In this portion of our web guide, we will discuss and offer resources for the related sports of bowling, boules, and bowls.
Bowling is a sport that has captivated people for centuries, offering a blend of skill, strategy, and social interaction. It can be broadly categorized into two general classes: pin bowling and target bowling, each with its unique variations.
Pin bowling involves knocking down pins arranged in a specific formation at the end of a lane. The most popular variations include tenpin bowling, candlepin bowling, duckpin bowling, five-pin bowling, and ninepin bowling.
Tenpin bowling is the most widely recognized form of the sport. It uses ten pins arranged in a triangular formation. Players roll a heavy ball down a long, narrow lane to knock down as many pins as possible. This variation is known for its standardized rules and is played in leagues and tournaments worldwide.
Originating in New England, candlepin bowling uses smaller balls and taller, thinner pins. Unlike tenpin, the pins are not cleared between rolls, making it a challenging and unique experience.
Duckpin bowling features shorter, squatter pins and smaller balls without finger holes. Duckpin bowling is primarily played in the eastern United States and offers a different set of challenges due to the pins and ball size.
Popular in Canada, five-pin bowling uses five pins arranged in a V-shape. The pins are smaller and lighter, and the ball is also smaller, making it easier for players of all ages to participate.
Ninepin bowling is a traditional form still popular in parts of Europe. It uses nine pins arranged in a diamond shape, and the game has different scoring rules than in tenpin bowling.
Target bowling involves rolling or throwing a ball towards a target, aiming for precision rather than pin count. The most common variations include lawn bowling, bocce, and petanque.
Lawn bowling is played on a flat, grassy surface. Players roll biased balls to get as close as possible to a smaller target ball called a "jack" or a "kitty."
Originating in Italy, bocce involves throwing balls to land as close as possible to a target ball. It is similar to bowling but typically played on a hard surface.
Pétanque is a French version where players throw metal balls to land near a target ball, often played on gravel or dirt surfaces.
The origins of bowling can be traced back to ancient civilizations. Archaeological evidence suggests that a form of bowling was played in ancient Egypt around 3200 BC. Artifacts resembling bowling pins and balls have been discovered in Egyptian tombs, indicating the game's long-standing appeal.
Bowling also has origins in ancient Germany, where it was played as a religious ritual. Participants would roll a stone to knock down a club, symbolizing the cleansing of sins. Over time, the game evolved into a popular pastime across Europe.
In the 19th century, bowling gained significant popularity in the United States, leading to the establishment of standardized rules and the formation of bowling clubs.
Boules is often used as a collective term for various ball games that includes pétanque, whose origins can be traced back to ancient civilizations, with similar games being played in Greece and Rome. However, the modern version of boules emerged in the early 20th century in the Provence region of France. In boules, players or teams take turns throwing metal balls, known as boules, as close as possible to a smaller wooden ball called the "cochonnet" or "jack." The game is typically played on a gravel or sandy surface, and the objective is to score points by having one's boules closer to the cochonnet than the opponent's. Strategy and precision are key; players can knock their opponents' boules away from the target.
A notable variant of boules is the game of bowls, which has roots in England and Scotland. Bowls, also known as lawn bowls, dates back to the 13th century and has evolved into a popular sport in many Commonwealth countries. Unlike boules, bowls are played on a well-manicured grass or synthetic surface known as a bowling green. The bowls themselves are not perfectly spherical; they are slightly flattened on one side, giving them a bias that causes them to curve as they roll.
In bowls, players aim to roll their biased bowls as close as possible to a smaller white ball called the "jack." The game can be played in singles, pairs, triples, or fours, with each player delivering a set number of bowls per end. The scoring system in bowls is similar to that of boules, with points awarded based on the proximity of the bowls to the jack.
Both boules and bowls share a common heritage, emphasizing skill, strategy, and sportsmanship.
Resources relating to any of these games or variants are appropriate topics for this category.
Recommended Resources
AMF Bowling Worldwide is a major operator of bowling centers and a major bowling equipment manufacturer. The AMF brand brand includes AMF Bowling centers owned or operated by Bowlero Corporation in the United States and Mexico, the AMF bowling centres owned by Hollywood Bowl Group in the United Kingdom, and bowling equipment manufactured and marketed by QubicaAMF Worldwide, with some AMF-branded bowling balls separately manufactured by 900 Global. Locations can be found through the site.
https://www.amf.com/
Provided by the Collegium Cosmicum Ad Buxeas, an international organization for the sport of bocce, a ball sport belonging to the Boules family, the website features the history and rules for bocce, as well as details on various bocce tournaments around the world, including bocce court design. The premier tournament sanctioned by the Collegium is the Wolfeboro Classic, held in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, which usually lasts three days. An email address is provided.
https://bocce.org/
Bowls USA is the official governing body for the sport of lawn bowls in the United States. The organization oversees the development of the sport, maintains the rules, and supports clubs across the country. Lawn bowls is a precision sport where players aim to roll biased balls so that they stop close to a small ball called the "jack." Bowls USA organizes major events like the National Championships and the US Open, which attract players from all over the country and beyond.
https://www.bowlsusa.us/
Canadian 5 Pin Bowlers' Association
The aim of the C5PBA is to promote, foster the integrity of, and enhance the enjoyment of 5-pin bowling, as well as to instill a sense of pride among active bowlers. Established in 1978, the C5PBA is the governing body for 5 Pin Bowling in Canada. Its membership is comprised of eleven Provincial/Territorial 5 Pin Bowlers' Associations comprised of Local (Zone) 5 Pin Bowlers' Associations, whose boundaries are set by the parent organization. Schedules, achievements, and contacts are provided.
http://c5pba.ca/
Canadian Tenpin Federation, Inc.
