Get ready to dive into the world of 9-pin tap bowling, where every strike is a celebration and every spare is a triumph.
In today’s blog post we will thoroughly discuss this exciting variation of traditional bowling …
From “what is 9 pin tap bowling” to its rules, tips & tricks to let you rock on lanes …
Let’s start!
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Key Learnings
- Differences in Bowling Formats: 9-pin tap bowling shares similarities with 10-pin bowling, but it has unique rules. In 9-pin tap, knocking down 9 pins on the first roll counts as a strike, making it easier to achieve a perfect game.
- Scoring in 9-Pin Tap Bowling: Strikes and spares are crucial for scoring. A strike occurs when all 9 pins fall on the first ball, while a spare requires knocking down at least 7 pins. Frame scores are cumulative, and the maximum per frame is 30 points.
- Advantages of 9-Pin Tap Bowling: It offers a fun and unique experience, with one significant advantage being the potential to improve accuracy. Since 9 pins down on the first roll count as a strike, bowlers are motivated to refine their aim and technique.
- Game Strategy: Focus on consistent and accurate shots rather than trying to knock down all 9 pins on every throw. Incorporate drills for accuracy and spare shooting to maximize your score.
- Rules: Achieving a strike involves knocking down all 9 pins on the first ball, regardless of hitting the headpin directly. Spare conversion is essential for maximizing scores, and bowlers should adapt their strategies based on lane conditions.
What is 9-pin Tap Bowling?
Most beginners become curious about the differences between 9-pin tap bowling and 9-pin no-tap bowling, as well as 10-pin bowling…
So, being a bowling expert I am often asked…
How is 9-pin Tap Bowling Different From 9-Pin no-tap Bowling and 10-pin Bowling?
9-pin tap bowling is similar to 10-pin bowling in terms of the number of pins and overall gameplay.
However, there are some key differences that set the 9-pin tap apart.
Unlike 10 pin bowling, in a 9-pin tap, if you knock down 9 pins on your first roll, it is considered a strike.
This makes it easier to achieve a perfect game because you don’t need to knock down all 10 pins.
Here is a table highlighting the main differences between 9-pin tap, 9-pin no tap and 10-pin bowling:
| Feature | 9-pin tap bowling | 9-pin no tap bowling | 10-pin bowling |
| Scoring for knocking down all 9 pins on first ball | Strike (10 points, plus any pins knocked down on second ball) | Strike (10 points, regardless of how many pins knocked down on second ball) | Strike (10 points, plus any pins knocked down on second ball) |
| Ball weight | Heavier | Lighter | Heavier |
| Spare shooting | More important than 10-pin bowling | Less important than 9-pin tap bowling | Less important than 9-pin tap bowling |
Why Should You Try 9-pin Tap Bowling?
If you’re looking for a fun and unique bowling experience, you should definitely give 9-pin tap bowling a try.
Not only is it a refreshing change from traditional 10-pin bowling, but it also has one main advantage.
Advantage of 9 Pin Bowling:
In my opinion, one of the main advantages of 9-pin tap bowling is that it can help you become a more accurate bowler.
Since knocking down 9 pins counts as a strike, you’ll be more motivated to focus on your aim and technique.
Now, let’s discuss how it is scored …
Scoring of 9 Pin Tap Bowling
When it comes to scoring in 9 Pin Tap Bowling, there are a few key points to keep in mind.
- Strikes and spares are the main ways to earn points, with a strike being awarded when all pins are knocked down with the first ball and a spare when all pins are knocked down with two balls.
- Each frame is assigned a frame score, which is the total number of pins knocked down in that frame.
- The game score is the cumulative total of all frame scores throughout the game.
Let’s discuss all of them in detail below..
1. Strikes and Spares
To score in 9 Pin Tap Bowling, aim to knock down all nine pins in a single throw for a strike, or at least seven pins for a spare.
Strikes are the ultimate goal, as they award the highest score of 10 points plus the total number of pins knocked down in the next two throws.
To achieve strikes consistently, it’s crucial to develop effective spare techniques. These include adjusting your stance, targeting specific pins, and using the right amount of power and spin.
However, scoring in 9 Pin Tap Bowling isn’t just about strikes. Spares are equally important, as they can keep your score high.
It’s essential to adapt to different lane conditions and develop scoring strategies that work best for you.
Here, a common mistake to avoid is rushing your throws, neglecting to analyze lane conditions, and failing to adjust your technique accordingly.
2. Frame Score
To calculate the frame score in 9 Pin Tap Bowling, you always add the total number of pins knocked down in that frame to your previous frame’s score.
