Jessie Taylor
Candlepin bowling is a variation of bowling played primarily in Canada and the New England region of the United States. It involves using a handheld-sized ball to knock down tall, thin pins that resemble candles. The ball is smaller than in ten-pin bowling and has no distinct top or bottom end. Players can experiment with different finger grips and ball weights. It is recommended to throw the ball softer than you think you need to, with a focus on accuracy over speed. The ball should be held with the fingertips rather than the palm, with a firm and natural grip.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ball size | 4.5 inches (11.4 cm) in diameter |
| Ball weight | 2 lb 7 oz (1.11 kg) |
| Ball grip | Held with fingertips, not the palm |
| Ball throw | Straighter than in ten-pin bowling |
| Ball speed | Less important than aim |
| Ball spin | Flat spin is preferable |
| Number of balls | 3 per frame |
| Number of frames | 2 at a time |
| Pin shape | Cylindrical, 15.75 inches (40 cm) tall |
| Pin weight | 2 lb 8 oz (1.13 kg) |
| Pin setup | Same as ten-pin bowling |
| Pin scoring | 1 point per pin knocked over |
| Lane type | Wooden or synthetic |
| Lane length | 60 feet (18 m) |
| Lane oil | No oil is applied |
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What You'll Learn
Hold the ball with your fingertips, not your palm
When preparing to throw the ball in candlepin bowling, it is important to hold the ball with your fingertips and not your palm. This is because candlepin bowling balls are smaller than standard bowling balls, measuring only 4.5 inches in diameter and weighing a maximum of 2 pounds and 7 ounces. By holding the ball with your fingertips, you can achieve a stronger grip and more precise control over the ball's direction and spin.
The ideal throwing technique in candlepin bowling involves taking three steps before releasing the ball. As you take these steps, swing your bowling arm back and then forward, building momentum for your throw. Holding the ball with your fingertips during this process allows for a more natural and fluid motion, enabling you to smoothly transition into the release point.
As you release the ball, focus on following through with your throw. This means continuing the upward swing of your bowling arm even after the ball has left your hand. Holding the ball with your fingertips allows for a more seamless follow-through, as it encourages a more natural release and helps to prevent any unnecessary tension or strain on your wrist and arm.
Additionally, the lack of finger holes in candlepin bowling balls makes it crucial to rely on your fingertips for grip and control. Without the finger holes, you need to find a secure grip with your fingertips to ensure a consistent and accurate release. This grip also enables you to impart spin on the ball, which can be advantageous for achieving more pin deflection upon impact.
By holding the ball with your fingertips, you gain greater flexibility in your throwing technique. You can experiment with different throwing speeds, angles, and spin techniques to find what works best for you. This allows you to develop a style that suits your unique approach to the game, maximizing your potential for success in candlepin bowling.
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Throw with a flat spin
Throwing the ball with a flat spin in candlepin bowling can be an effective technique. Candlepin bowling is a variation of bowling played primarily in the Canadian Maritime provinces and the New England region of the United States. It uses small handheld-sized balls and tall, thin pins that resemble candles. While spin can be a beneficial technique in other forms of bowling, it may not be as advantageous in candlepin bowling due to the unique characteristics of the game.
In candlepin bowling, the ball is much smaller, typically measuring 4.5 inches (11.4 cm) in diameter, and weighs between 2 pounds 7 ounces to 2 pounds 8 ounces (approximately 1.1 to 1.13 kg). The pins are also taller and thinner than in traditional ten-pin bowling. Due to the size and weight of the ball, applying excessive spin can be challenging and may not provide the desired results.
When throwing the ball with a flat spin, focus on accuracy and a straight shot. Aim for the pocket, which is the gap between the pair of pins you want to target. You can adjust your stance, grip, and timing to improve consistency and accuracy. A strong and consistent release is crucial, allowing the ball to fly straight and true.
To execute a flat spin effectively, consider the following steps:
- Identify the pocket: Determine the gap between the two pins you want to hit. This is usually between the 1-pin and 3-pin for right-handed bowlers and between the 1-pin and 2-pin for left-handed bowlers.
- Grip the ball correctly: Ensure your thumb can slide out with ease, and your fingers are snug but not squashed. This grip sets the foundation for your spin and allows you to create control and precision.
- Swing and release: As you step forward, let your arm swing back in a smooth arc, keeping your arm straight. As the ball comes forward, release it with a slight twist, flicking your wrist as if checking the time on a watch.
- Follow-through: Continue to move your arm upward and forward toward the pocket even after releasing the ball. This follow-through helps with consistency and power.
