Four commonly seen incidents include:
Fouls
Fouls occur when a player crosses the foul line with their feet. If the hands or arms of the player cross the line, it does not count as a foul so long as the feet remain behind the line. Any pins knocked down after a foul do not receive points.
Illegal Pinfalls
Illegal Pinfalls are essentially when pins are knocked over by accident or circumstance, rather than being knocked down by a rolling ball. This includes instances such as the ball leaving the lane before reaching the pins or the ball bouncing off the rear cushion back onto the lane and hitting down pins. Basically, pins must be directly hit by a ball still in contact with the lane in order to count. As long as they meet this requirement, pins knocked over by other pins count as well.
Deadballs
Deadballs generally occur when there is an issue with the lane set up. The most common cause of a deadball is the realization that the pins were improperly set up after the ball has been rolled. Thus, the ball is deemed dead. Deadballs also occur in any instance when judges or referees decide the delivery of the ball was illegal. For example, if a foul occurs and the ball has already been rolled, a deadball will also occur.
Improper Conduct
Improper Conduct refers to any behavior that can be deemed as cheating or unsportsmanlike. This can include altering the surface of the ball after the game has begun, physical or verbal abuse to opposing players, and tampering with opposing players balls and equipment.
Besides these four potential penalties, it is also just best practice to observe proper lane etiquette. A player should be wary of the lanes and players on either side of them. Stances and rolls that intrude on another player’s lane space are considered rude. Rolling balls with too much force that causes them to jump into another lane is also poor lane etiquette.
Choosing a Bowling Ball
One of the most important factors when preparing to bowl is the bowling ball itself. While most bowling balls are around the same size, they can vary greatly in weight. Choosing a ball that suits your skill level and strength is essential for playing a good game.
For bowling newbies, it may take some time to determine which ball is best for you. There are different techniques for different weights of balls. Therefore, choosing a ball shouldn’t be based just on how heavy a ball you can handle. You must also consider your swing strength and your personal technique.
For beginners, it is best to start at a lower weight and move up gradually. This will prevent potential injuries from the improper swinging of a ball that is too heavy for you. All people are different, and factors such as age, height, and weight can all contribute to what size ball you should use. These factors also influence the amount of power you have when swinging. Always try out a few different weights to see which ball best fits your needs.
Size and Weight
Bowling balls generally range in weight from 6 to 16 pounds. Lighter balls in the 6 to 7-pound range are designed for those with a weaker grip or less overall strength. This makes them ideal for younger kids or people with disabilities that affect their muscular strength in the hands and arms.
Choosing a ball according to weight should consider a few additional factors. These include age, weight, and height. Personal strength should also be considered. The average weights used by specific age groups are as follows:
- Children use balls between 6 to 10 pounds
- Teenagers use balls between 11 to 14 pounds
- Adults use balls between 12 to 16 pounds
- Seniors use balls between 12 to 14 pounds
A general rule of thumb is to pick a ball that is approximately 10 percent of your overall body weight. However, balls are only allowed to be 16 pounds maximum in weight. This makes it hard for those over the weight of 160 pounds to follow this rule. In general, larger and physically stronger people will opt for the heaviest balls.
Once again, it is best to begin with lighter balls and work up to heavier balls. Even if your weight class deems that you should use a heavier ball, you may not be used to slinging that much weight. Gradually moving up is the best practice for preventing strains and injuries.
Gripping the Bowling Ball
On a standard bowling ball, there are three holes meant for the fingers. These holes are what allow players to maintain a firm grip and throw in a precise manner. There are a few different ways to grip the ball. Generally, the middle finger and the ring finger are placed in the top two holes, and the thumb is placed in the lower hold.
Other styles of gripping the ball include two-finger grips and no-finger palm grips. If you are bowling leisurely, specifics of ball grips may not apply as you can decide which rules to follow. However, in professional and competitive bowling, there are specific rules regarding the grip. The United States Bowling Congress eliminated the use of balance holes as of August 2020. Balance holes are additional holes not intended for gripping. The congress also states:
