Bowling: Steps to Success
Test Questions and Answers
The Sport of Bowling
MULTIPLE CHOICE
Pins are _____ inches tall.
a. 15
b. 12
c. 10
d. 20
The maximum weight of a bowling ball is _____ pounds.
a. 10
b. 20
c. 16
d. 25
Which of these is not considered good lane etiquette?
a. Leave house balls on the lane when finished.
b. Make sure the lanes to the right and left are empty before stepping onto the approach.
c. Do not use another bowler’s ball unless you ask permission first.
d. Stand off the end of the lane while waiting your turn.
TRUE OR FALSE
Dead wood (pins knocked over but missed by the sweep) should be cleared off the lane or
out of the gutter before the next ball is bowled. True.
A bowler bowls three balls in each frame. False: A bowler bowls two balls in each frame
unless the bowler gets a strike or a spare in the 10th frame.
A bowler who gets a strike gets 10 pins for the frame plus the scores for the next two
throws. True.
FILL IN THE BLANK
Bowlers sometimes are referred to as keglers, from the German word kegeln, which
means ___________________. (to bowl)
The _________ line is at the end of the approach. (foul)
A game has _______ frames. (10)
SHORT ANSWER
Briefly describe the bowling lane, including lane markings. A bowling lane is made of
wood or a hard synthetic material. The approach is 16 to 17 feet and has three sets of
guide dots. From the foul line to the head pin is 60 feet. Target arrows are marked on the
© 2009 Human Kinetics, Inc.
lane, pointing to the head pin. The lane is 41 to 42 inches wide. A gutter or channel is on
either side of the lane. The pit is where the pins are. The sweep is used to clear the pins
or set them up.
EXTRA CREDIT
Research local leagues and tournaments. Write a summary of your findings.
Step 1 Gripping the Ball for Comfort and Control
MULTIPLE CHOICE
Almost all house balls are drilled with a(n) __________ pitch.
a. left
b. open
c. closed
d. zero
In a(n) _______ pitch, the fingers and thumb move away from the palm.
a. open
b. closed
c. left
d. right
Which of these are drawbacks of the two-finger (thumbless) grip?
a. Its use could damage lightweight balls.
b. Its use prevents a smooth pendulum swing.
c. Its use increases the risk of back, shoulder, and knee injuries.
d. all of the above
TRUE OR FALSE
When inserting the fingers and thumb into the ball, insert the ring and middle fingers first
and then the thumb. True.
The fingertip grip is the best grip for beginners. False: It is a grip for more-advanced
bowlers.
The pencil test is used to check for proper ball weight. False: It is used to check for
correct span.
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In a conventional grip, the fingers are inserted up to the ___________ joint. (second)
When the span is correct, the ball will sit comfortably in the ________ of the hand.
(palm)
In a fingertip grip, the fingers are inserted up to the ____________ joint. (first)
SHORT ANSWER
© 2009 Human Kinetics, Inc.
List and briefly define the four essentials of proper ball fit. 1. Weight: how heavy or light
the ball is. 2. Hole size: how the fingers fit in the finger holes of the ball. 3. Span: the
distance between the cut of the finger holes and the cut of the thumbhole. 4. Pitch: the
angle at which the finger holes are drilled.
EXTRA CREDIT
Experiment with the five types of grips described in the text: the conventional,
semifingertip, fingertip, claw, and two-finger (thumbless) grips. Summarize your results,
addressing the pros and cons of each type of grip.
Step 2 Developing a Bowling Mind-Set
MULTIPLE CHOICE
Which of the following are characteristics of good goals?
a. They are specific.
b. They are based on the bowler’s own ambitions.
c. They are meaningful and practical.
d. all of the above
Where is the refocus zone?
a. on the approach
b. in the settee area
c. just in front of the approach
d. none of the above
Which of the following is not a positive affirmation?
a. Don’t pull the ball.
b. Drop and drive.
c. Stay behind the ball.
d. Swing free.
TRUE OR FALSE
Visualization should be done only on the lanes. False: Visualization can be done at any
time and in any place.
On the approach, use a positive affirmation to eliminate distractions and focus. True.
Professional bowlers are perfect bowlers. False: There is no such thing as a perfect
bowler, but it’s OK to be imperfect.
FILL IN THE BLANK
A _________________ statement concerns how something is done, while a
____________________ statement focuses on the outcome. (process; product)
How the body learns a movement is referred to as ____________ learning. (motor)
Some bowlers claim that the game is _______ percent mental. (90)
© 2009 Human Kinetics, Inc.
SHORT ANSWER
Name and define the three zones of the preshot routine. 1. The decompression zone, the
settee area off the approach, is a place to relax and think about the last shot. 2. The
refocus zone, just in front of the approach, is the place to think about what adjustments to
make and visualize the next shot. 3. The energy zone, the approach, is the place to use the
preshot routine and focus on the coming shot.
EXTRA CREDIT
Write out your preshot checklist.
Step 3 Beginning the Approach With a Solid Stance
MULTIPLE CHOICE
The arrows on the lane are about ______ feet from the foul line.
a. 10
b. 20
c. 15
d. 5
In bowling, the word approach means
a. the physical act of walking and swinging the ball until it is released
b. the playing surface on which the bowler walks
c. both of the above
d. neither of the above
Shadow bowling is
a. bowling in the dark
b. a way to practice a new skill without a ball
c. a tournament format
d. none of the above
TRUE OR FALSE
In a good stance, the feet are exactly side by side. False: The feet are slightly staggered.
In the finish position, the bowler is balanced on one foot. True.
In the stance, both of the bowler’s hands should be underneath and supporting the weight
of the ball. True.
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A right-handed bowler who is determining left-to-right positioning puts the slide foot on
the ______________________________. (center dot)
If the swing is going to follow the target line, aim must come from the ______________,
not the eyes. (shoulders)
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In the stance, turning the shoulders toward the throwing hand is called _______________
the shoulders. (opening)
SHORT ANSWER
Describe how to determine starting distance from the foul line. Walk up to the foul line
and turn your back to the pins. Heels are 4 to 6 inches from the foul line. With normal
steps, pace off the number of steps used in the approach footwork. Add an extra half step
for the slide. Turn around to see where you are on the approach. Repeat three or four
times.
EXTRA CREDIT
On your own, perform Stance Drill 1 and Stance Drill 2 (pages 37 and 38). Write a
summary of your observations of your stance. Use the success checks to determine the
quality of your stance.
Step 4 Moving Your Feet With Timing and Efficiency
MULTIPLE CHOICE
A bowler should walk in a ____________ line toward the target.
a. straight
b. curved
c. angled
d. dotted
Which is an advantage of the five-step approach?
a. The initial step gets the body moving.
b. It is easier to remember.
c. It uses crossover steps.
d. It begins with the throwing-side leg taking the first step.
The _______________ step is the next-to-the-last step in the approach.
a. slide
b. balance
c. power
d. straddle
TRUE OR FALSE
Knees stay slightly flexed throughout the approach. True.
The feet cross over during the approach. False: Feet stay side by side on the approach.
The slide foot is the base of support for the body weight at the release. True.
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The leg on the _______________________ side moves first on the first step of the fourstep approach. (throwing)
© 2009 Human Kinetics, Inc.
The leg on the _____________________ side moves first on the first step of the five-step
approach. (nonthrowing)
The ____________________ is the distance from the slide foot to the swing line. (laydown point)
SHORT ANSWER
List the six characteristics of footwork. 1. direction; 2. speed; 3. number of steps; 4.
stride length; 5. rhythm; 6. contact angle.
EXTRA CREDIT
Have a coach or experienced bowler evaluate your footwork using the criteria listed in
Footwork Drill 4. Summarize the feedback.
Step 5 Swinging for Power and Accuracy
MULTIPLE CHOICE
The first motion of the full swing is the
a. downswing
b. pushaway
c. backswing
d. none of the above
When a bowler angles the arm away from the target line during the pushaway, the result
is a(n) ________________ swing.
a. straight
b. outside
c. inside
d. down
The height of the swing determines the swing’s _________________________.
a. final velocity
b. duration
c. angle
d. inaccuracy
TRUE OR FALSE
The follow-through is the movement of the arm upward after the release of the ball. True.
The height of the swing determines how long the swing takes. False: The length of the
bowler’s arm determines how long the swing takes.
Shoulder movement doesn’t affect the release. False: Movement of the upper body will
change the swing and affect the release.
FILL IN THE BLANK
The synchronization of the steps with the swing is referred to as _______________.
© 2009 Human Kinetics, Inc.
(timing)
The pendulum swing is powered by ________________. (gravity)
The _________________ is the movement of the ball after the pushaway to its highest
point behind the bowler. (backswing)
SHORT ANSWER
Explain why it is important to focus on a target in front of the swing shoulder. If you
focus on a target straight in front of you and swing to that target, the swing will cross in
front of the body. Focus on a target in front of the swing shoulder to keep the swing
straight to the target.
