Origins or Bowling
It appears the ancient Egyptians invented the sport of tossing a ball down an alley and listening to the oddly satisfying crash of pins. Archaeologist Sir Flinders Petrie discovered bowling balls and pins in the grave of an Egyptian child from 5200 BC. This seems to be the oldest evidence of the sport and a likely origin, although German historian William Pehle claims the sport originated in his country around 300 AD.
The game flourished in various forms throughout Europe and was particularly popular in England during the reign of King Edward III. It was so popular in fact, that the king outlawed the game so it wouldn't distract his troops from practicing their swordfighting skills.
When America was settled, the Dutch, English, and German all brought their own versions of the game to the new world, where it enjoyed continued popularity, although not without some controversy. In 1870, nine-pin bowling, then the standard, was banned due to its close connection with gambling and other crimes. According to some sources, this led to the invention of ten-pin bowling in an ingenious effort to circumvent the law.
During the 1950s, the invention of the automatic pinsetting machine, which automatically racked the pins and left pinboys unemployed, led to renewed popularity for the game. These days, bowling enjoys a sort of kitschy, retro appeal and has leagues of devoted enthusiasts.
Equipment
Balls
The usage of random house balls is not recommendable to attain consistency in bowling movements. Each time a ball is switched, the weight may vary affecting arm motions. A custom bowling ball or one that fits well and has the right weight for the hand is also a key aspect to a good throwing technique as it allows a proper hand motion. In general, bowlers should hold the ball with the two fingers of the dominant hand.
Shoes
Bowling shoes posses an intermediate style between regular dressing shoes and the athletic type. The sole of the non sliding foot is generally made of rubber like you would find on a basketball sneaker to create stability, while the sliding foot is made of a much softer material that allows a bowler to slide into his release. These shoes can be bought, but they are normally rented.
Gloves
A bowling glove is a glove with a metal wrist support and a textured face that offers support in order to enhance grip. There are different glove styles, including those with a full metal finger design and ones with an uncovered portion for the middle and ring fingers.
Types of Pins
Four main variations are found in Australia.
Tenpin
largest and heaviest pins, bowled with a large ball, and the most popular size in North America; the highest score in tenpin bowling 300 in one game
Candlepin
tallest pins, thin with matching ends, and bowled with a handheld ball
Duckpin
short, squat, and bowled with a handheld ball
Fivepin
tall, between duckpins and candlepins in diameter with a rubber girdle, bowled with a handheld ball, mostly found in Canada.
Useful Info
Bowling is an Anaerobic exercise type of physical exercise, similar to walking with free weights.
Bowling helps in burning calories and works muscle groups not usually exercised. The flexing and stretching in bowling works tendons, joints, ligaments and muscles in the arms and promptes weight loss.
Apart from the physical benefits it also has osychosocial benefits, strengthening friendships or creating new ones in groups
Bowling Safety
Like any other physical activity, warming uphelps to prevent injuries. Checking the soles of shoes for sticky objects helps to avoid falls. Since bowling balls are heavy with varying weight ranges, to avoid back and wrist injury they should be picked up with both hands. It’s recommended to bend one’sknees while picking up bowling balls to avoid back injuries. The bowling ball return mechanism has a driven wheel, and bowlers should keep their hands clear of it.