The scoring system in 9 Pin Tap Bowling is straightforward and easy to understand.
Each frame consists of two rolls, and the maximum score per frame is 30.
If you knock down all nine pins on your first roll, it’s considered a strike, and your score for that frame is 30.
If you knock down all nine pins with both rolls, it’s considered a spare, and your score for that frame is also 30.
Strategy tips for improving your frame score include focusing on accuracy and consistency, as well as practicing specific drills that target spare conversions.
Here, a common mistake to avoid include rushing your shots and not paying attention to pin placement.
3. Game Score
When it comes to game strategy, it’s important to focus on scoring techniques that can help you maximize your points.
For this purpose, one common mistake to avoid is getting too caught up in trying to knock down all nine pins on every throw. Instead, aim for consistent and accurate shots that consistently leave one pin standing.
This will increase your chances of getting a strike or spare, which can greatly boost your score.
To improve your game score, consider incorporating practice drills that focus on accuracy and spare shooting.
Stay focused, confident, and positive throughout the game, and watch your score soar.
Rules of 9 Pin Tap Bowling
Here are the major rules for 9 pin tap bowling:
1. What happens if you knock down all 9 pins on your first ball?
If you knock down all 9 pins on your first ball in 9 Pin Tap Bowling, it’s called a strike. Achieving a strike is a thrilling moment in the game, and it can greatly boost your score.
In 9 Pin Tap Bowling, the scoring system is similar to regular bowling, where each pin knocked down is worth one point.
However, in this variation, knocking down 9 pins on your first ball counts as a strike, regardless of whether you hit the headpin or not.
This means that even if you don’t hit the headpin directly, you can still achieve a strike.
For beginners, focusing on accuracy and developing a good knocking strategy is crucial.
Advanced techniques involve using spin and speed to improve your chances of getting a strike.
Here, common mistake is to not adjusting your aim and not paying attention to your ball speed.
To increase your chances of knocking down all 9 pins on your first ball, start by aiming for the pocket between the headpin and the pins on either side.
Remember to practice and experiment with different techniques to find what works best for you.
2. What happens if you knock down some of the pins on your first ball and then knock down the remaining pins on your second ball?
After knocking down some of the pins on your first ball, you have the opportunity to knock down the remaining pins on your second ball in 9 Pin Tap Bowling.
This gives you a chance to maximize your score and strategize your knockdown strategy.
If you knock down 8 or 7 pins on your first ball and then knock down the remaining pins on your second ball, it also counts as a strike.
When faced with this situation, it’s important to focus on spare conversion.
The scoring system in 9 Pin Tap Bowling rewards you for converting spares, so knocking down the remaining pins can significantly improve your final score.
Additionally, considering the lane conditions is crucial for selecting the right ball.
Different lane conditions require different ball selections to achieve the desired knockdown effect.
By analyzing the lane conditions and adjusting your ball selection accordingly, you can increase your chances of successfully knocking down the remaining pins on your second ball.
Being a bowling expert, here are my 2 tips to ace 9 pin tap bowling!
How to Be Good at 9-pin Tap Bowling – My 2 Tips
To be good at 9-pin Tap Bowling, there are 2 key points to keep in mind.
1. Aim For the Center of The Rack
In 9-pin tap bowling, hitting the center of the pin formation is crucial because of the diamond shape layout.
Picture it like this: the pins are arranged in a diamond shape, creating a little “pocket” between the front pin (headpin) and the ones on each side.
Aiming for the center of the rack is a crucial targeting strategy that increases your chances of knocking down more pins.
Related Article: What is Right Bowling Weight for You?
2. Pick up Spares Consistently
To consistently pick up spares in 9-pin Tap Bowling, you should focus on improving your spare shooting accuracy and developing a reliable spare shooting technique.
Spare conversion strategies are essential for maximizing your score and minimizing the number of pins left standing.
- When targeting the corner pins, aim slightly to the left or right of the pin, depending on your bowling style, to increase your chances of knocking them down.
- Techniques for picking up splits involve hitting the pin closest to you first and allowing the ball’s momentum to carry it into the remaining pins.
Wrapping Up – What is 9 Pin Tap Bowling?
9-pin tap bowling offers a refreshing twist to traditional bowling.
With the unique rule that 9 pins down on the first roll count as a strike, it provides a more accessible path to a perfect game.
Scoring involves a focus on strikes and spares, with cumulative frame scores determining the overall game score.
The game strategy emphasizes accuracy and spare shooting, and two key tips for success include aiming for the center of the rack and consistently picking up spares.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned bowler, trying out 9-pin tap bowling can bring a new level of enjoyment to the game.