EXTRA CREDIT
Have a coach or experienced bowler evaluate your swing. Summarize the feedback.
Step 6 Finishing the Approach in Balance
MULTIPLE CHOICE
A ___________________ step helps move the glide foot under the center of the body,
promoting a balanced finish position.
a. crossover
b. shuffle
c. skip
d. backward
Which of the following can cause imbalance in the finish position?
a. The slide foot is not brought under the body.
b. The swing is offline.
c. Approach steps veer from a centered position.
d. all of the above
An image of reference against which you can compare positioning is referred to as
_________________________.
a. a visual template
b. bowling against the glass wall
c. muscle memory
d. timing
TRUE OR FALSE
A basic visual template includes a static balance line and a force–counterforce line. True.
The kick of the back leg in the finish position counteracts the force of the swing. True.
Use a shuffle step to move the slide foot under the center of the body at the finish. False:
Use a slight crossover step.
© 2009 Human Kinetics, Inc.
FILL IN THE BLANK
The main difference between the starting and finishing positions is the ______________.
(knee bend)
Using the clock analogy, for a right-handed bowler the throwing hand follows through to
______ o’clock and the balance leg is at _______ o’clock. (1, 7)
Using the clock analogy, for a left-handed bowler the throwing hand follows through to
______ o’clock and the balance leg is at _______ o’clock. (11, 5)
SHORT ANSWER
Describe the characteristics of a stable finish position. The upper body tilts forward
slightly. The front knee is flexed about 45 degrees with the body centered over the slide
foot. The follow-through extends from the throwing shoulder in the direction of the target
while the nonthrowing hand extends straight out to the side. The line of the shoulders and
the line of the swing make a 90-degree angle.
EXTRA CREDIT
Have a coach or experienced bowler evaluate your follow-through. Summarize the
feedback.
Step 7 Coordinating the Steps and the Swing
MULTIPLE CHOICE
The strike pocket is _____ feet from the foul line.
a. 30
b. 15
c. 40
d. 60
Which of the following are characteristics of a good four-step approach?
a. short, long, short, long walking pattern
b. step rhythm—one, two, one two—matching rhythm of pendulum swing
c. flexed knees and flat feet
d. all of the above
The approach is slowed by the braking action of the ___________ step.
a. pushaway
b. backward
c. slide
d. angled
TRUE OR FALSE
A way to fix early timing is to extend the pushaway. True.
In a five-step approach, the swing starts before the first step. False: In the five-step
approach, the extra step begins the body movement before the start of the swing.
© 2009 Human Kinetics, Inc.
The foot opposite the throwing hand takes the slide step. True.
FILL IN THE BLANK
The coordination of the swing and footwork is referred to as ___________. (timing)
In every step of the approach, the body is ___________________ over the feet.
(centered)
The goal of good coordination of the steps and swing is the conservation of
_______________________. (momentum)
SHORT ANSWER
List and briefly describe signs of early timing. Ball reaches release point before footwork
is finished, preventing the transfer of momentum from the footwork to the ball. Body is
not in a balanced, stable finish position, leading to an ineffective release. Bowler may
drop the ball. Bowler may need to step after the release to keep balanced. Stroke will be
inaccurate.
EXTRA CREDIT
Have a coach or experienced bowler evaluate your approach and swing. Summarize the
feedback.
Step 8 Creating an Effective Release
MULTIPLE CHOICE
Which of the following are ways to create angle?
a. Change position on the lane.
b. Create side roll.
c. both of the above
The ____________________ release is the simplest active release.
a. rolling
b. straight
c. pendulum
d. backup
Point to the target with the ____________, not the thumb.
a. pinkie finger
b. ring finger
c. index finger
d. middle finger
TRUE OR FALSE
Increasing the entry angle of the ball into the pins increases the size of the strike pocket.
True.
© 2009 Human Kinetics, Inc.
A hook can be created only with an active release. False: Either an active or a passive
release can create hook.
For a release to be effective, the wrist should break back. False: The most effective
release is created when the wrist stays straight.
