Tenpin Bowling

Made Easy!
Introduction
Thank you for your commitment to
the sport of tenpin bowling.
Tenpin Bowling Australia Ltd is the
National Sporting Organisation as recognised
by the Australian Sports Commission.
Tenpin bowling is a sport for all, with no age, size, speed
or strength limitations. It is scored objectively and is
adaptable to any schedule or number of participants.
Tenpin Bowling Australia is committed to creating
environments and opportunities for all community members
to participate in and enjoy the sport of Tenpin Bowling.
Regardless of your ability and experience, if you choose
to bowl for fun or health, if you dream of becoming a world
champion or if you choose to participate in non-bowling
roles like coaching and volunteering, tenpin bowling
provides many opportunities.

Tenpin Bowling The Sport for a Lifetime!

The future of our sport requires
your support join today.

www.tenpin.org.au

HOW TO SCORE
Game
A game consists of 10 frames. A maximum of two deliveries
is made in each frame except in the 10th frame, when three
deliveries are made if the player has scored a strike or a spare
in that frame.

Strike
A strike is scored when all the pins are knocked down by
the first ball rolled in a frame. It is marked with an X.
Because a strike earns 10 pins plus a bonus of all the
pins knocked down by the next two balls, no figure is
entered until the next two balls are rolled. A strike in the
10th frame earns two extra rolls.

Spare
A spare is scored when all pins are knocked down with
two deliveries. It is marked with a /. Because a spare
earns 10 pins plus a bonus of all the pins knocked down
by the next single ball, no score is entered until the first
ball of the next frame is rolled. A spare in the 10th frame
earns one extra roll.

Open Frame
An open frame occurs when there are pins left standing
after two balls. There is no penalty for an open frame,
other than that of failing to gain the bonuses for a strike
or a spare. When an open frame is made simply add
those pins knocked down to the total in the previous
frame.

BOWLING BALL SELECTION

Spend a few extra minutes selecting your ball.
A good comfortable ball makes
your game much more enjoyable
and enables you to get the most
out of the sport of tenpin bowling.

Weight
Select a weight which is
comfortable for you. Finding
a weight that is not too heavy
but also not too light is important
for maximising your score.
A weight and age guide to get you started:
Juniors 6 and under should use 6lb balls
Juniors 7 to 10 yrs olds should use 8 - 10lb balls
Juniors aged 11 to 14 years should use 9 - 12lb balls
Try a ball in the 10 to 14 pound range for a woman
Try a ball between 14 and 16 pounds for a man
When you are beginning, stay with a comfortable weight but
if you assess comfort by feel, make sure the ball fits your
hand a badly fitting ball feels much heavier.
House Balls
Most new bowlers use a ball provided by the bowling centre,
called a house ball. They are made of plasitic (polyester)
and range in weight from six to 16 pounds. The cover is
smooth and does not generate a lot of hook. This is good for
beginners as it will allow for more control.

BOWLING BALL SELECTION

A ball that does not properly fit can sometimes cause blisters,
calluses or sores. Finger and thumb holes that are too big
can cause the ball to be dropped, and if the holes are too
small the ball could stick on the bowlers hand. As youth
bowlers grow, it is important to check their fit continuously
and make adjustments when needed.
Firstly ensure that the thumb
hole is large enough for your
thumb to slide in and out
without any grab whatsoever.
With your thumb fully in the hole,
spread your hand over the ball
with your middle and ring fingers
across the finger holes. The
creases of your middle joints should
be past the innermost edge of the
holes without moving your thumb.
If you are satisfied, then extract your thumb, put your middle
and ring fingers in the holes up to the knuckle joint, pull back,
and then insert your thumb again.
Gently squeeze the ball, pick it up and turn it over so that the
weight is resting on the heel of your hand. Help support the
weight with your opposing or non-bowling hand. If you have
chosen well, your palm should be fully in contact with the ball
without any strain on your fingers.
Carefully give it a practice swing and see that it is still
comfortable.
There are other types of grips used by bowlers, but until you
have a few years experience under your belt, stay with this
CONVENTIONAL grip.

KNOWING THE LANES

A bowling lane includes: the pin deck (where the pins are
located) which is approximately three feet in length; the lane
surface (wood or synthetic material), which is 60 feet in length
from the foul line to middle of the front pin (called the head
pin); gutters (also called channels) along both sides of the
lane and the approach (where bowlers make their delivery)
which must be a minimum of 15 feet in length.

