Is Bowling Hard to Learn and Play?

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Is bowling hard?

Well, yes and no.

Bowling is a relatively easy sport to pick up casually but when it comes to the upper competitive brackets or just the higher skill levels in general, bowling can become quite challenging.

If you would like to have an in-depth understanding about the twists and turns of bowling, from humble beginner all the way to experienced veteran, then continue reading!

Table Of Contents

Is Bowling Hard?

The quick answer to this question is no, bowling is not hard.

It is one of the easier sports to pick up casually and this is the exact reason why a lot of people choose bowling as a great way to bond with others without feeling too much pressure or competitiveness.

Having spent many years bowling ourselves, we can definitely say that although we are not the best of the best in the world, we definitely have a lot of fun, unforgettable moments, and at the end of the day, that is what the sport of bowling can be all about.

Differences in Skill Levels in Bowling

how hard is bowling to learn

There are three general tiers of skill levels in bowling: beginner, intermediate, and expert. Let’s go through each category in detail to get a better understanding of difficulty.

Beginner

Beginners refer to the casual once-a-month bowlers and those who are just starting out their bowling journey. These players are new to the game and are prone to gutter balls and low-scoring outputs. Most throws are straight and strikes are few and far between.

But it's not difficult as most beginners are playing casually and for fun when starting out.

Intermediate

Intermediate players are those who have years of experience in bowling or those who have a few months of consistent play on record.

These players are now experimenting with different bowling ball types and shot dynamics, particularly working on mastering the hook shot, which is the best possible way to secure a strike. Speaking of strikes, knocking down all the pins happens more often, and the scores get significantly higher as performance becomes a little bit more consistent compared to beginner bowlers.

Expert

Expert bowlers are not only gifted athletes but are also hardworking and resilient players. These players range from those who play in the regional competitive scene to those who are considered to be global superstars in the field of bowling.

Expect near-perfect performances on a regular basis from expert bowlers.

Average Bowling Scores When Starting Out

In 10-pin bowling, the highest possible score is 300, and this score can only be attained if you play absolutely perfect from start to finish. Not even professional bowlers can constantly achieve this scoring mark in high-level competitive play.

For casual and beginner bowlers, the target to aim for is roughly in the ballpark of 70 to 80 points. By no means is this an exceptional score, but it is nevertheless a decent score for the aforementioned skill level.

If, on the other hand, you are an experienced bowler with a few years on your belt, then having an average of around 175 points is the target. Sure, there may be off days. There may even be fantastic days, but the goal is to try to hover around the 175 scoreline.

How to Bowl: The Basics of Bowling

The fundamentals of bowling can be summarized into three general segments: the approach, the throw, and the pins. Let's explore each segment below.

The Approach

The approach has tripped up several aspiring bowlers because of the coordination required from head to toe.

The approach refers to the way the bowling ball is delivered onto the bowling lane, similar to how a baseball pitcher would throw a baseball or how a volleyball player would serve a volleyball.

The approach involves two to four steps, a backswing, and the eventual throw or release.

For this particular segment of bowling, we recommend practicing the one flow of movement as much as possible. It would not do you good to just think up movements or footwork on the go or based on whatever you feel like doing during the match.

Practice makes perfect, and for the approach, you will definitely need hours upon hours of practice.

The Throw

The throw may seem harsh or aggressive, especially for some professional bowlers who aim for speed and power, but for beginner bowlers, it is equally important to consider how the grace of the movement of your arm, all the way down to the release at the fingertips.

The combination of power and precision only occurs if all muscles work in synchronicity. In other words, the throw requires a mix of technique, endurance, and muscle memory.

The motion of the throw varies from bowler to bowler, especially with the handful of different grips and releases that are practiced in this day and age.

For this particular segment, we recommend experimenting with the different types of throws in order to find which one is the safest, most comfortable, and most consistent. All three characteristics can usually be found in one or two throws or releases, so you should be all set once you identify the throw that is meant for you.

The Pins

The pins are the reason you are here! It may sound absurdly simple, but the goal is to just knock down as many pins as possible over and over and over, much like how the goal of basketball is to get the ball into the hoop more than your opponent or how the goal in soccer is to get the ball into the net.

There are different types of bowling, but the most commonly played version is what is called ten-pin bowling because, you guessed it, it is a bowling match that involves knocking down ten pins at a time.

If you are a beginner, don't sweat not knocking all pins down from the get-go. It rarely ever happens that way, and even if it does, don't expect it to happen consistently at first. We suggest just trying to understand the mechanics of the ball and how the physics of the pins being knocked down works.

Spoiler alert: the best-proven way to increase the likelihood of knocking all pins down is when the pin stack is attacked at an angle as opposed to a straightforward motion, which is why hook shots are the bread and butter of elite bowlers.

Learn how to hook a bowling ball here.

How Bowling is Scored

bowling scores

Scoring in bowling is more complicated than 2-point and 3-point shots in basketball. Fortunately, most modern-day bowling alleys have an automated system that does the computations for you.

