12 Intriguing Facts About Bowling

While the sight of pins, balls, and those unmistakable shoes is familiar to most, our knowledge of bowling often stops there. Regardless of age or expertise, it's a game anyone can enjoy. Plus, you can sip on a beer while playing. What could be better?

This is undoubtedly why bowling holds the title of the most popular participatory sport in the United States, as reported by the Bowling Proprietors' Association of America.

You might recall your parents' lively bowling league adventures (not everyone had parents who attended Woodstock), while some of us learned about bowling by watching Fred Flintstone and Barney Rubble compete at The Water Buffalo Lodge. No matter how much you think you know about the sport, there's always more to discover. Dive into these 12 fascinating facts about bowling.

1. Millions Bowl Annually

The American Bowling Congress reports that over 67 million Americans bowl recreationally each year. Additionally, more than 1.2 million participate in leagues sanctioned by the United States Bowling Congress. These leagues involve teams of three to five players competing over eight to 12 weeks, with opportunities starting as early as age 10.

2. Bowling Is Old School

Bowling's origins date back to ancient Egypt around 5000 B.C.E., where archaeologists found artifacts like nine stone pieces and a stone ball in a child's tomb. The game involved rolling the ball through an archway to hit the pieces, predating even Moses' exodus from Egypt. It's possible Homer took breaks from writing the Odyssey to bowl—who knows?

3. King Edward III Banned Bowling

The earliest documented mention of bowling is a prohibition by King Edward III in 1366. Although Edward himself enjoyed lawn bowling, he banned the game for his soldiers and those not of high status, fearing they were prioritizing bowling over their duties. He imposed a hefty fee of 100 pounds to discourage play.

4. It Spread Across the Globe

Bowling rapidly gained global popularity, leading to diverse rules and variations, including differences in the number and shape of pins. By the 19th century, its widespread appeal prompted delegates from nine bowling clubs to establish the National Bowling Association in 1875. Two decades later, the American Bowling Congress was founded.

5. It Was a Man's Game

While bowling is now open to everyone, this wasn't always the case. When the American Bowling Congress was established in 1895, it designated bowling as a men's-only activity. Women were excluded until 1917, when they formed the Women's National Bowling Congress to ensure the sport included female participants.

6. Bowling Basics

The objective of bowling is to knock down all 10 pins in each frame. Each player gets two attempts per frame, and a game consists of 10 frames. If you score a strike in the 10th frame, you earn two additional throws to maximize your score. A spare grants one extra throw. Be cautious not to cross the foul line during your approach, as any pins knocked down after stepping over it won't count. And remember, stylish shoes are a no-go on the lanes.

7. Pick a Better Ball

Unsure which bowling ball suits you best? Ideally, your ball should weigh around 10 percent of your body weight. For instance, if you weigh 150 pounds (68 kilograms), an 8-pound (3.6-kilogram) ball is too light. Choose a ball with enough weight to be effective but not so heavy that it hinders your throw. Additionally, ensure the finger holes fit comfortably—neither too tight nor too loose.

8. Oil on the Lanes

While oil and water are incompatible, oil and bowling are a perfect match. Have you ever felt your ball greasy? That's due to the oil applied on the lanes. Oil was initially used to safeguard the lane surfaces, but now, specific oil patterns influence the speed, spin, and hook (a curving roll) of a bowler's ball as it moves down the lane towards the pins.

Bowling alleys are equipped with machines that apply oil to the lanes. These machines can be set with particular patterns that dictate the amount and location of the oil. Typically, bowling centers employ "recreational" patterns that simplify the game for casual players. However, professional bowlers face oil patterns crafted to increase the challenge of striking the pins.

9. There's Lots of Lingo

For instance, the term turkey refers to achieving three consecutive strikes. Similarly, a six-pack denotes six straight strikes, while a seven bagger to 11 bagger indicates seven to 11 consecutive strikes. However, the jargon extends beyond strikes. The pocket is the optimal spot for the ball to hit to secure a strike, located between the 1 and 2 pins for left-handed players and between the 1 and 3 pins for right-handed players. The head pin, also known as the No. 1 pin, is the frontmost pin closest to the bowler. Additionally, approach has dual meanings: it refers to the area behind the foul line and the act of stepping toward the lane before releasing the ball. Various techniques exist for executing the approach.

10. There's Etiquette, Too

Beyond the official rules, there are certain unwritten norms in bowling. For example, avoid bowling simultaneously with someone on an adjacent lane. The person who reaches the approach first should bowl first. If there's uncertainty, the bowler on the right takes precedence. Additionally, refrain from distracting a bowler who is about to take a shot. If you score a strike on your first attempt, celebrate briefly but return to your seat instead of lingering near the ball return. If you don't achieve a strike, step back from the approach to allow others on neighboring lanes to bowl.

11. Bowling Burns Calories

Bowling can actually help you burn calories. For instance, a person weighing 180 pounds (81 kilograms) might burn approximately 326 calories per hour while bowling. (In comparison, golfing burns 244 calories per hour, and sitting burns 77 calories per hour.) However, this calorie count assumes an hour of active bowling, excluding waiting time. Additionally, consuming beer while bowling could offset the calories burned by adding new ones.

12. What's With the Shoes?

As much as it pains us to address it, the topic of bowling shoes cannot be avoided. These shoes are the bane of every bowler's existence. No other sport has footwear quite like them. There's a valid reason for their design: they're never worn outdoors, ensuring clean soles that protect the lanes and allow for smooth sliding during your approach. However, their appearance remains a mystery. Even Fred Flintstone preferred bowling on his toes rather than donning those infamous shoes.