Why is a Brooklyn Strike Bad? A Quick and Easy Guide!

A Brooklyn Strike is not bad. It completely depends on the bowler’s judgment. Some consider it to be a strike of luck instead of skills. In fact, some bowlers insist that celebrating a Brooklyn strike does not make any sense as it indicates poor sportsmanship. While to others, it means a display of excellent bowling skills. Once again, how a Brooklyn Strike is perceived depends on the individual. 

So, don’t worry if you have made a Brooklyn Strike. But if you are wondering how to stop this from happening and what are some good shots, then keep reading this article till the end. 

Is Brooklyn Strike Bad?

No, a Brooklyn strike is not bad. While this results in a strike and achieves the goal of clearing all the pins, it is commonly regarded as indicative of a poorly executed shot. Some bowlers argue that celebrating a “Brooklyn” strike might be unwarranted since the ball missed the intended target.  

A Brooklyn strike in bowling occurs when a player successfully knocks down the pins on the opposite side of the headpin from their intended target. The term “Brooklyn” originated in New York, where bowlers referred to a “cross over” the pocket as going “to Brooklyn.”

Brooklyn strike
Source: Ten Pin Alley

Although accomplishing a Brooklyn strike is impressive, it is often considered a fortunate outcome resulting from a less accurate shot. Perspectives on the Brooklyn strike vary among bowlers, with some finding it irksome or viewing it as a sign of poor sportsmanship, while others perceive it as a stroke of luck. 

Ultimately, the perception of a Brooklyn strike is subjective, with some acknowledging it as a legitimate result and others considering it a less skillful outcome. So, make sure to check out the local perception after making this strike. 

How to Avoid Brooklyn Strike While Bowling?

To steer clear of a Brooklyn strike while bowling, it’s essential to focus on making your shots more accurate. A Brooklyn strike happens when the ball hits the pins on the opposite side of the headpin from where you meant to aim.

Brooklyn strike while bowling
Source: MY Best Bowling Day Ever

Here are some straightforward tips to help you avoid Brooklyn strikes:

Improve Your Alignment: Make sure your body and target are correctly aligned. This will help you aim more accurately for the pocket, lowering the chance of a Brooklyn strike.

Work on Your Release: Concentrate on releasing the ball consistently and cleanly. This ensures you control the ball’s direction, increasing the likelihood of hitting your intended target.

Adjust Your Approach: Pay attention to your approach and make any necessary tweaks to ensure you release the ball toward your target. You can also iterate the process. Try out different ways to throw the ball and see which one fits. 

Seek Professional Guidance: Consider getting advice from a certified bowling coach. They can offer personalized tips to enhance your accuracy and decrease the occurrence of Brooklyn strikes.

Bonus: Check out some good bowling balls if you are a beginner

What are Some Good Shots in Bowling?

There are a lot of good shots in bowling from the pocket hit to strike on demand. But the following are some of the desired shots in bowling. 

Pocket Hit: When a bowler hits the 1-3 pocket (for right-handed bowlers) or the 1-2 pocket (for left-handed bowlers), it increases the chances of striking. It’s like aiming for a sweet spot to knock down most pins.

Carry: If the ball hits the pocket and all ten pins are knocked down, that’s a great carry. It means the bowler made an effective shot, hitting the right spot to maximize pin action.

Clean-up Shot: When a bowler picks up a spare, especially in tricky spare setups like the 7-10 split, it’s considered a skillful shot. It’s like making a precision move to clean up the remaining pins.

Strike on Demand: This term refers to a shot that consistently results in a strike. It shows the bowler’s ability to hit the pocket with both precision and power, almost like being able to get a strike whenever they want.

These examples showcase what skilled bowling looks like – hitting the right spots, adjusting to challenges, and consistently making effective shots.

But before you get into these trick shots make sure to hook the ball properly. This is crucial and you need to watch this video for a detailed guideline. 

Bonus: Find out how you can aim in bowling

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

What is 12 Strikes in a Row Called?

12 strikes in a row is called a Perfect Game. As impressive as this feat is, there is more. If you hit 36 strikes in a row then that will be a 900 series. Since achieving a 300 or 900 series is extremely difficult, most bowling alleys have 300 or 900 club plaques. 

What is 4 Strikes in Bowling Called?

4 strikes in bowling are called ‘four-baggers’ or sometimes a ‘hambone’ in bowling jargon. Getting 4 strikes in a row is a notable feat that signifies the capability of the bowler as well as the technique used.  

What is 5 Strikes in Bowling Called?

5 strikes in bowling are called ‘five-baggers’ in bowling lingo. This is used to indicate five consecutive strikes in bowling which is also an impressive feat. Just like 4 strikes, it also indicates a bowler’s advanced capabilities. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, to answer why a Brooklyn Strike is bad, you have to understand the circumstances it is thrown. To some, this indicates bad sportsmanship as you might be celebrating a lucky throw instead of a genuine planned execution. However, to many, it displays the genuine skill of bowling and a legitimate result. If you are particularly worried about it then you can work on improving your bowling by following our guide.

Brad Finnearty
Brad Finnearty is a passionate bowler and a retired senior who has devoted his life to the sport he loves. With decades of experience, Brad is a well-respected authority within the bowling community. He is a member of several bowling leagues, has competed in numerous tournaments, and has even won a few championships along the way.