For those in a hurry
- The highest score in bowling is 300, also known as a perfect game.
- It requires 12 consecutive strikes in one game, one in each of the first nine frames and three more in the tenth frame.
- The first person to achieve this feat was Joe Falcaro in 1895.
- Bowling a perfect game is very rare and requires skill, practice and luck.
- To improve your chances of bowling a perfect game, you need to master the basics of bowling, such as stance, grip, approach, release and follow-through.
- You also need to find the right bowling ball, shoes and lane conditions for your style and preference.
- You need to be consistent, focused and confident throughout the game, and avoid distractions and pressure.
The Highest score in Bowling: What is a perfect game?
A perfect game in bowling is the highest score possible in a game of bowling, achieved by scoring a strike in every frame. A strike is when you knock down all 10 pins with your first ball. A strike is worth 10 points plus the points earned for the next two balls.
In bowling games that use 10 pins, such as ten-pin bowling, candlepin bowling and duckpin bowling, the highest possible score is 300, achieved by bowling 12 strikes in a row in a traditional single game: one strike in each of the first nine frames, and three more in the tenth frame.
In five-pin bowling, the highest possible score is 450, as a strike is worth 15 pins.
Bowling a perfect game is very rare and difficult, as it requires skill, practice and luck. According to the United States Bowling Congress (USBC), the governing body of bowling in the US, only about 0.02% of its members have bowled a perfect game.
Who was the first person to bowl a perfect game?
The first person to bowl a perfect game was Joe Falcaro, an American professional bowler who achieved this feat in 1895 at St. Monica’s alleys in New York City. He used a wooden ball and wooden pins on wooden lanes. He was awarded a gold medal and $100 for his accomplishment.
Since then, many other bowlers have bowled perfect games, both in official tournaments and casual play. Some notable examples are:
- Glenn Allison, who bowled the first 900 series (three consecutive perfect games) in 1982, but his score was not recognized by the USBC due to irregular lane conditions.
- Jeremy Sonnenfeld, who bowled the first officially sanctioned 900 series in 1997 at Sun Valley Lanes in Lincoln, Nebraska.
- Kelly Kulick, who bowled the first perfect game by a woman in a major professional tournament in 2003 at the USBC Queens.
- Mika Koivuniemi, who bowled the highest score ever televised in 2011 at the PBA Tournament of Champions, with a 299 game.
How to bowl a perfect game: tips and tricks
Bowling a perfect game is not easy, but it is not impossible either. Here are some tips and tricks that can help you improve your chances of achieving this ultimate goal:
- Master the basics of bowling. You need to have a good stance, grip, approach, release and follow-through. You need to know how to aim, adjust and adapt to different lane conditions. You need to practice regularly and learn from your mistakes.
- Find the right equipment for you. You need to choose a bowling ball that fits your hand size, weight preference and bowling style. You need to wear comfortable shoes that provide good traction and support. You need to check the lane conditions before you start bowling and select the appropriate ball surface and oil pattern for optimal performance.
- Be consistent. You need to repeat your best shots over and over again. You need to maintain your rhythm and timing throughout the game. You need to avoid changing your technique or equipment unless absolutely necessary.
- Be focused. You need to concentrate on each shot and block out any distractions or negative thoughts. You need to visualize your target and execute your plan. You need to trust your skills and instincts.
- Be confident. You need to believe that you can bowl a perfect game. You need to have a positive attitude and enjoy the challenge. You need to celebrate your successes and overcome your failures.
