Differences in league bowling?

[Dadman13]

My girlfriend and I started bowling the beginning of this year. We're looking at starting in a summer league soon to get our feet wet. What differences can I expect in league bowling vs. recreational/open bowling? I am also open to any tips or advice that you can give me regarding league bowling. Thanks!

[Blomer]

First off, have FUN! Generally more serious bowling is during the season, so summer leagues will be a great start to see if you want to continue it in the fall. You will an average and handicap during a season compared to not having one that follows you when bowling for fun. You also bowl with others for a score where you bowl on your own otherwise. When someone is bowling next to you and is on their approach, stay down on the floor. You don't ever bowl when the guy next to you is bowling. Some places it's two lanes.

[Amyers]

First off Blomer is correct have fun with it. Summer tends to be less competitive and more fun oriented anyway so pick a league that fits your schedule and enjoy. The main differences between league and open play are at most locations the lanes will be freshly oiled so you may see less hook than you are used too and that bowling with a competitive aspect can be different. Hope you find a league you like.

[NewToBowling]

Summer leagues are usually about fun. Where I am there is usually only one competitive league in the summer (Here it's called Shootout, probably a national thing). The others are usually "get a ball" or "drink and pizza" leagues. First and foremost have fun but also learn proper etiquette like others have posted.

[white_rabbitt]

Like Amyers said, I think the lane conditions are one of the biggest differences between open and league bowling. For the most part, you are going to get fresh oiled lanes for league. Again, like Amyers said, you might see your ball hook less (depending on what line you use) but you should also get more consistent reactions.

[Aslan]

My girlfriend and I started bowling the beginning of this year. We're looking at starting in a summer league soon to get our feet wet.

You'll either love it or hate it.

The lane courtesy stuff is the first to learn...just like golf and other sports. Don't get on the approach when the bowler next to you is on the approach. Don't put powder all over your shoes or spill stuff on the floor. Don't use other people's equipment. If the ball bounces out of the gutter and hits a pin...that counts as a "0". Be ready to bowl when it's your turn. Minor stuff. It shouldn't be a "big deal"...but sometimes you run into a curmudgeon or someone that takes themselves too seriously...and they can tend to handle the situation the wrong way. Other than that, it's just recreational bowling.

Like I said initially, most new league bowlers I've encountered either love it and it enhances their passion for bowling and they get more and more into it....or they hate it because they aren't as good as everyone else and have to take turns and they just want to drink and throw the ball around and league play cramps their "style".

[Huber]

There are a bunch of differences but all in a good way.

Most have been stated above. Biggest thing I can say is respect to other bowlers by lane curtsy around here it's 2 lanes on each side.

[Jekyll & Hyde]

I would say just have fun and in the process learn the proper bowling Courtesy & Etiquette. i would also ask the lanes what you are looking for in a league that will meet your needs.

[ep1977]

There are a bunch of differences but all in a good way.

Most have been stated above. Biggest thing I can say is respect to other bowlers by lane curtsy around here it's 2 lanes on each side.

2 lanes on each side must take forever to finish 3 games.

[JasonNJ]

2 lanes on each side must take forever to finish 3 games.

My house is like that too and it does take much longer. 6:30 league and some games go until 9:30-10PM and only 3 games.