This document provides an introduction to the sport of bowling, including its history, equipment, techniques, scoring, and competition. It discusses how bowling originated and has grown globally. The document also outlines the physical and mental aspects of the game, describing proper form, shooting spares, and making adjustments. It notes that bowling can be enjoyed by most anyone as a recreational or competitive sport throughout one's life.

1. Eastern Michigan University
PEGN 151
Introduction to Bowling
"Make a small adjustment, save a frame; Make a big
adjustment, save the game."
Earl Anthony, 1938 – 2001
Course materials developed and selected by
Sharon Pendleton-Moore; written by
Ron Wilbanks, Eastern Michigan University

2. Table of Contents
I. Introduction Page
History of Bowling……………………………………………………………1
Getting Started………………………………………………….……………7
II. The Game Itself
How the game is played…………………………………………………….9
Keeping Score……………………………………………………………….9
Proper Etiquette…………………………………………………………….10
III. Equipment
Introduction………………………………………………………………….11
Balls………………………………………………………………………….11
Shoes………………………………………………………………………..14
Accessories…………………………………………………………………15
Pinspotters………………………………………………………………….16
Caring for your equipment………………………………………………...18
IV. Physics of Bowling
Lane Conditions & Specifications…………………………………………19
Pin Specifications…………………………………………………………..21
V. Mental Game
Introduction………………………………………………………………….22
Attitudes……………………………………………………………………..22
Setting goals………………………………………………………………..23
Distractions………………………………………………………………….23
Slumps………………………………………………………………………23
Pressure…………………………………………………………………….24
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3. VI. Technique
Introduction…………………………………………………………………26
Types of deliveries………………………………………………………...27
Proper form ………………………………………………………………..28
Hooking the ball……………………………………………………………29
Shooting spares……………………………………………………………30
Making splits……………………………………………………………….31
Making adjustments……………………………………………………….33
VII. Competition
Bowling on a league………………………………………………………35
What is a handicap? ……………………………………………………..36
VIII. Finding a bowling centers and Web sites
Local bowling centers ……………………………………………………37
Bowling Web sites ………………………………………………………..38
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4. Outcome for the complete progress of PEGN 151:
Beginning Average;
first five games:
Score Date
Game 1
Game 2
Game 3
Game 4
Game 5
Beginning Average:
To calculate the Beginning Average, delete the highest and lowest
scores, then divide by “3”.
Beginning Average Team High-Game
Mid-Term Average Team Handicap
Final Average Final Team Average
Improvement in Average scale:
Improvement is based on Beginning Averages, which is calculated from the
following table:
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5. Twenty percent improvement scale:
Beginning Average A A- / B+ / B B- / C+ / C D
50 – 78 20 19 / 15 / 12 11 – 9 – 6 5 – 0
79 – 89 18 17 / 13 – 10 9 – 7 – 5 4 to -3
90 – 109 14 13 / 08 / 05 4 / 2 / -2 -3 or more
110 – 129 10 09 / 04 / 01 0 / -3 / -7 -8 or more
130 – 150 5 04 / 02 / 0 -1 / -3 / -7 -8 or more
151+ 1 0 / -3 / -6 -7 / -10 / -13 -14 or more
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6. Introduction
This coursepack is designed to give you the student a logical background in the
fundamentals of tenpin bowling. The information contained in this guide is designed to
help you gain a better understanding of the sport and how to achieve greater results in
playing the game by selecting the proper equipment to maximize your potential.
Likewise, the information contained in this guide is designed to help you beyond this
class and encourage you to continue enjoying the sport, whether you are a recreational
once-a-month bowler or aspire to join the ranks of the PBA and become the next Earl
Anthony.
Bowling is the second highest participation sport in the world, and quite popular as a
sport and entertainment. With more and more bowling centers opening in different parts
of the world, this has given many people the chance to enjoy this globally expanding
sport.
Bowling is already a medal sport in the Asian and Commonwealth games and is
expected to gain recognition in the Olympics in the near future. Likewise, at the summer
games in Seoul and Barcelona, international competitions of the world's best players took
place and in 1996 athletes from all over the globe sought relaxation and enjoyment in the
Atlanta’s Olympic Village bowling center.
Bowling is played in 88 countries located in all five Olympic Zones. With more than
100 million participants, 10 million competitors and 250 thousand bowling lanes it is one
of the largest and best-organized sports in the world and is included in the following
international and regional championships: Pan American Games; Asian Games; World
Games; Commonwealth Games, Central and South American Games; Caribbean Games,
Bolivian Games, South East and Far East Asian Games; Maccabiah Games; Masters
Games, and Solidarity Games In 1992 and 1996, a modern bowling facility was installed
in the Athletes' Village at Barcelona and Atlanta where champion bowlers conducted
exhibitions, competed, and offered instructional sessions for the benefit of Olympic
athletes. Bowling supports and observes Olympic ideals.
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7. What's So Great About Bowling?
Many things - almost anyone can do it and you can do it almost anytime. Bowling isn't
weather dependent and can be enjoyed year round, especially during the winter months.
Moreover, it's cheaper than most sports (yes it is a sport), and it's a great way to make
friends but most of all, it's fun! If you're a bowler, then you're in very good company.
Bowlers are among the most affluent and intelligent people on the planet.
Did you know:
• There are approximately 50 million bowlers in America.
• 33% are adult women, 32% are adult men, and the rest are young folks.
• 6 million are real serious and compete in leagues.
• The average age is 28 years.
• 43% are business executives, managers or professionals.
• 60% went to college.
• The average household income is $38,400.
• 76% are married.
• 75% own their own home.
• Bowlers have an average IQ of 129.
Now lets take a look at how bowling got started …
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8. Bowling is a Lifetime Sport!
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