Arrows
There are seven arrows on each lane, located 12-16 feet from
the foul line. When counting the arrows, right-handed bowlers
start from the right and count left, and left-handed bowlers
start from the left and count right.

KNOWING THE LANES

Oil
Beyond the foul line, oil is applied to the lane surface to protect
it from damage caused by balls. This makes the lane slippery
and can be a safety hazard if a bowler steps over the foul
line.

Pins
The pins are made of wood and plastic. They are manufactured
to be uniform in size and weight. Each pin is 15 inches tall,
approximately 4-11/16 inches in diameter and must weigh
between 3 pounds, 6 ounces and 3 pounds, 10 ounces. The
pins are arranged in a triangle and are approximately 12
inches apart numbered from one to 10 with the front pin (head
pin) being the No. 1 and numbering left to right from front to
back.

APPROACH AND DELIVERY

The most commonly used
approach is the four step
approach, which is
explained below.
The four-step approach is
great for beginning bowlers
to develop a sound set of
fundamentals throughout
a bowling approach.

Where to Stand on the Approach

The first thing a bowler needs to do is to determine where to stand on

the approach. The bowler:
Walks to the foul line, turns around and stands with their back facing
the pins with the centre dot between their feet.
Takes four and one-half steps back from the foul line and turns on
their toe to face the pins. This is the starting distance.
Picks up ball from the ball return using both hands on either side of the ball.
Set up in athletic pose.
Places hand in the ball inserting fingers first, followed by the thumb.

(Start) Positions the ball-side elbow at the hip and holds the ball waist level
(Step 1) Starts the push away and first step (ball-side foot) at the same time. As
the ball starts into the swing, the opposite arm goes out to the side for balance.
(Step 2) In the second step the ball swings down near the leg. The swing should
be close to the body and straight.
(Step 3) In the third step the ball reaches the top of the backswing.
(Step 4 Release) In the fourth step and while sliding, the ball swings down
and is released as it passes the slide foot ankle.
(Follow through) Bowler follows through toward the target, bringing the bowling
elbow above the ball- side shoulder, staying in a balanced position watching
the ball until it rolls over the target.

APPROACH AND DELIVERY

At all times during the delivery the ball should be swinging in
a perfectly straight line, aimed at your target. It is most
important that this swing be natural and completely dependant
upon the weight of the ball. Do not push it or pull it, once you
have released your non bowling hand.
Gravity knows only one line a straight one so allow it to
keep your ball swinging straight for you.

SAFETY IN BOWLING CENTRES

Keep hands away from the ball return opening. The
belts, wheels and pulleys stop for no one.
No food or drink in the bowling area. The approach
becomes sticky and bowlers who intend to slide
might fall.
Be alert to balls coming back to the ball return. A
pinched finger hurts!
Finish your delivery behind the foul line (the black
line that separates the approach and the playing
surface). There is oil on the lane and it is very
slippery.

THE STRAIGHT BALL

The straight ball does not hook or curve.
It is aimed directly at the pocket. This
is generally the best delivery for new
bowlers where the focus for the bowler
is learning to consistently hit the pins.
To roll a straight ball, for both right and
left handers, the thumb will be
positioned at 12 oclock with fingers at
6 oclock. As the ball reaches the
bowlers ankle, the ball rolls off the
palm with the thumb exiting first
followed by the fingers.

THE HOOK BALL

Once a bowler has mastered the basics
of the approach it may be time to learn
how to hook the ball. Delivered
consistently, the hook ball is more effective
in knocking down pins than the straight
ball. However the hook ball is slightly
more difficult to learn and takes some
practice to get it right. A hook ball is only
more effective if it is delivered accurately.
In bowling a hook ball,
as you bring the ball
forward, the position of
your hand should be the
same as though you
were going to shake
hands with the pins. The
thumb leaves the hole
first and the fingers and
palm are used to rotate
the ball. It is important
that the thumb stays in
the upright position at
approximately 12
oclock.

SPARE SHOOTING
Below is a table that explains to the bowler where to stand and what
arrow to aim at to pick up a specific spare. If a new bowler missed
their target and leaves a spare with either the 1 or 5 pin, the bowler
should roll the second ball as if they were trying to get a strike.

The seven locator dots at the foul

line will be used to help the bowler
line up with their slide foot to shoot
spares. Right-handers count the dots
right to left and left-handers count
the dots left to right.

In order to pick up a spare that has

more than one pin, the pin that is in
the front must be hit. To the right is
an example of which pin to aim for to
convert the 2-4-5 spare.

