One of the commonly used words in bowling is ‘Gutter’ also known as “Channel” which is a more formal term. I know many new bowlers still aren’t aware of what a Gutter or Channel is. You are probably thinking about the shallow edge attached to the roof of your house that carries rainwater off. But no, we are not talking about that gutter. If you are not aware of gutters in bowling terminology, then this article is just for you. A clue— the gutter in bowling is not there to carry rainwater, obviously because it’s an indoor game. So allow me to elaborate on what gutter is in bowling sports.
What is Gutter in Bowling?
If you are here reading this article, I’m assuming, you have seen a bowling lane in your life. When you stand at the approach area of your lane, which is the opposite side of the foul line, you get to see two trenches placed on either side of the bowling lane. They are part of a lane, but that area is off-limit to roll your bowling ball. These two trenches that you see located on each side of your bowling lane are called channels aka gutters.
According to the bowling rules, you have to make your ball roll down the lane without getting it on the gutters. As your ball moves toward the pocket to hit the pins, it can go as outside as it possibly can. But the ball can’t fall on the gutter area. Since the level of gutters is lower than the actual lane, there’s no way your ball will pop back on the lane. So when a ball gets on the gutter, it goes straight into the pit without hitting a single pin.
What is called a gutter ball?
A bowling ball’s diameter is 8.595” and the width of the gutter is 9.25”. The radius of a ball is about 4.25” and the depth of a gutter is 1.875” which is just enough to accommodate a bowling ball to roll straight without allowing it to get back on the lane. When your bowling ball falls into a gutter, it can’t just jump back on the lane. Due to the gutter depth, the ball goes straight into the pit. So when your bowling ball gets on the gutter, in bowling terminology, we like to call it a “gutter ball,” By throwing a ‘gutter ball’, you score no point.
How do you prevent gutter balls in bowling?
Without strikes and spares, you cannot ever get a decent score in bowling. So losing potential good scores due to some silly gutter ball is a massive loss. As a bowler, you have to prevent gutter balls from happening. But how can you do that? As I see this mostly from beginners, with some gained experience, you will not ever see your balls in the gutters. So take a look at these tips and tricks to prevent gutter balls for good.
1. Bumper Bowling
Remember when you were a kid, you had training wheels on your bicycle when you were just learning to bike? They are attached to your bike for achieving balance. Moreover, it keeps you from falling and getting injured. Once you have full balance, they are detached from the bike. Just like that bumper bowling is a technique that gives you better control of the bowling ball. The bumpers block the gutters and prevent the ball from falling there.
Some advanced bowling centers offer the bumper bowling option where they place barriers on each side of your lane all the way. For newbies, bumper bowling is a nice place to start without sacrificing your score. But don’t rely on it too much. Once you think, the ball isn’t touching the bumpers anymore, start bowling without the help of bumpers.
2. Use the Right Size Bowling Ball
Did you know heavy balls are more prone to go into the gutter than lighter ones? If your bowling ball goes into the gutter again and again, it’s probably because the ball is too heavy for you. Bowling ball weight ranges from 6 to 16 lbs. With the bowling ball weight calculator, find the right size for you. Don’t choose a heavier ball as it will only add discomfort, and as a result, it will go into the gutters. So grab a ball that is easy to carry so it is less likely to go into the gutters.
3. Practice, practice, and practice
While some equipment can help you to be on track, it can’t be a permanent solution, can it? If you would like to bowl seriously, there is no alternative to practicing. To avoid a gutter ball, first, you have to start by mastering straight shots. Keep an eye on your hand position. Make sure your bowling hand doesn’t rotate too much.
If you’re learning to hook your bowling ball with better power and angle, be ready to witness some repetitive gutter balls. But don’t be impatient. It’s okay, it happens with everyone. You have to keep on practicing. During ball release, don’t flex, rotate, or bend your wrist. Keep your bowling hand straight while the ball gets to the swinging phase behind you.
After the swinging phase, when the ball is moving forward rotate your wrist on the right side (applicable to right-handed bowlers), or the left side applicable to left-handed bowlers). So, basically, rotate your wrist toward the opposite side of your body. Release your bowling ball just when it gets close to your ankle. Don’t expect magic on your very first attempt. With time you will get the knack of it.
Conclusion
One of the common unintentional mistakes I see from beginners is gutter balls. If you move too outside, and roll your ball at the wrong angle it can make your bowling ball go into the gutter. New bowlers struggle with gutter balls at first. But with enough practice, it is easier to avoid such mistakes. So, you can overcome this issue with a little bit of practice. Who wants a zero displayed on the bowling scoreboard, am I right? So keep on practicing until you get it right and learn to roll your bowling ball properly! Good luck!
Passionate Bowler and Bowling Enthusiast
Jess Pinelli is a dedicated bowling enthusiast with a deep love for the sport that spans over 6 years. With numerous strikes, spares, and a few gutter balls under hes belt, he has honed his skills on lanes across the country. Pinelli’s journey in the world of bowling has been a remarkable one, from casual weekend games with friends to competitive league play and even a few local tournaments.
Driven by her passion for the game, Pinelli decided to channel her expertise and knowledge into the digital realm, becoming a prolific author on this bowling website. She’s your go-to source for everything bowling-related, from mastering the perfect hook to choosing the right bowling ball and even navigating the world of bowling etiquette.
When she’s not busy writing informative articles or reviewing the latest bowling gear, you’ll likely find Pinellis at her favorite local bowling alley, helping newcomers improve their game or enjoying some friendly competition with fellow bowlers. She firmly believes that bowling is not just a game but a community, and she’s committed to fostering that sense of camaraderie both online and offline.
