Bowling is a sport that the whole family can enjoy. However, traditional bowling can be difficult for kids or inexperienced players to play. In traditional bowling, you’ll need to throw the ball straight. Otherwise, it will fall into the gutter on the sides.
A more accessible version of bowling is called bumper bowling. In this version, the gutters are blocked off with bumpers, and the ball is lighter. Kids enjoy playing the game, and it’s an excellent way for new players to learn more about it.
In this article, we will discuss in detail about bumper bowling, its types, and how to play the game. Read on to know.
What is Bumper Bowling?
Bumper bowling is an interesting twist to traditional bowling. In bumper bowling, the gutters on both sides are blocked off, which makes it easier for kids and new players to play.
Bowling is an enjoyable sport for the whole family. However, there is a learning curve to it. New players sometimes get frustrated if their ball keeps falling off the track.
Placing bumpers on the sides of the track can make the game easier, which is the main idea of bumper bowling. It prevents the bowling ball from veering off the track (no matter how bad the throw is) and makes hitting the pins much easier.
The best part is you don’t have to visit a special bowling center to play it. Most modern bowling places have the bumpers in place.
Although, they don’t put it up for all players since they’re meant to be more of an accessibility feature. If your bowling ring has bumpers, you can request the staff to raise them if you want – or you can raise the bumpers for a particular person or new players!
Types of Bowling Bumpers
Initially, there was only one type of bumper that was made from inflatable plastic. However, there are newer types of bumpers that are made from steel. Keep in mind that the bumpers might differ depending on where you go to play the game.
1. Inflatable Bumpers Made of Plastic
Plastic bumpers are the first type of bumpers used in bumper bowling. These can be inflated as needed, but many centers require the bumpers to be inflated mechanically, which takes time and effort.
While these aren’t used much anymore, some bowling alleys still use rubber inflatable bumpers.
2. Bumpers Made of Steel
Bowling alleys moved to steel bumpers since they didn’t need to be inflated. The staff would install steel bumpers along the track’s edges when needed, but steel bumpers are difficult to install.
Additionally, shipping these large, heavy steel bumpers isn’t the easiest thing in the world. Bowling centers also needed to maintain and store them. So, these also slowly faded away.
3. Retractable Bumpers
Next, retractable bowling bumpers came out. You’ll find these in high-end bowling centers and are the latest iteration of bowling bumpers. These bumpers are installed beneath the alley and pop up when needed.
Retractable bumpers can be propped up with minimal effort, making them one of the most user-friendly types of bumpers Retractable bumpers feel the most cohesive, but due to their high-end design, they are also the most expensive.
Who Invented Bumper Bowling?
Bumper Bowling started at the Juniper Bowling Center in Dallas, Texas. It was invented by the owner, Philip Kinzer, in 1982.
He wanted to make the sport more accessible for youngsters and inexperienced players. The idea was if you didn’t feel the pressure of the game or didn’t fear failure, the game would be more fun.
It would allow you to enjoy the game much more, and as you get better at it, you can take the “training wheels” off – which, in this case, are the bumpers. Apart from making the game more accessible, Phillip Kenzer had a personal reason behind inventing this game.
You see, his 3-year-old son would get frustrated and start to cry when his ball kept falling off the track. This was when he knew he had to do something. It’s his kid, after all.
Phillip used off-the-shelf cardboard pieces as bumpers to stop the ball from falling into the gutters. After iterating and improving on this idea, he landed on inflatable plastic cushions, and the rest was history.
Who Is Bumper Bowling For?
Bumper bowling was originally intended for kids and disabled players. The balls were also lighter than traditional bowling balls. Needlessly to say, it became popular all over the world.
Jupiter Lanes Bowling Center saw a spike in visitors. About 2,500 children would come to his alley every week to play the game! Even adults and beginners can play bumper bowling. The bumpers and the lighter balls make the game easier for players of any skill level.
