Bowling balls, Bowling shoes, and Bowling accessoriesBowling is an ancient game that has been practiced in many different variations, all of them involving throwing a heavy ball towards either pins or other balls. Scoring is based on how many pins are knocked over, or how close the ball rests to the target ball. The first official rules for 10 pin bowling were published in New York City in 1895. 10 pin bowling has become synonymous with American culture, even though the game originated in Europe and is still widely popular in the United Kingdom.
10 pin is believed to have evolved from its original form of 9 pin bowling in 1841 because of a law in Connecticut that banned 9 pin because of associations of gambling, prostitution and drunkenness. Establishments got around the law by adding an extra pin, which were originally called skittles. There are disputes to that origin story however. A painting dated 1810 shows people bowling on a lawn with 10 pins. The popularity of bowling was increased mostly by Germans in American because they avidly formed bowling leagues before and after the Civil War. By 1914 the bowling ball had evolved from its original wooden construction into a hard rubber ball made from Mineralite largely due to the manufacturer Brunswick. This was met with great approval and bowling balls have been made from similar materials since.
The bowling ball is the most important piece of equipment that is needed to bowl. For modern 10 pin bowling there are a few rules that determine the size of a bowling ball. They cannot be more than 2.25 feet in diameter or weigh more than 16 pounds. They must also be exceptionally smooth for best results, with the only variances being the holes for fingers, and small indentations used to balance the ball. Wear and tear can affect the smoothness of the ball which can cause it to behave erratically. Good used bowling balls can often be found at thrift shops for much cheaper than a new ball.
Bowling shoes are another unique piece of equipment specially designed for the smooth surface of a bowling alley. The basic characteristics are a smooth rubber sole, an under the ankle upper that is often made from leather and brightly colored and laces. The smooth sole allows the bowler to smoothly glide as they release the bowling ball. For skilled bowlers the shoes get slightly more complicated. One shoe will be much more slippery than the other depending on whether the bowler is right or left handed. One shoe is used to slide while the other is used to brake allowing the bowler to release the ball at exactly the right point.
Different bowling accessories can also improve a bowler’s game. A bowling glove is a snug fitting, fingerless glove that is made from leather, or similarly textured synthetic materials. They are perforated with holes throughout the glove to allow sweat and moisture to escape, keeping the hand and fingers dry. They allow for a snug fit between the ball and hand which allows for consistent releases every time. Other accessories, such as a ball bag are designed to protect the equipment. What bowler would be complete without a bowling shirt embroidered with their name on it?
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