Many people go to bowling alleys for dates, parties or family bonding time. They joke around and try to beat each other’s scores, usually finishing at about 80. What many of these people don’t know is that bowling isn’t just for fun and games. In fact, bowling is a sport like any other, with fans who watch games that are featured on television and young people who try to build their skill level to become professionals.
As one of these young people, I can say that bowling is a difficult sport. Though it doesn’t require a lot of running, bowling demands upper body strength and a large amount of thinking. To knock all 10 of the pins down, bowlers have to know exactly where to stand, how to throw the ball, and then how to adjust on their second chance if they didn’t get a strike.
I find this challenge enjoyable. When I adjust and get a split, I get excited and more confident. But just like in other sports, messing up and not reaching your goal in bowling can be frustrating and disappointing. Besides just damaging your personal score and average, this hurts the team as well.
Bowling is a team sport, just as football, basketball and baseball are. At my league at Highland Lanes, teams compete against each other one-on-one each week to get as close to first place as possible. Whichever team knocks down the most pins wins the game, and we play three games each Saturday morning. Whichever team wins the most games moves up.
Bowling has a fun side as well. As a team sport, close friendships are made during competitions. For example, I’ve been on a team with the same people for the last 11 years. Though our school doesn’t have a team, many high school students have become close friends through their bowling teams.
Another benefit of bowling as a young person is that scholarship money can be earned by competing in tournaments and joining specific groups in your league. Though these tournaments are usually competed as individual events, some even allow you to compete with your close friends as a team.
Though it’s a fun activity for a rainy day, bowling is also a sport to be taken seriously. With competition, teamwork and mental challenges, the sport is great for young people to participate in.