FILL IN THE BLANK
During a _______________ release, there is no movement at the release point. (passive)
The best release for a spare shot is a _____________ release. (straight)
In a hook release, the fingers are in a _____ o’clock and _____ o’clock position. (10, 4)
SHORT ANSWER
List and briefly describe the five phases of the release. 1. Drive phase: ball falls through
downswing, hand pressing against back of ball. 2. Thumb release phase: ball starts to
slide off thumb near bottom of swing, thumb does not squeeze the ball, ball weight begins
to transfer to the fingers and front of the hand. 3. Turn phase: forearm rotates as ball
enters bottom of downswing, ball weight completely transfers onto fingers, finger
pressure begins to work up side of ball. 4. Extension phase: Forearm rotation is
completed, swing passes lowest point, fingers drive through. 5. Finger release, or lift,
phase: fingers lift up side of ball as pendulum of swing begins to move upward, ball is
driven into the lane at a shallow angle.
EXTRA CREDIT
Have a coach or experienced swimmer evaluate your release. Summarize the feedback.
Step 9 Adjusting the Stance, Swing, and Release
MULTIPLE CHOICE
The most versatile wrist position is the
a. cupped wrist position
b. straight wrist position
c. bent wrist position
d. none of the above
A bowler who throws a strong hook and notices the lanes are beginning to dry out should
try
a. playing the outside line
b. playing the inside line
c. throwing a backup ball
d. none of the above
Which of the following are advantages of the loop, or inside-out, swing?
a. It is a continuous, fluid stroke.
b. Hand is in a better position behind the ball to provide leverage.
c. The swing is less stressful than a true pendulum swing.
© 2009 Human Kinetics, Inc.
d. all of the above
TRUE OR FALSE
Power players prefer to use the loop, or inside-out, swing. True.
The oil on the left side of the lane breaks down faster than the oil on the right side of the
lane. False: The oil on the right side of the lane breaks down faster.
Moving away from the center of the lane creates a better angle to the strike pocket. True.
FILL IN THE BLANK
The three basic arc shapes of the swing are _____________________, _____________,
and __________________. (pendulum, flattened, V-shape)
When adjusting to play the outside line, the throwing-side foot is _________ with the
foot on the nonthrowing side. (even)
The hand stays _______________ the ball through the pendulum swing. (behind)
SHORT ANSWER
What conditions might require a change in the stance, swing, or release? Lane conditions
change constantly. Oil distribution is altered as the ball travels down the lane. A bowler
needs to be able to make alterations based on lane conditions.
EXTRA CREDIT
Experiment with the flattened swing, V-swing, and loop (or inside-out) swing. Observe
the difference the swing makes in the delivery of the ball and summarize your findings.
Step 10 Adjusting the Line to the Strike Pocket
MULTIPLE CHOICE
A _____________________ system changes the ball location by adjusting the starting
position on the approach.
a. pivot
b. angle shift
c. hook angle
d. block
The distance from the center of one pin to the center of the next pin is _____ inches.
a. 3
b. 6
c. 5
d. 4
A ball that hits more toward the middle of the headpin is ______________________.
a. a heavy, or high, hit
b. a light, or low, hit
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c. an ideal strike shot
d. a parallel shot
TRUE OR FALSE
The secondary targets are the starting and finish position. False: The secondary targets
are the finish position and the point of contact with the pins.
A bowler who throws a large hook may need to do more than simply change the angle on
the lane. True.
To adjust after a high hit, a bowler should move in the direction of the mistake. True.
FILL IN THE BLANK
The two primary targets are the _______________ position and the _________________
on the lanes. (starting position; target arrows or visual target)
The space between two adjacent pins is the _____________. (pocket)
The line from the headpin to the 7 pin is the ____________________ line. (accuracy)
SHORT ANSWER
Describe the ball path of a perfect strike. The ball hits four pins: 1, 3, 5, and 9. The other
pins fall as a result of pin-to-pin contact. The headpin takes out 2, 4, and 7. The 3 pin
takes out 6 and 10. The 5 pin takes out 8.
EXTRA CREDIT
With a few classmates, perform Accuracy Drill 3, the Swedish National Team Drill, on
page 157. Keep track of your score.
Step 11 Using a Spare-Shooting System
MULTIPLE CHOICE
There are _______ basic adjustments that can be made for spare shots.
a. six
b. seven
c. three
d. eight
A right-handed bowler should move _______ boards when going to the right but ______
boards when moving to the left.
a. two; three
b. four; one
c. four; three
d. three; four
If sectioning the pin setup is your spare-shooting strategy, when you have a left-corner
spare, find a line to the _____ pin.
© 2009 Human Kinetics, Inc.
a. 7
b. 4
c. 1
d. 10
TRUE OR FALSE
Elite bowlers who have high averages may have to shoot spares only about 10 percent of
the time. False: Even bowlers with high averages have to shoot spares 40 to 45 percent
of the time.
