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Let's Play Duckpin Bowling

When one witness a bowling game where the players use balls and pins that are midget-like, he is witnessing a duckpin bowling competition.

Beginnings

Duckpin bowling was born somewhere in the 1900's in the eastern part of the United States. Duckpin is believed to have been born in the bowling alley which was owned by the famous baseball players Wilbert Robinson and John Mcgraw. History has it that people back then had an interesting idea of making the pins and balls smaller. The manager of the bowling alley, Mr. John Van Sant, hired a wood turner to customize the balls and pins. The people loved the new game and played it.

By the 1930s, around 200,000 people were playing the game. It has continuously gained popularity because people who wanted the fun of ten-pin bowling but hated the stress and backaches caused by the game quickly shifted to duckpin bowling.

Why is it called "duckpin" bowling?

The owners of the bowling alley (the baseball players) were also duck hunting enthusiasts. They loved hunting birds, especially duck during their spare time. As they watched the pins scatter around the alley, one of them made a comment about how the pins resembled ducks. This is the story of why the game was named "duckpin"

Specifications

Duckpin bowling has the same goal as that of regular ten-pin bowling- knock all the pins down. However, there are some major differences between the two games:

-The size of the duckpin ball is smaller, of course. A duckpin ball will measure to about 5 inches in diameter (maximum). The duckpin balls do not have holes in them, they are meant to be held in one hand.

-The pins are also smaller. The duckpins measure to around 10 inches in height.

-In duckpin, one can throw three balls during a certain round. Unlike regular ten-pin bowling, a player can try his luck three times during a certain round. This is because it is much harder to get a strike or a spare in duckpin bowling as compared to regular bowling.

-When a player knocks down all the pins in three throws, he is merited with 10 points. No bonuses are given to him for knocking all the pins down.

One must try playing duckpin bowling to experience the fun and excitement it brings. It's as fun as ten-pin bowling but minus all the back and finger aches.

About the Author

Go to The Bowling Coach website to find out more about bowling techniques, including bowling hook and spare bowling.

How to Choose Bowling Equipment

When bowling, one must use the proper equipment to achieve the best results. It is a fun game, but having the right equipment is not about taking the fun out of bowling, it is to ensure that one plays with comfort and avoids injuries when playing.

Here are some tips on how to properly choose bowling equipment:

Bowling Ball

Bowling balls are the heart of the game of bowling. Bowling balls can make one’s game or break his arms. Make sure that you use the proper bowling balls while playing.

-A bowler must make sure that he is using the right kind of ball. Right-handed players should use balls which are made for the right-handed and left-handed players should use balls for the lefties. There’s a slight difference in the distances of the finger holes between the two balls.

-As a general rule, people can use balls which weight up to 10% of their total body weight. A kid who weighs 70 pounds can use a 7 pound ball, anything above that should be replaced by a lighter ball.

-One must also assess his level of playing. There are different kinds of balls for different kinds of players. There’s the beginner line, the intermediate and professional line. Balls for the beginners are usually easier to handle, the intermediate ones have more power and the balls for the professionals are made for high performance and are usually the most expensive ones.

Wrist support

A bowler may choose to use a wrist support when bowling. This equipment trains the wrist to bowl with the proper form. Using this regularly will improve one’s game. The wrist support should fit perfectly and the proper size to hug the wrist. One must not feel any discomfort or pain when using wrist supports.

Shoes

Having the right kind of shoes in bowling is an advantage. Shoes which are rented in bowling alleys can distract a player because of their improper size. Some rented shoes are itchy and this can further distract the player.

There is other equipment that is available for bowling fanatics:

-Bowling pins

-Bowling gloves

-Bowling bags

One must remember that having the right equipment is not the key to true success in bowling. Yes, they are tools which can make someone’s game better, but bowling requires passion and dedication and one must be able to enjoy the game to be successful in it.

About the Author

For bowling techniques or bowling information visit The Bowling Coach.