Simply put, there are 10 frames (or rounds) in bowling. In each frame, you get two attempts (or balls) to knock down as many pins as possible. Every pin you knock down is equivalent to 1 point.

However, things get a bit tricky when you knock down all ten pins in one frame. If, for example, you knock down 8 pins in your first attempt and 2 pins in your second attempt, you get what is called a spare. This means that your score for the first frame will also include however many pins you knock down in the first attempt of the second frame. If you get 3 pins in the first attempt of the second frame, you are awarded a total of 13 points (8 + 2 + 3) for the first frame.

If you get all 10 pins in the first attempt of your first frame, you get what is called a strike, which is the best possible scenario in bowling. Instead of counting just the next attempt, you will also have to add the score you get in the succeeding attempt. So, if you knock down 10 pins in the first frame, then proceed and get 7 pins in your next attempt and 2 pins in the attempt after, you are awarded a total of 19 points (10 + 7 + 2) for the first frame.

Check out our detailed guide on how to score a bowling game for more on this.

How to Throw a Bowling Ball

Throwing a bowling ball requires focus, technique, and a bit of wrist action. In throwing a bowling ball consistently, you have to start from the moment you position the ball in preparation for the approach. Here are the essential steps:

  1. With the fingers of your bowling hand securely inside your bowling ball, begin to lift the ball with a straight forearm and wrist.
  2. As you take the steps in your approach, begin to extend your arm and swing the ball back.
  3. As you reach the end of your approach, swing your bowling arm forward and release the bowling ball from your fingertips, integrating a forward and rotating motion with your wrist (as if giving someone a high five from below).

Check out our detailed guide on how to throw a bowling ball.

Essential Gear and Equipment Required for Bowling

There are a lot of pieces of equipment and accessories to consider. If, however, we are only talking about the bare minimum requirements, then take a look at the list below:

  • Comfortable sports attire
  • Bowling shoes (purchased or rented)
  • Bowling ball (purchased or rented/house ball)
  • Gym/bowling bag
  • Extra set of clothes
  • Towel
  • A bottle of water

In Summary

So is bowling hard or easy to learn? This all depends on where you're starting at and how serious you want to take it.

People who claim that bowling is hard have a right to believe so, but just like everything in life, nothing enjoyable or worthwhile comes easily. Instead, as beginner bowlers, we highly recommend that you take your time, enjoy the journey, and focus on the fun and excitement you will experience in every match.

Is bowling hard?

Well, yes and no.

Bowling is a relatively easy sport to pick up casually but when it comes to the upper competitive brackets or just the higher skill levels in general, bowling can become quite challenging.

If you would like to have an in-depth understanding about the twists and turns of bowling, from humble beginner all the way to experienced veteran, then continue reading!

Table Of Contents

Is Bowling Hard?

The quick answer to this question is no, bowling is not hard.

It is one of the easier sports to pick up casually and this is the exact reason why a lot of people choose bowling as a great way to bond with others without feeling too much pressure or competitiveness.

Having spent many years bowling ourselves, we can definitely say that although we are not the best of the best in the world, we definitely have a lot of fun, unforgettable moments, and at the end of the day, that is what the sport of bowling can be all about.

Differences in Skill Levels in Bowling

how hard is bowling to learn

There are three general tiers of skill levels in bowling: beginner, intermediate, and expert. Let’s go through each category in detail to get a better understanding of difficulty.

Beginner

Beginners refer to the casual once-a-month bowlers and those who are just starting out their bowling journey. These players are new to the game and are prone to gutter balls and low-scoring outputs. Most throws are straight and strikes are few and far between.

But it's not difficult as most beginners are playing casually and for fun when starting out.

Intermediate

Intermediate players are those who have years of experience in bowling or those who have a few months of consistent play on record.

These players are now experimenting with different bowling ball types and shot dynamics, particularly working on mastering the hook shot, which is the best possible way to secure a strike. Speaking of strikes, knocking down all the pins happens more often, and the scores get significantly higher as performance becomes a little bit more consistent compared to beginner bowlers.

Expert

Expert bowlers are not only gifted athletes but are also hardworking and resilient players. These players range from those who play in the regional competitive scene to those who are considered to be global superstars in the field of bowling.

Expect near-perfect performances on a regular basis from expert bowlers.

Average Bowling Scores When Starting Out

In 10-pin bowling, the highest possible score is 300, and this score can only be attained if you play absolutely perfect from start to finish. Not even professional bowlers can constantly achieve this scoring mark in high-level competitive play.

For casual and beginner bowlers, the target to aim for is roughly in the ballpark of 70 to 80 points. By no means is this an exceptional score, but it is nevertheless a decent score for the aforementioned skill level.

If, on the other hand, you are an experienced bowler with a few years on your belt, then having an average of around 175 points is the target. Sure, there may be off days. There may even be fantastic days, but the goal is to try to hover around the 175 scoreline.

