Know Before You Bowl

So, you are going to join a bowling league for the first time and you have questions. How is a league different from bowling with my friends. In some ways it’s not very different and in others it is. Wow, could I be a little more vague there…

Equipment

Almost all league bowlers have their own equipment (shoes, balls, bags, etc). Now, you don’t need all that to start, shoes you can rent and bowling alley has “house balls” that you can use. That being said, the place to start when getting equipment is to buy your own bowling shoes. These can run anywhere from 30 to 250+ dollars but they make a difference. Like most sports, footwork is important and having a having a comfortable and consistent pair of shoes goes a long way. Plus, eeeww someone else’s shoes (note that bowling alleys do a good job of disinfecting shoes after use). What about a ball? This is probably one of single largest equipment expenses that a league bowler makes. Its a personal choice and not one you need to make right away. Many bowlers have more than one ball (first ball, spare ball, balls for different lane conditions, etc). If you check out the links page you will find a couple of pro-shops that you can contact to discuss more about ball options (get a bag while you are at it to carry everything).

Etiquette

So what is bowling etiquette. Unlike open bowling, league bowlers try to follow some basic etiquette rules. The first has to do with food/drink, those should be kept out of the bowling area (typically the uncarpeted area behind the lane approach). This is to keep any spills from getting on the players shoes and impacting them when they bowl (its why you see bowlers where those booties on the shoes). Distracting bowlers on the approach, unlike when you are out with friends or in the bleachers, is a no-no. While most things can be blocked out, its still inappropriate. Now for the big one, the approach, that area with the ball return and where you stand to throw the ball. First of all its like crossing the street, look both ways. If there is someone on the approach in the lane next to you (either side) wait. You only need to look to the immediate left/right. In the event of a tie, the bowler to the right goes first. Don’t step on to the approach until its your turn and if you have thrown your ball, step off the approach so the next bowler can throw.

Commitment

Bowling in a league is a commitment of both time and money. Leagues have their schedule planned out in advance (days, times, length, holidays) as well as the cost so there should be no surprises.

Well, that is enough for today, have fun.