Duckpin Bowling Balls
Are duckpin bowling balls the same as regular bowling balls ? Well when somebody invites you to go bowling, a ten-pin bowling game may be the first thing that comes to your mind. But there are more exciting ways to have a bowling game. With duckpin bowling supplies, you can prepare for a fun yet worthy and challenging new experience.
Duckpin Bowling
So, what is duckpin bowling? Duckpin is one of the types of bowling sports. It’s not the conventional bowling you’d typically think of. It sits in the middle of candlepin bowling balls and ten-pin bowling balls. While it may resemble the standard ten-pin bowling, there are a few differences that set it apart and make it unique.
The size of the balls is fairly smaller than regular ten-pin balls but larger than candlepin bowling balls. They have a size as big as a softball with the diameter measuring about 4 ¾ inches to 5 inches. They also weigh about 3 lbs 6 oz to 3 lbs 12 oz.
Duckpin balls are played on a regular bowling alley. They also have similar methods of scoring, like ten-pin balls. However, the key difference here is that when you play with duckpin bowling balls, you roll three balls in a single turn rather than two balls.
Origin of Duckpin Bowling Balls
Research is vague when it comes to the answer of when duckpin bowling originated. Different views had come up regarding when and where the game first began. Early research suggests that duckpin bowling was started by John McGrew and Wilbert Robinson in the 1900s in Baltimore. However, according to The Boston Globe, in its recent online archives, some references point out that duckpin dates back to 1893.
While it is an interesting game, duckpin bowling isn't as popular as ten-pin bowling. But the world is seeing a revival of this engaging game as many entertainment venues are implementing duckpin. You can find some duckpin bowling alleys in some states such as Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Maryland, among others.
Rules of Duckpin Bowling
Duckpin bowling features ten frames with three shots per frame. A player earns 10 points per strike with a maximum of 30 points for the next two balls. To earn a strike, you have to knock down all the ten pins in the first roll. You get 10 points from a spare in addition to the pins in the last roll. A spare is made when you hit all the pins with two rolls. If you strike all the pins in the third round, it counts as a 10 without a bonus. But if you don't strike all the pins after the third round, the struck pins will count as one point each.
The final score is determined from the points earned from 10 frames. The maximum point is 300 total, which can be achieved if a player strikes every pin down in each of the ten frames.
The Benefit of Duckpin Bowling Balls
Duckpin Bowling is Highly Challenging
You might be reading this thinking, oh this sounds easy and duckpin isn’t all that hard. I mean c’mon, you get shorter lanes and three rolls per round (that’s pretty good right ?) However, trust me when I say this… it’s nothing like playing a traditional ten-pin bowling game. Duckpin bowling balls are very hard to score a perfect game. After all, it is smaller and lighter without holes. Since they are smaller and lighter, it can be harder to attain a strike. That is why you get three shots per round instead of two.
When you play ten-pin bowling, you have a good chance of scoring a perfect game. But that isn't the case with duckpin bowling balls. No one has ever achieved a perfect game in the history of duckpin bowling (crazy right… yeah, “no one” at the time of writing this article). The highest tally / score total on record is 279, which was scored in 1992.
Tips and Tricks for Scoring Better Points with Duckpin Bowling Balls
A consistent throw per roll is recommended to yield better results. Minimizing arm swinging and adopting more of a throwing motion is a better way to score better points. Now, duckpin bowling pins are stouter and shorter than regular pins. The area between the 1 and 2 pins and 1 and 3 pins is called the pocket. The pocket is where you will have the most precise point of impact, especially with straight balls with a little curve.
When you stand in front of the lane with a duckpin bowling ball in hand, your eyes will be fixed on the ten pins arranged in a triangular proportion. You may be tempted to give a hard roll to knock down the pins. But that isn't how duckpin bowling works if you want to score well. A lighter throw tends to bring better results basing your strategy upon the weight of both the ball and the pins. When you roll a slow ball, it may get a better bounce and consequently bit more pins.
But the only sure way to find out which method works for you is to keep practicing. Throw as many balls as you like in different speeds and forces and focus on target precision.
Duckpin bowling balls are a great form of entertainment and provide a unique bowling experience to its players. It doesn't matter if you are a child or a senior; the appeal of duckpin bowling is that everyone can play it. Duckpin bowling balls are perfect if you want to implement a distinct bowling adventure, add a source of income, and spice up your venue with more fun and recreation. You can even install a duckpin bowling lane at home if you don't have space for a regular bowling alley as it doesn't take up as much space either so it ultimately becomes a great alternative and you’re not sacrificing anything because it’s still a ton of fun.