- Practice and adjust: Candlepin bowling requires time and patience to master. Record yourself bowling to analyze your timing and make adjustments as needed. Focus on repeating the same technique consistently to improve your accuracy.
While some bowlers in candlepin bowling do apply spin, many top bowlers achieve success with a straight and accurate shot. The flat spin technique described above can help you develop a reliable and effective approach to improve your game.
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Aim for the pocket
When it comes to candlepin bowling, aiming for the pocket is a key strategy. The pocket is the space between the middle pin and either the left or right pin. Due to the spacing of the pins, it is impossible to strike every one, but a well-aimed shot at the pocket can maximize your chances of knocking down multiple pins.
To aim for the pocket effectively, you need to focus on both your throwing technique and your grip on the ball. Hold the ball with your fingertips rather than your palm, with your fingers spread apart and a firm, natural grip. This will give you better control. As you step towards the foul line, synchronize your arm movements with your steps, mirroring the motions of normal walking. For right-handed bowlers, start with your left foot slightly ahead, and as you take your second step, move your throwing arm back, then begin moving it forward before your third step. This third step is the "slide," where you use the momentum from your second step to slide your leg forward.
When releasing the ball, aim for a flat spin with a straight shot. In candlepin bowling, unlike ten-pin bowling, the lanes are not oiled, so the ball rolls all the way down the lane. This means you don't need to throw the ball as hard as you might think. Focus on accuracy and aim, throwing the ball harder and straighter than you would in ten-pin bowling. Experiment with different finger grips and ball weights to find what works best for you.
Remember, the pocket is a sweet spot that can help you optimize your score. By focusing on your grip, throwing technique, and accuracy, you can improve your chances of hitting the pocket and knocking down multiple pins with each throw.
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No need for a hook
Candlepin bowling is a type of bowling that is popular in the northeastern United States and eastern Canada. It uses smaller balls and pins than traditional ten-pin bowling, and the ball is held and thrown differently.
When throwing the ball in candlepin bowling, there is no need to hook the ball as you would in ten-pin bowling. The small size and weight of the candlepin ball make it difficult to control the English (the spin on the ball). Instead of hooking the ball, most bowlers use a "cross-lane" throw, which is a hard, straight throw that comes from an angle toward the "pocket" between the head pin and either of the two pins behind it. The ball should be rolled off the fingertips with a firm grip, with the back of the hand parallel to the foul line, rather than being thrown from a high release point, which can cause bounce that reduces power and control.
To achieve a consistent throw, it is important to have a consistent grip. The ball should be held with the fingertips rather than the palm of the hand, with the fingers spread apart and a firm grip. This grip should feel natural and repeatable. The standard approach involves taking three steps toward the foul line, with each step synchronised with natural arm movements similar to walking. For right-handed bowlers, the left foot should be slightly ahead of the right foot before taking the first step. The throwing arm should move back with the second step and begin moving forward before the third step, which is the "slide". The momentum from the second step allows the bowler to slide their leg during the third step.
It is also important to focus on accuracy rather than speed when throwing the ball. Aiming for the pocket is more important than ball speed, and it is possible to put some spin on the ball to increase reflection when it hits the pins. However, the throw will generally be a straight shot.
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Slide your leg on the third step
When sliding your leg on the third step, it is important to maintain momentum from the push-off of the second step. This will help you maintain a constant pace and increase accuracy.
To slide correctly, cross over your slide foot at the beginning of the approach. This will enable you to get the ball into a straight swing path. Keep your arm swing straight throughout the approach, from the top of the swing to the bottom.
When you slide towards the foul line, make sure you are sliding in front of your push-off step. If you slide away from your push-off step or across it, you will lose leverage and likely fall off balance. Keep your eyes locked on your target pins throughout the entire approach and delivery.
After releasing the ball, your arm should be straight, with a locked wrist and elbow, and continue on a circular arc until it is past parallel to the ground.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to hold the ball with your fingertips rather than your palm for better control. Spread your fingers apart, grip firmly, and find a natural, repeatable grip. Take three steps toward the foul line, synchronizing each step with the arm movement. Start with the foot opposite your throwing hand slightly ahead, and on the second step, move your throwing arm back.
Focus more on accurate aiming than on throwing the ball hard. Throw it softer than you think you need to, and aim for a flat spin.
An average speed for a competitive male bowler is around 28-32 mph.
Candlepin bowling balls are smaller and lighter, and the pins are taller and thinner. The throws are straighter and less curved compared to ten-pin.
Aim for the pocket, which is between the middle pin and either the left or right pin. You can experiment with different finger grips and ball weights to find what works best for you.
