Northcliff Bowl says you can play tenpin bowling at home
NORTHCLIFF – With just a few everyday items, one can play tenpin bowling at home.
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You do not need a state-of-the-art bowling alley to practise tenpin bowling, sometimes all you need is a few two-litre bottles, some logs, planks of wood and you don’t even need a ball.
So says Northcliff Bowl manager, Carrie Robertson, as the country deals with the nationwide lockdown to combat the coronavirus pandemic.
Northcliff Bowl hosts competitive as well as social leagues and hosts the annual Arnold Classic. This year the Tenpin Bowling Association of South Africa Cup will be played at Northcliff Bowl.
So it is no surprise that while the lockdown is in place, there are many people who take tenpin bowling seriously in the area but cannot leave their homes.
“Wherever you are you can always practise your approach to the lane and your release, even if you do not have a ball,” said Robertson.
“When people get sick they do the same, they practise at home. It is a great way to get the family involved too.”
She said many bowling centres allowed people to take broken or dented pins home with them, while other serious players use plastic pins to train.
Then for those who do not have pins, they can use two-litre bottles filled with some water or even short logs.
A standard paved, flat surface can suffice as a practice lane. Otherwise, Robertson has heard of people laying planks of wood down to act as a smooth and strong surface. Barriers can also be set up on either side of the lane so you do not bowl out of bounds.
Of course, many serious players have their own bowling balls. If you do not, you can improvise with a soccer ball or round object.
Before you know it, you have something fun you can spend endless hours doing with the family.
If you have any photos or videos of your own tenpin bowling set up at home, share them with us by emailing them to nicholasz@caxton.co.za
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