candlepin bowling? If you are not from one of the New
England states, such as Massachusetts, Maine, or New Hampshire, chances are
you have not. That is because this type of bowling is unusually played in
the northeast section of the United States.
Similar to ten-pin bowling, the players go to a bowling alley to roll a ball
down a bowling lane in an attempt to knock over all of the pins. But, here
are the differences: In candlepin bowling, each player rolls a small ball
three times per frame. (There are three rounds instead of two) The balls are
smaller and they do not have holes. When the pins are hit and have fallen,
they are not cleared away. These pins are harder to knock down than
ten-pin bowling pins because they are thinner. Also, instead of a possible
300 points, the highest sanctioned score is 245 points.
Duckpin Bowling
Duckpin bowling is played in bowling alleys mostly on the east coat of the
United States and Canada. This game is similar to ten-pin bowling because
the rules are the same. However, there are major differences, as well. First
of all, the pins are shorter and thicker. Also, the balls are smaller and
lighter, and do not have any holes. A player holds the entire ball with his
or her hand and rolls it down the lane. Third, the bowlers try three times
to knock down the pins, instead of two times per frame. The scoring is also
rather different, as well.
Let’s hear it for bowling! Whether you love ten-pin bowling or candlepin
bowling—it does not matter! What matters is that you have a good time at the
bowling alley playing the sport you love!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Copyright © 2006 BowlingAlleyInfo.com.
Bowling Alley Birthday | Bowling Alley Types | Bowling Alley Equipment | Make Your Own Bowling Alley | Bowling Alley Ideas