In a pivot spare-shooting system, no adjustment from the strike line is needed for spares
in the center. True.
Sectioning the pin setup is a spare-shooting system that works independently of the strike
line. True.
FILL IN THE BLANK
When confronted with a split, a bowler may choose to focus on knocking down at least
one pin instead of attempting to convert the spare. This strategy is called ____________
_____________________. (saving count)
The ________ pin is the focus of the spare shot. (key)
The margin of _____________ is much greater for a spare than for a strike. (error)
SHORT ANSWER
Describe a few strategies you can use to prepare for a spare shot. Relax. Let go of the
frustration of the previous shot. Visualize making the spare. Focus on spare-shooting
strategy. Identify the key pin. Breathe deeply. Make adjustments based on spare-shooting
strategy.
EXTRA CREDIT
Play a game of bowling golf with some of your classmates. (See Spare-Shooting Drill 2
on page 169.) Keep track of your score.
Step 12 Adjusting to Lane Conditions
MULTIPLE CHOICE
Which of the following strategies can be used if there is too much skid?
a. Move away from center, reduce ball speed, and change your release
b. Move toward center of lane, increase speed or loft, and use a drive release.
c. Switch to a ball with a smoother surface.
d. none of the above
The ball should be in the _________ phase just before it hits the pins.
a. skid
b. roll
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c. hook
d. directional
The lane phase just after the lane machine puts down fresh oil is called the ________
phase.
a. fresh shot
b. breakdown
c. carrydown
d. hook
TRUE OR FALSE
The oil pattern on a lane stays the same as bowlers use the lane. False: The ball picks up
some of the oil and redistributes it on the lane.
As the ball rolls down the lane, it goes through three phases: skid, hook, and roll. True.
The more oil there is on the lane, the less traction the ball will have. True.
FILL IN THE BLANK
The three sections of the lane are the _____________________, ________________, and
_______________________. (head; midlane; back end)
The lane phase created when bowling balls pick up oil at the head of the lane and deposit
it farther down the lane is the _____________________ phase. (carrydown)
The dry area of the lane just outside your intended target is called the ______________.
(wall)
SHORT ANSWER
List and briefly describe the three basic types of lane oil patterns. 1. Crown pattern: more
oil near middle of lane, gradual tapering toward edges. 2. Block pattern: large block of
oil in middle of lane, very dry away from the block. 3. Reverse, or reverse block, pattern:
less oil in middle of lane, more oil toward the sides of the lane.
EXTRA CREDIT
Research the various oil patterns used in professional events and write a report of your
findings.
Step 13 Bowling Competitively
MULTIPLE CHOICE
In the ___________ format, all bowlers combine for one game; each bowler bowls a
frame and then rotates.
a. handicap
b. Baker
c. WIBC
d. jackpot
© 2009 Human Kinetics, Inc.
Which of the following are benefits of bowling?
a. It offers opportunities for socializing and competing with other bowlers.
b. Bowling is a lifelong physical activity.
c. Bowling can relieve stress and develop physical fitness.
d. all of the above
Which of the following statements describe(s) the alternate scoring method called scotch
doubles?
a. In scotch doubles, players alternate throwing the ball in a frame, with one partner
throwing the initial ball and the second partner attempting to pick up the spare.
b. Scotch doubles is popular social format although it isn’t often used in tournaments or
leagues.
c. both of the above
d. neither of the above
TRUE OR FALSE
Some leagues set limits on player averages, referred as an average cap. True.
It isn’t necessary to have an established average to figure a bowler’s handicap. False: A
handicap uses the bowler’s established average to calculate the bowler’s handicap.
If a tournament requires a sanctioned average from the previous year but you don’t have
one, you may be assigned one. True.
FILL IN THE BLANK
A tournament format in which each bowler or team bowls every other bowler or team at
least once is called a(n) _________________________ tournament. (round-robin)
A tournament format in which players are seeded into brackets is called a(n)
________________________ tournament. (elimination)
A(n) _________________________ system allows bowlers of different skill levels to
compete against each other. (handicap)
SHORT ANSWER
List some of the penalties a league bowler may experience if he fails to pay his league
fee. May not be allowed to bowl again until he pays his fee. Forced to forfeit any prize
money or awards. Captain may remove him from the team. May be sued by the league.
May be barred from USBC-sanctioned competitions.
EXTRA CREDIT
Research some bowling leagues in your area and summarize your findings. What is the
level of competition in each league? What is the required makeup of the teams (male-tofemale ratio, age range, average cap)?
© 2009 Human Kinetics, Inc.