How to Bowl: The Basics of Bowling

The fundamentals of bowling can be summarized into three general segments: the approach, the throw, and the pins. Let's explore each segment below.

The Approach

The approach has tripped up several aspiring bowlers because of the coordination required from head to toe.

The approach refers to the way the bowling ball is delivered onto the bowling lane, similar to how a baseball pitcher would throw a baseball or how a volleyball player would serve a volleyball.

The approach involves two to four steps, a backswing, and the eventual throw or release.

For this particular segment of bowling, we recommend practicing the one flow of movement as much as possible. It would not do you good to just think up movements or footwork on the go or based on whatever you feel like doing during the match.

Practice makes perfect, and for the approach, you will definitely need hours upon hours of practice.

The Throw

The throw may seem harsh or aggressive, especially for some professional bowlers who aim for speed and power, but for beginner bowlers, it is equally important to consider how the grace of the movement of your arm, all the way down to the release at the fingertips.

The combination of power and precision only occurs if all muscles work in synchronicity. In other words, the throw requires a mix of technique, endurance, and muscle memory.

The motion of the throw varies from bowler to bowler, especially with the handful of different grips and releases that are practiced in this day and age.

For this particular segment, we recommend experimenting with the different types of throws in order to find which one is the safest, most comfortable, and most consistent. All three characteristics can usually be found in one or two throws or releases, so you should be all set once you identify the throw that is meant for you.

The Pins

The pins are the reason you are here! It may sound absurdly simple, but the goal is to just knock down as many pins as possible over and over and over, much like how the goal of basketball is to get the ball into the hoop more than your opponent or how the goal in soccer is to get the ball into the net.

There are different types of bowling, but the most commonly played version is what is called ten-pin bowling because, you guessed it, it is a bowling match that involves knocking down ten pins at a time.

If you are a beginner, don't sweat not knocking all pins down from the get-go. It rarely ever happens that way, and even if it does, don't expect it to happen consistently at first. We suggest just trying to understand the mechanics of the ball and how the physics of the pins being knocked down works.

Spoiler alert: the best-proven way to increase the likelihood of knocking all pins down is when the pin stack is attacked at an angle as opposed to a straightforward motion, which is why hook shots are the bread and butter of elite bowlers.

Learn how to hook a bowling ball here.

How Bowling is Scored

bowling scores

Scoring in bowling is more complicated than 2-point and 3-point shots in basketball. Fortunately, most modern-day bowling alleys have an automated system that does the computations for you.

Simply put, there are 10 frames (or rounds) in bowling. In each frame, you get two attempts (or balls) to knock down as many pins as possible. Every pin you knock down is equivalent to 1 point.

However, things get a bit tricky when you knock down all ten pins in one frame. If, for example, you knock down 8 pins in your first attempt and 2 pins in your second attempt, you get what is called a spare. This means that your score for the first frame will also include however many pins you knock down in the first attempt of the second frame. If you get 3 pins in the first attempt of the second frame, you are awarded a total of 13 points (8 + 2 + 3) for the first frame.

If you get all 10 pins in the first attempt of your first frame, you get what is called a strike, which is the best possible scenario in bowling. Instead of counting just the next attempt, you will also have to add the score you get in the succeeding attempt. So, if you knock down 10 pins in the first frame, then proceed and get 7 pins in your next attempt and 2 pins in the attempt after, you are awarded a total of 19 points (10 + 7 + 2) for the first frame.

Check out our detailed guide on how to score a bowling game for more on this.

How to Throw a Bowling Ball

Throwing a bowling ball requires focus, technique, and a bit of wrist action. In throwing a bowling ball consistently, you have to start from the moment you position the ball in preparation for the approach. Here are the essential steps:

  1. With the fingers of your bowling hand securely inside your bowling ball, begin to lift the ball with a straight forearm and wrist.
  2. As you take the steps in your approach, begin to extend your arm and swing the ball back.
  3. As you reach the end of your approach, swing your bowling arm forward and release the bowling ball from your fingertips, integrating a forward and rotating motion with your wrist (as if giving someone a high five from below).

Check out our detailed guide on how to throw a bowling ball.

Essential Gear and Equipment Required for Bowling

There are a lot of pieces of equipment and accessories to consider. If, however, we are only talking about the bare minimum requirements, then take a look at the list below:

  • Comfortable sports attire
  • Bowling shoes (purchased or rented)
  • Bowling ball (purchased or rented/house ball)
  • Gym/bowling bag
  • Extra set of clothes
  • Towel
  • A bottle of water

In Summary

So is bowling hard or easy to learn? This all depends on where you're starting at and how serious you want to take it.

People who claim that bowling is hard have a right to believe so, but just like everything in life, nothing enjoyable or worthwhile comes easily. Instead, as beginner bowlers, we highly recommend that you take your time, enjoy the journey, and focus on the fun and excitement you will experience in every match.

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