Minding your P’s and Q’s is just a huge part of life right? Being polite gets you a long way with most people. And using your best bowling manners make the lanes fun for everyone. Its not even like it’s hard either. Most of the unwritten rules are just common sense. But when they are practiced by everyone, there is no greater place to be!
Ok, so you enter the alley. Right away there are some things to remember. First, you will need to make sure you know the rules of the alley. They may do things different from other alleys you’ve played in, so take note. Rent the shoes! You have to wear them because “real” shoes leave marks on the approach. You could fall, squeak, and distract others. If you do this as a hobby or go more than 3times a year – buy some of your own shoes! They aren’t expensive and they fit you foot! Look at our blog Fashionista in the Alley for tips.
So, the alley isn’t really like Kindergarten where we share everything. Do not use other bowler’s ball or equipment, even if it is house equipment. That person has borrowed or rented this particular equipment for an allotted time and has every right to it. Another very important thing is do not touch anything at all that is not yours. Bowling balls and other custom items are people’s investment in the sport and require care to maintain. So, just be careful and again bowling.com can help you find your own equipment as soon as you’d like.
You’ve started your game, now remember, keep your hands away from the ball return. We’ve all seen people get smooshed! Seriously ouch. Stay back from the foul line as much as possible. There is oil on the lane just past the foul line and if you go past it may become dangerous for you and the other players if tracked back to the foul line area It is also good etiquette to be ready when its your turn. Are you there to play – really? Nothing takes away from the fun of bowling when it’s someone’s turn and they are not to be found. Pay attention, and when your turn is up, be ready to bowl.
Now, you are playing in a group. Gotta play nicely in the sand box. It’s fun to talk – the social part of bowling is what brings a lot of us back but, whatever you do, do not talk to people while they are taking their shot or attempt to have conversation between ball 1 and 2 of a frame. Concentration is the key to bowling well. A serious bowler and even not so serious bowler will be very upset if you distract them. Once the bowler has finished the frame you may resume conversation. Sometimes you notice the others around you. There are some great shots not in your group. If you want to let the person bowling know that they have done well and you noticed give them a “high five”. The “high five” is still a great way to show a “woo hoo” without yelling one. If someone doesn’t bowl well or misses, give the person a “forearm five” where you bump forearms in the shape of a “x” as a “good try”. And don’t get drunk! You aren[‘t cute that way and the ettiquette goes out the window. You will annoy the other bowlers. So, if you feel buzzed go sit at the bar area.
On your turn, you get to concentrate and bowl your game – yeah. Just always give the bowler on other lanes if they are ready to bowl the right of way. If a bowler on one of the lanes next to you has already gotten to the approach, then let them follow through before you attempt to bowl. This is very infuriating to experienced bowlers if not obeyed and is the most important unwritten rule of bowling etiquette you need to follow. If you and a bowler on an adjacent lane reach the approach and are ready to bowl at the same time, always let the bowler on the right bowl first. Again, do not bowl until the bowler to the right’s follow through is complete. Hey, if everyone does it then you get your time to bowl without being distracted too and we all win.
After your frame is complete, do not just stand up there. It is someone else’s turn to bowl. Also, after bowling, just like in college football, don’t do a dance in the end zone! Limit the amount of body motions and gyrations you use to show you had a good or bad shot. Standing at the approach and falling over after a bad shot isn’t funny.
You’re done, had great night – now, when you are finished bowling, be sure to return any borrowed items, such as shoes and bowling balls. You wouldn’t like it if you showed up at an alley and balls and shoes were not readily available because someone forgot to return them. And don’t take anything from the alley that isn’t yours. The alley is a great place for you to have fun, the fun can be damaged if you steal, vandalize or scar the area or equipment. Prices can increase from this type of behavior and can really put a damper on everybody’s fun in the long run.
Not too many rules right? Pretty much that’s it. These manners make the game so fun for everybody and it is worth a reminder once and a while. Have fun in the lanes!
