In bowling, if you manage to hit all the pins in one clean shot, this is called a “strike.”
Strikes are very desirable because they earn you more points than other kinds of shots.
In fact, a strike is worth twice as many points as a regular ball.
If you manage to get four strikes in a row, this is called a “hambone” or “four-bagger” and it’s an even bigger accomplishment.
Read on to learn more about this impressive feat in bowling.
Who invented that lingo?
Rob Stone, a commentator of ESPN is credited for coining the word “hambone” in a bowling context. (source)
This lingo is very popular among bowlers now.
What does a strike mean in bowling?
When you bowl and knock down all ten pins with your first ball, it’s called a strike.
You get ten points for that, and then any points scored with the next two balls are doubled.
Why do they call it a Brooklyn strike in bowling?
A Brooklyn strike is when you bowl the ball into the 1-3 pocket for right-handed bowlers and 1-2 pocket for left-handed bowlers, and it results in a strike.
This term originated from when people would cross over to Brooklyn from Manhattan in New York.
How many strikes does it take to bowl 200?
In bowling, to score 200, you need only two strikes.
If you get all nine pins in each of the first eleven frames and then convert the spares, your score will be more than 200. (source)
What are the most strikes bowled in a row?
Tommy Gollick bowled 47 strikes in a row on May 11, 2010.
This broke the old record of 40 strikes. (source)
What does the E in bowling mean?
The “E” in bowling means that the ball should roll forward more than it does sideways.
To do this, you need to put a spin on the ball by rotating it around its long axis.
What are the turns called in bowling?
Revolutions refer to the number of times the ball makes a complete turn around its axis.
Rotation describes the spin put on the ball when it is released.
What does fence mean in bowling?
It’s when everyone on a team bowls a strike in the same frame.
How to improve your bowling strikes?
Understand the basic mechanics of bowling
Understanding the basics of the game is essential.
To become a good bowler, one needs to understand certain mechanics such as how to handle different types of balls and how the bowling alley layout affects your performance.
That’s where your coach will come in – he/she should explain everything you need to know about bowling and help you practice until you get it right.
Choose your ball wisely
The right bowling balls make all the difference between a good game and a bad one.
There are many different types of balls – each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages – so it is important to choose carefully.
For example, if you have a small frame, use a heavy ball.
If you have a big frame, go with a light one.
You can also consult your coach when choosing a bowling ball.
Keep your body and arm relaxed
When you’re throwing the ball, keep your body and arm relaxed.
If you tighten up, all that tension will affect your accuracy and power.
To help with keeping your muscles loose, do some exercises that stretch them out.
Also, take lots of breaks during practice to keep your muscles from tiring.
Learn how to aim correctly
Aiming correctly is essential for good bowling.
The way you aim depends on your type of ball, the lane layout, and other factors.
To learn how to aim properly, start by lining up your shot according to where you want the ball to hit.
Then make sure that your fingers are pointing in the same direction as your target spot on the lane.
Finally, stand with your hips and shoulders facing the front of the lane so you can get a straight shot.
Practice regularly
The only way to get better at bowling is to practice regularly.
You should aim for around 3 hours of practice every week to improve your score significantly.
However, if you have a busy schedule, you can break that down into smaller, more manageable chunks.
For example, you could try for 3 half-hour sessions every week instead.
Work on your mental game
The mind is just as important as the body when it comes to bowling strikes.
A calm and focused state of mind allows you to better handle distractions and gives you the confidence you need to win.
To improve your mental game, try practicing meditation or yoga regularly.
You can also take a mental health day if you feel yourself getting stressed out about bowling.
Watch how the pros play and learn from them
Most professional bowlers have a unique style of playing.
So, if you want to improve your bowling game, start by watching how the pros do it.
You can find videos of them online or subscribe to a sports TV channel that specializes in bowling.
Watching these professionals will help give you ideas on how to better your own technique and style.
Get feedback from others to improve your game
To get better at bowling, you need to know how others perceive your game.
This will give you information on where your strengths and weaknesses lie.
Ask friends, coaches, or mentors for advice on what you should focus on improving first.
You can also join a bowling league to get constant feedback from other players.
Have fun and enjoy yourself while bowling
The most important thing to remember about bowling is that it should always be fun.
If you’re not enjoying yourself, there’s no point in playing.
So relax and have a good time – that way you’ll play better and improve your bowling skills more quickly!

Jerry Coleman is a professional bowler and experienced bowling blogger. He founded and owns the www.voelkersbowling.net website, which provides news and information about the sport of bowling. Jerry has competed in numerous tournaments over the years and has won several awards for his bowling skills.