The CTF is the governing body for tenpin bowling in Canada. Established in 1969, the organization oversees the sport's development and organizes national and international competitions. The CTF offers programs like youth leagues, coaching development, and tournaments for players of all skill levels. Available in English and French, its bylaws, rules, policies, and contacts are posted on the site, along with resources for leagues, coaches, tournaments, and bowlers.
https://tenpincanada.com/
Funk Bowling is an international manufacturer of bowling equipment, specializing in producing string pinsetters, bowling lanes, scoring systems, and other essential equipment for bowling alleys, including those for duckpin bowling. Duckpin lanes are more accessible for venues with minimum space to work with, from corporate headquarters to breweries, hotels, bars, and amusement parks, Funk can provide and install customizable duckpin bowling lanes. Details are provided.
https://www.duckpinbowl.com/
Founded by Karl Funk in 1964, Funk is an international manufacturer of bowling equipment and has equipped more than 44,000 bowling alleys throughout the United States, Europe, Africa, and Asia. Over the years, the company has introduced several bowling equipment innovations and is the home of the world's most distributed string pinsetter. The company offers a full suite of bowling products and technologies, including pinsetters, lanes, racks, scoring systems, and seating.
https://www.funkbowling.com/
The website offers tips, techniques, and resources for bowlers of all skill levels. Whether someone is looking to improve their game, learn about different bowling styles, such as candlepin or ten-pin, or even explore ideas for bowling parties, the site consists of a large selection of informational articles and videos, including equipment reviews, game rules, terminology, coaching and training, and even a free online bowling game. An online contact form is available for comments or inquiries.
https://howbowling.com/
International Candlepin Bowling Association
The ICBA is an organization dedicated to candlepin bowling, a variation of bowling known for using smaller pins and balls. It oversees tournaments, sets rules and regulations, and promotes the game across its member centers. Headquartered in Hampstead, New Hampshire, a map shows the locations of candlepin bowling centers in the Northeastern United States. Tournament schedules and scores, Hall of Fame nomination forms, and Hall of Fame biographies are featured.
https://www.candlepin.org/
Maine Candlepin Bowling Association
The MSCBA is dedicated to promoting and organizing the sport of candlepin bowling within the state of Maine. They conduct tournaments, maintain state records, and work with bowling centers to encourage participation in the sport. The association also emphasizes sportsmanship and provides programs to enhance members' enjoyment and involvement in candlepin bowling. Schedules, Classic results, Classic eliminations, other results, and bowling centers are featured.
https://mainecandlepin.com/
Created by Pétanque America, with assistance from the Federation of Pétanque USA, the website promotes the establishment of pétanque in parks, offering information on how to build a court, with suggestions for purchasing equipment for an organization or group. The website includes information on how to play the game, the equipment needed, the courts, and where the game can be played. Highlighted are publications and videos featuring pétanque. Contacts are provided.
https://petanqueinparks.com/
Professional Bowlers Association
The PBA is the major sanctioning body for the sport of professional ten-pin bowling in the United States. Headquartered in Mechanicsville, Virginia, the PBA is currently owned by Lucky Strike Entertainment Corporation. The website features the PBA's team, partners, and policies, along with schedules and information about the PBA Tour, player resources, and resources for investors, the press, and those interested in hosting an event. Contacts are also published on the website.
https://www.pba.com/
Built in 1930, this Arnprior, Ontario, bowling alley is the oldest in Canada, preserving the legacy of 5-pin bowling for nearly a century. The current owners, Matthew and Alicia Ott, stepped in to keep this facility alive after learning that it was at risk of redevelopment. The facility hosts Special Olympics athletes every week, welcomes seniors and children's leagues, and provides a space where friends and families can gather. Lanes can be booked online by the hour.
https://www.steelheadsandstrikes.com/
United States Bocce Federation
The USBF is the official governing body for bocce in the United States. The federation promotes the sport through education, amateur competitions, and events like the U.S. Bocce Nationals and the North American Bocce Cup. The USBF also prepares elite players for national and international competitions. Its website highlights the organization's mission, membership options, and upcoming events. Other resources include the rules of the game, a FAQ, and contact data.
https://usbf.us/
United States Bowling Congress
The USBC is the national governing body for ten-pin bowling in the United States. It was established in 2005 through the merger of several organizations, including the American Bowling Congress and the Women's International Bowling Congress. Headquartered in Arlington, Texas, the organization is responsible for maintaining the standards and rules of the sport, certifying leagues and tournaments, managing Team USA for international competitions, and regulating high school and collegiate bowling.
https://bowl.com/
World Ninepin Bowling Association
The WNBA is the world governing body of nine-pin bowling and one of two member associations of the International Bowling Federation. The organization has members in Europe, South America, and Asia. Because of the different kinds of lanes, Ninepin bowling is practiced in three discipline associations: Ninepin Bowling Classic, Ninepin Bowling Schere, and Ninepin Bowling National. Members, contacts, and a calendar of events are posted on the site, along with access to various documents.
https://www.world-ninepins.org/en/
