3 Striking Facts about Bowling for Soup

Since its inception, bowling has consistently obtained and retained its recognition in the sports category. In the United States alone, there are 50 million people that participate in the sport.

Because of its extreme popularity, the fascination for bowling has reached all classes of society, including musicians. Yes, the concept of bowling is so popular that even musicians or band members have used bowling terms when naming their bands. Bowling for Soup coined their band name from the sport.

Bowling for Soup is an all-male band that engages in "pop-punk" music. Originally from Wichita Falls, Texas; this band was recognized for its hit singles like "Girl All the Bad Guys Want" that was released in 2002. Their newest hits were "Almost" and "1985."

The band's popularity soars as they continue to create songs that are widely accepted by the "pre-teen" group.

For those who are not yet familiar with the band, here are five amazing facts:

1. The band got its name from "Bowling for Shit," a routine from Steve Martin's comedy album, "Wild and Crazy Guy," that was released in 1978.

2. They are known as "musical heavyweights" and drunk-rockers. But all of that changed when they were nominated for the 2003 Grammy Award for their category, "Best Performance Pop, By a Duo or Group."

Since then, they are no longer known as the "fat guys" from Texas. After the Grammy's, they now acclaim themselves as the "Grammy-nominated fat guys from Texas."

3. Their name has nothing to do with the sport of bowling, but they do bowl; they are not "true-blue bowlers" which is what they call themselves. Jaret Riddick, the band's lead vocalist and lead guitarist has stated that they play "badly" when it comes to bowling. They participated in a bowling event known as a "Bowl-a-thon," where Chris Burney, their bassist and vocalist, was able to score a "scorching" 70.

On the other hand, the term "soup" has nothing to do with edible soup either - the fact is that Riddick admitted that he is not a "soup eater."

Given all of the above, this band has made a great impact on the entertainment scene. They are very popular even if they are not into the sport of bowling. Whether it has been a strike or a spare, they have hit their way to fame.

3 Health Benefits of Bowling: Tone Those Muscles and Make a Strike!

Among the many sports that man has ever played, perhaps, bowling is the most popular among all. With over 50 million players in the United States alone, bowling is definitely one sport that is a cut above the rest.

Among the many reasons this particular sport has remained at top of is the fact that it is a highly flexible sport. It promotes easy adjustment methods that are why many children and adults alike can take part in this remarkable game.

About 95% of bowlers consider bowling as a sport that can be exploited as a recreation, a form of relaxation, a societal factor, and a competitive nature as far as sportsmanship is concerned.

The simplicity of the game contributes to its adaptability. Because its rules are easier to understand, more and more people are engaging in this sport, not because of competition but basically because they want to enjoy the time with their friends or family.

With all these advantages, many people are still not aware of the health benefits that bowling can provide. They just thought that the activity could promote physical vigor and it stopped there. What they do not know is that the health benefits of bowling is more than just building stamina and releasing energy.

So for those who are not yet aware of these benefits, here is a list that you should know:

1. Promotes good muscle exercises

Merely walking along the lane, while attempting to make a strike or a spare, is enough to exercise the muscles in your legs. It resembles that of the "walking exercise" that most health buffs do; the only difference is that there is more weight involved. This is because in bowling, your hands are holding the bowling ball.

Consequently, as you swing around to hit the pins, the flexing and stretching provides adequate exercise for your tendons, joints, ligaments, and muscles in the arms.

2. Fat burning

As your muscles flex, turn, and twist in every swinging motion that you make while playing bowling, these moves can actually promote the burning of some accumulated body fat.

3. Builds friendships

One of the health benefits that can be derived in bowling is based on the kind of relationship that is being built with your friends or family. As some psychologists contend, building social relationships can actually promote better performance of the heart muscles. Emotional stress can shorten the lifespan of an average person.

Indeed, there can be no better or enjoyable way to live a healthy life than bowling can.

3 Bowling Techniques to Make a Strike or Spare

It is a strike, when all of the pins are knocked down "on the first ball of a frame."

Every bowler would like to hit a strike and score big to win with this action, but it is not merely a stroke of luck. Bowlers who want to make it big by hitting strikes more often than not have to work at it.

Like in any sport, great action comes in small packages, where the attention is focused on the techniques learned and used by that player. It is important for every player to know how to hone his or her skills to win the game.

So for those who wish to make a strike or a spare in order to win a match, here are three bowling techniques that they can use:

1. Spinner

This technique refers to the way of delivering a shot with the intention that no more than a minor part of the ball touches contacts the lane. This technique promotes less friction between the ball and the lane, not considering the "oiling pattern" of that lane. As a result the ball glides practically in a straight line down the lane.

Experts contend, however, that this kind of shot is not very successful in that it does not attempt to take full advantage of the dragging the power of the bowler.

2. Stroker

With this kind of technique, the bowler relies more on precision than strength. This technique is characterized by employing the "by the book" style of playing that entails the proper execution of even movements, keeping square shoulders to the target all the way through the release of the ball, and maintaining an on-time move at the "foul line."

This is the "classic" technique of most bowlers because it employs smooth and controlled movements and lessens the possibility of injuries.

3. Cranker

This is the kind of technique that is being employed by a bowler who relies more on his strength to deliver a good shot rather than accuracy. It is like 'hitting hard' when a bowler uses this technique.

The skill involves more adrenaline that constitutes the bowler's drive to win.

Usually, crankers use "late timing", they do not slide, attempt to get to the "foul line" earlier than the ball, and they bend their elbows to keep their hands at the back and beneath the ball.

There are no perfect techniques, but there is a particular technique for every player. The important thing is to create a strike or even a spare.