SPARE SHOOTING
Example of where to stand to spare a 10-pin if you are a right or left
handed bowler:

WHAT IS A LEAGUE?
The term league refers to an event where several teams bowl against
each other in friendly competition. It's an opportunity for people to
gather together and play the sport of tenpin bowling in an organized
manner on a regular basis.
Leagues range in size from single players, doubles format, triples, four
and five person teams. Leagues generally bowl every week on the
same day at the same time, but in recent times, there are those which
bowl once a fortnight or even once a month. Most centres also have
what's known as a 'Phantom League', for those bowlers who may not
be able to make it on the same day and time each week due to work
commitments, for example. Phantom leagues allow bowlers to come
in any time throughout the week and bowl their games.
League affairs are conducted by officers elected by the bowlers, or by
the bowling centre management and staff. Leagues follow established
rules, but can add their own when necessary.
A league organises its season so that every team (one, two, three,
four or five players) plays every other team usually twice, according
to a draw. In this manner, members get to know each other in the
nicest possible way by bowling together! At the end of each season,
trophies, prizes* etc are handed out to recognise both team and
individual achievements such as league champions and high individual
game.
New members are always welcome in a league - it means new
friends for everybody! Don't worry if your average is low as most
leagues are handicapped so that the lower a bowlers average, the
higher their handicap. This allows people of all abilities to compete on
an even playing field.
In traditional bowling leagues, each team plays three games per visit
however there are two and even one game leagues particularly for
juniors. In the first week of the league, the average and handicap of
each player is set but in some leagues this can take up to 3 weeks.
* Varies from centre to centre, so please check with your local centre.

INCLUSIVE BOWLING
Tenpin Bowling is a sport that can be enjoyed by all Australians
regardless of age or ability.
Tenpin Bowling Australia is committed to making our sport accessible
and inclusive for everyone - to make sure Tenpin Bowling is the sport
of a lifetime.
TBA is working closely with local centres and state associations to
provide welcoming and inclusive environments in all registered bowling
centres. Your local bowling centre runs programs where you can learn
to bowl, with experienced coaches, participate in leagues with bowlers
of all abilities.
By nature, the sport is easily adaptable. This is can be done by using
adapted equipment including gutter rails, balls with handles, ramps
and rails for the blind and vision impaired participants. Tenpin Bowling
has an easily to follow participation pathway that provides opportunities
for new bowlers and bowlers who have the ability to represent their
State and Australia at National and International events.

LANGUAGE OF THE LANES

Baby Split

The 2-7 or 3-10 splits.

Bed Posts

The 7-10 split.

Big Four
Blind Score

The 4-6-7-10 split.

Score given to a team for an absent member.

Bucket

The 2-4-5-8 for right-handers, and 3-5-6-9 for lefthanders.

Cherry

Chopping off the front pin by driving it straight back past any
other standing pins to the right or left.

Crossover
Double
Dutch 200
Foul
Follow Through

Gutter Ball
Lofting

A ball going to the 1-2 pocket side for a righthander,

1-3 for a lefthander.
Two strikes in succession.
A game of exactly 200 made by alternate strikes or spares.
Touching or going beyond the foul line as you deliver the ball.
The continuation of the swing after the ball has been
released. A good follow through should at least contine
to shoulder height to be effective.
A ball which rolls into the channel before it reaches the pins.
Throwing the ball in the air beyond the foul line.

Move In

To start from or near a corner position on the approach.

Move Out

To start from or near a corner position on the approach.

Pitch
Pocket

The angle at which a hole is bored in a ball.

The area located between the 1-3 pins for a right-hander
and the 1-2 for a lefthander.

Span

Distance between thumb and finger hole.

Split

Combination of pins left standing on first delivery with

a pin down immediately ahead of or between them.

Striking Out
Tap

Getting strikes to finish a game.

Expression used to describe a pin left standing
on an apparently perfect hit.

Target

The place on a lane where the bowler aims.

Turkey

Three strikes in a row.

BOWLING ETIQUETTE
All league bowlers should observe
these basic good manners:
Do not be tardy when it is your turn to
bowl, but give way to the bowler on your
RIGHT.
Do not use another players ball, except
with his permission.

Stay OFF the other bowlers approach.

Do not cross the FOUL line stay on

your own side.

By all means get properly set, but dont

take all day!
Let your opponent bowl in peace. Give
them the courtesy of making their shot
without any interference.

Control your temper and your language.

Body language is great BUT stay on your

own approach.
A smooth delivery please do not loft
the ball!

NOTES

NOTES