Pros and Cons of Bowling with Bumpers
Thanks to the bumpers, there are some advantages to playing bumper bowling. Here are the pros:
- It’s easier and more accessible
- Great for kids, new and disabled players
- Bumper bowling is a great family sport
- A good way to practice if you’re a new player
Although there are some advantages, bumper bowling still has some cons. The challenge isn’t that realistic. Also, as you get better at the game, you might find the game less challenging and fun. Here are the cons of bumper bowling:
- Isn’t particularly exciting for seasoned players
- Unrealistic gameplay compared to traditional bowling, where there are no bumpers
- The easy gameplay might limit the skill cap of players.
How To Play Bumper Bowling
The rules of bumper bowling are the same as traditional bowling. The only difference is in bumper bowling, the gutter guards (or the bumpers) stop your ball from falling into the gutter. Also, the ball is lighter.
Since you can’t throw the ball into the gutter, your chances of hitting the pins are higher. You will be able to drop at least one pin, even if it was a bad throw.
However, the bumpers and the lighter ball don’t make dropping all the balls easier. In other words, getting a strike isn’t any easier. You’ll still need to throw the ball straight to get a strike, which requires some skill.
Difference Between Bumper Bowling and Traditional Bowling
There are two main differences between bumper bowling and traditional bowling. Firstly, there are bumpers along the sides of the track, and the ball is also lighter.
The bumpers make it impossible to sink the ball into the bumpers. So, no matter how bad your throw is, you’ll still hit some of the pins, since the lighter ball puts less strain on your arms.
How Old Do You Have to Be For Bumper Bowling?
The game was designed for kids. However, there is no age limit for bumper bowling. Even adults can play this fun and accessible game.
The bumpers decrease the game’s difficulty. It’s particularly useful for complete beginners. Many bowlers even recommend bumper bowling to new players, regardless of age.
Are Bumpers Allowed in Bowling Tournaments?
Traditional bowling tournaments don’t allow bumpers. It keeps the game’s skill cap high and exciting to watch. However, if it’s specifically a bumper bowling tournament, you can use bumpers.
Bumper bowling tournaments are mostly held for children and disabled people, which we think is a fantastic thing. It makes the sport more inclusive and allows everyone to enjoy it.
Official bowling tournaments have their own set of rules, but if you want to play bowling competitively, there’s no reason why you can’t play with bumpers. You just need to join a bumper bowling tournament specifically.
How Bumper Bowling Has Changed the Bowling Industry?
Since bumper bowling made the game more accessible, more people started bowling. Bowling alleys saw people playing and enjoying themselves with their families. It had a significant positive impact on the industry.
Kids and new players Didn’t get frustrated if they couldn’t hit the pins. Overall revenue also increased. It allowed people to bond with each other and made kids, beginners, and disabled people feel included.
Can Adults Use Bumpers When Bowling?
Yes, adults can play bumper bowling, too. It’s completely fine. Bumper bowling is a great way to get your foot into the sport.
The lower difficulty is especially great for beginners and disabled adults. However, after some practice, you might want to switch to traditional bowling to keep things interesting and challenging.
FAQ‘s
How Do You Turn On a Bowling Bumper?
You can turn on the bumpers by lifting the center of the pin deck, or if you’re at a bowling alley, request the staff to raise the bumpers if they have them installed.
How Do You Win at Bumper Bowling?
The player with the highest score wins the game. The rules are the same as traditional bowling.
When to use bumpers in bowling?
You can use bumpers to learn the basics if you’re a new player. You can also use bumpers if you have a kid or a disabled person who wants to play.
Should You Use Bumpers?
Using bumpers when bowling is fine if you’re learning, but if you want to increase your skills, playing without the bumpers is a good idea after you get some practice.
Conclusion
A game is sometimes only as good as the fun you have to play it. Bumper bowling had such a significant impact on the industry. It increased revenues, got more people into bowling, and made the game much more accessible.
The bumpers stopped the ball from falling into the gutter, and the lighter ball meant kids could join in on the action, too!