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Bowling

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Origin

Ancient Egypt

Type

Target, Recreational

Venue

Bowling Alley

Supreme Authority

World Bowling

Summary

Bowling is a popular sport that involves rolling a ball down a lane to knock down a set of pins. The game can be played in various formats, including ten-pin, nine-pin, and candlepin bowling, each with its own set of rules and equipment. In ten-pin bowling, the objective is to knock down ten pins arranged in a triangular formation at the end of a 60-foot lane. Players typically have two chances to knock down all the pins in a frame, with a total of ten frames in a game.

 

The sport has its origins in ancient civilisations, with evidence of similar games dating back to around 3,000 BC in Egypt and other regions. Modern bowling began to take shape in the 19th century, with the establishment of standardised rules and the introduction of the first bowling alleys. Over the years, bowling has grown into a widely played recreational and competitive sport, appealing to people of all ages.

 

Bowling can be played individually or in teams, with leagues and tournaments held at local, national, and international levels. Many players enjoy bowling for its social aspects, as it provides an opportunity to gather with friends and family. The sport also fosters a sense of community through organised leagues and competitions.

 

Bowling requires skill and technique, with players focusing on factors such as ball speed, angle, and spin to achieve optimal results. Modern bowling alleys are equipped with advanced scoring systems and automated lane maintenance, enhancing the overall experience for players. As a result, bowling continues to be a popular pastime, attracting millions of enthusiasts worldwide.

Key Types of Bowling
  • Ten-Pin Bowling
    Standard Bowling: Played on a long, narrow lane, players roll a large, heavy ball with the aim of knocking down ten pins arranged in a triangular formation at the end of the lane. Scoring is based on the number of pins knocked down, with additional points for strikes and spares.

     

  • Five-Pin Bowling
    Canadian Variation: A version of bowling popular in Canada that uses five pins and a smaller ball. Scoring differs slightly, with the centre pin worth more points than the others, and players can score bonus points for knocking down all five pins.

     

  • Candlepin Bowling
    New England Variation: Originating in New England, this version uses thin, cylindrical pins and a small ball. Players get three attempts per frame, and knocked-down pins are not cleared between rolls, allowing for strategic play as players can target remaining pins.

     

  • Duckpin Bowling
    Mid-Atlantic Variation: Similar to Candlepin, but with wider, shorter pins and a larger ball. Players also get three rolls per frame, and the scoring system is similar to that of Ten-Pin Bowling, providing a different challenge.

     

  • Nine-Pin Bowling
    European Tradition: A traditional European game that predates all other forms of bowling. Nine pins are arranged in a diamond formation, and players get two rolls per frame. This variation has different scoring and rules depending on regional traditions.
Competitions

Bowling is included in various national and international championships, such as the World Bowling Championships and the USBC Queens and Masters events. Additionally, professional bowling leagues like the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) Tour and the World Bowling Tour offer competitive platforms for elite bowlers.

Bowling image
Sports
Bowling
Supreme Authority
World Bowling
Type
Target
Recreational
Venue
Bowling Alley
Team members
Singles or teams of 2 or 4
Mixed-sex
Yes, but usually in separate competitions
Equipment
Bowling Ball
Bowling Pins

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