Bowling is always an exciting game to play, combining precision, strength, and focus to rack up as many points as possible, where a single mistake can cost you precious points.
A typical example of such a mistake is throwing a gutter ball, which pro bowlers often call “channels.” To grasp the concept of gutter balls in bowling, it’s worth sticking around while we break it down for you.
What is a Gutter in Bowling?
The gutters are on the left and right-hand sides of the lane. They stand out with different colors that distinguish them from the bowling lane. Gutters are also commonly referred to as “pits.”
What Are Gutter Balls In Bowling?
Gutter balls in bowling occur when balls are thrown but fail to roll down the bowling lane, landing in either of the two gutters or pits. Once this happens, the ball is unlikely to make contact with any pins, and even if it does, the score attributed is zero.
A player can end up with numerous gutter balls in bowling unless they decide to change their strategy. To break it down further, gutter balls occur when the ball rolls out of the lane where the pins are set, moving into one of the side channels. In such a case, it indicates that the ball hasn’t made contact with any of the pins.
Types of Gutter Balls
Various types of gutter balls occur in bowling. Whenever a bowler throws any gutter balls, lane judges decide whether to score points or rule them as zero. Here are the types of gutter balls you need to know:
1. Left Gutter Ball
When a ball rolls into the left side of the gutter, it’s often due to the bowler releasing the ball with too much focus on the left side. It can also occur when there’s not enough hook from the bowler as they release the ball into the lane.
2. Right Gutter Ball
Remember, the bowling lane is better than the gutters. The right gutter ball means the ball rolls to the right side of the gutter if the bowler has not released the ball accurately or there is too much attention on the right side.
3. Double Gutter Ball
It is also known as the “split ball.” It rarely happens in a game except if the individual is a newbie and playing for the first time—the ball swings from the left to the right side of the gutter or vice versa. Miscalculation or misjudgment of an angle and shot delivery are significant causes.
4. Gutter Ball With A Twist
It could be from the left or the right. The ball rolls into the gutter, returning to the lane to hit some pins.
5. Near-Miss Gutter Ball
The near-miss gutter can keep you on your toes because it looks like the ball is about to miss but eventually stays in the lane. Some bowlers use it as an advantage in some particular lane conditions. The near-miss gutter ball can definitely add a lot of excitement and surprise to the game.
Causes Of Hitting Gutter Balls
Even pros hit gutter balls. If you’re a first-timer and looking at gutter balls as challenges, it’s a normal challenge when playing the game. Below are a few reasons why gutter ball bowling is inevitable:
You Are New
Although it has been mentioned earlier, newbies need to know that you cannot hit a perfect shot when you are just starting out. Bowling is just like any other sport. Do you want to get better? Then be prepared for a lot of mistakes.
Your Finger Is Not Properly Placed
Correctly placing your fingers into the ball and ensuring its balance adds another level of skill to the game. Instructors typically teach the initial aspect. However, newcomers are more prone to making such mistakes.
Wrong Aiming
You’ve probably fantasized about making a perfect throw and hitting all pins, but fantasies don’t mean you will aim right. The moment you lose focus, there is always the possibility that your aim will be off.
The Ball Is Either Too Heavy Or Too Light
You should pay attention to your arm whenever you are about to aim. If the ball is heavier, it could head straight to the gutter, and if it’s too light, it will roll off the lane easily. So ensure the ball is just the perfect weight for you to be able to control.
Other factors may cause gutter ball bowling, but these are the obvious ones. The beautiful thing about the game is that you can learn to avoid it the longer you play.
What Is Another Name for Gutter in Bowling?
Another name for gutter in bowling is channels. However, it is a rarely used term among the bowlers. Most of the professional and beginner bowlers call it gutter, as usual.
How To Avoid Gutter Balls?
There are simple hacks you can employ to ensure your ball stays in the lane. Do not overthink or pressure yourself to become a master on your first try. So, to try and avoid gutter balls, simply do the following:
Aim For The Middle Lane
Targeting the pins in the center is the most reliable approach to scoring points. Doing so can result in one of two outcomes: either hitting all the pins or some of them. Most importantly, you will always earn some points, which is certainly better than not scoring.
Do Not Drop Your Shoulder Too Low
Many players drop their shoulders too low where they need to keep their body balanced. Keep your shoulders balanced because it’s important for releasing the ball at the correct angle.
Make Sure The Ball Is Light
First-timers should ensure they use a light ball (although not too light). It helps to master control and accuracy. From an expert perspective, you might want to try a ball that is ten percent of your weight.
Stabilize Your Hands To Follow Through
Even after you take the shot, endeavor to keep your hands stabilized because swinging your hands can cause them to roll into the gutter path. For instance, you cannot aim for a middle lane and adjust your hand to the right.
Use A Ball Ramp
If you are disabled or a senior citizen, the ball ramp helps you to take a shot without throwing. You will find it at the front of the lane.
What Is A Gutter Guard In Bowling?
Gutter guards are inflated tubes that prevent the ball from falling into the gutter. Skilled bowlers know how to use it for a curling shot. It is on the left and right side of the lane.
How Professional Bowlers Roll Gutter Balls?
There are many methods professional bowlers use to earn a strike or spare. Here are some of them to note:
- Lane Play: This is tricky, but individuals who know their way around the lane use it to strike down the pins. Only those confident enough use it in a competitive game to show their skills. While there can be many hits, there are some that will definitely land in the gutter.
- Unique Exhibition Shots: It could be the middle aim, left or right, and sometimes, lane play. Mostly, bowlers do these during entertainment games to excite the audience.
- Specific Pin Targets: Professional bowlers know the strategic pins that can help them achieve a strike, targeting the ones in the middle or directing their shots at an angle. Once the ball hits the specific aim, it clears all the pins.
Conclusion
Bear in mind that gutter ball bowling is inevitable. Nevertheless, consistency is the key, and more practice will help your hand adjust until you can find your own signature throw.
Whenever you hear an official say “channel” after a throw, know that a gutter ball situation has occurred. Let us know in the comment section your own experience or any more details you might want to add. Happy bowling!