Key points
- Bowling shoes are compulsory; you rent them on site, and you need to wear socks.
- Balls are lent free of charge; choose one you can control without straining, often around 10% of your body weight.
- Bumpers stop the ball from dropping into the gutter: ideal for children and complete beginners.
- A game takes about 10 to 15 minutes per player; centres charge per game or per hour, per person or per lane.
- At weekends and during the holidays, booking is strongly recommended.
What should you wear to go bowling?
For bowling, loose, comfortable clothing is all you need: trousers or a skirt that let you bend your knees, and a top that leaves your arm free to move. There is no dress code for a casual outing.
- Avoid very tight jeans, straight skirts and baggy clothes with wide sleeves that get in the way of your swing.
- Take off chunky rings and bracelets on your bowling hand: they can scratch the ball or pinch your fingers.
- Tie back long hair, so you can keep your eyes on the target during your approach.
- Bring socks: they are essential with rental shoes, and not every centre sells them.
Bowling centres are air-conditioned, which is welcome in summer in Morocco, but you soon warm up while playing: layers are practical.
Why are bowling shoes compulsory?
Bowling shoes are compulsory because they let you slide on the approach and they protect the lane surface. Their sole, smooth under the sliding foot, stops your last step from gripping suddenly, which could cause a fall or a knee injury.
Street shoes also bring sand, water or grit onto the approach, which then becomes dangerous for everyone. That is why you never walk in street shoes beyond the seating area, and why you should avoid coming back from the toilets or the bar in wet bowling shoes.
You rent shoes at the front desk by giving your size; the rental is often included in the price of the game or charged separately. If you bowl regularly, buying your own pair soon pays for itself: see our guide to bowling shoes.
What ball weight should you choose for your first time?
Choose the heaviest ball you can swing a dozen times without getting tired, with holes that fit your fingers. The weight is engraved or printed on every ball, in pounds (lb): 1 lb is about 0.45 kg.
| Profile | Suggested weight (lb) | Equivalent (kg) |
|---|---|---|
| Child aged 5 to 8 | 6 to 8 | 2.7 to 3.6 |
| Child aged 9 to 12 | 8 to 10 | 3.6 to 4.5 |
| Teenager, adult with a slight build | 10 to 12 | 4.5 to 5.4 |
| Adult with a medium to heavy build | 12 to 15 | 5.4 to 6.8 |
This table is only a guide. The right test: hold the ball with your arm straight down by your side and do two or three swings. If your wrist bends or your shoulder strains, go lighter. Your thumb should go in and come out without rubbing; your two fingers should go in up to the second knuckle. The maximum weight allowed in competition is 16 lb (7.26 kg).
A ball that is too light is not an advantage: it is more easily deflected and knocks down fewer pins. A ball that is too heavy tires you out and makes you lose control. If you are between two weights, take the lighter one for your first time.
What are bumpers for?
Bumpers are barriers that rise along the gutters to stop the ball from falling into them. The ball bounces back towards the pins and every shot knocks down at least a few pins, which makes the game much more fun for children and beginners.
In most modern centres, bumpers can be set player by player from the console: a parent can bowl without bumpers while the child uses them. Ask at the front desk when you book. For the very youngest, centres also offer a bowling ramp (or slide) on which you place the ball to roll it down; all the details are in our guide to bowling with kids.
How long does a game of bowling take?
A game of bowling takes about 10 to 15 minutes per player. The total time therefore depends mainly on the number of players on the lane:
| Players on the lane | Approximate length of a game |
|---|---|
| 2 players | 20 to 30 minutes |
| 4 players | 40 minutes to 1 hour |
| 6 players | 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes |
With more than 6 players, it is better to book two neighbouring lanes: the wait between turns gets long and players lose interest. Children and complete beginners often play more slowly, especially with a ramp.
How much does a bowling outing cost in Morocco?
Bowling centres in Morocco generally charge either per game per person or per hour per lane, with shoe rental sometimes included. Prices vary by city, centre, day and time: they are often higher in the evening and at weekends, and there are packages for groups and birthdays.
To compare, check the listings on our page of bowling centres in Morocco, and always check the current price with the centre before you go. Also factor in the extras: drinks, snacks and the arcade games often found next to the lanes.
With hourly pricing, the number of games depends on your pace. Per game, you pay for what you play, with no clock ticking: it is often the most relaxed option for a first time.
Do you need to book a bowling lane?
Booking is not always compulsory, but it is strongly recommended at weekends, on public holidays, during the school holidays and for any group of more than 6 people. On weekdays during the day, you can usually find a free lane without waiting.
When you book, say how many players there are, whether there are children (for bumpers and the ramp), how long you would like to play and, where relevant, whether you want a birthday or corporate package. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to collect your shoes, choose your balls and enter the players' names into the console. Contact details for the centres are grouped by city, for example on our pages on bowling in Casablanca and bowling in Marrakech.
What happens when you get to your lane?
Once you have put on your shoes and chosen your balls, settle into the seats at your lane: the staff or the console lets you enter the players' names in the order they will bowl. The screen then shows whose turn it is and works out the score automatically.
A few good habits are all you need to get off to a good start:
- Put the balls on the ball return and wait for them to stop before picking them up, with your hands on the sides, never between two balls.
- Stay behind the foul line: the lane beyond it is oiled and very slippery.
- Wait until the machine has finished resetting the pins before you bowl.
- Give way to the bowler on the next lane if they are already in position.
For the technique itself, our guide on how to bowl explains how to hold the ball, the approach and aiming. And to read the screen, take a look at the guide on how to keep score.
Frequently asked questions
Can you bowl in your own shoes?
No, street shoes are not allowed on the lanes. You must wear bowling shoes, either rented on site or your own, to slide safely and protect the approach.
Do you need socks to go bowling?
Yes, socks are essential with rental shoes, for hygiene reasons. Bring a pair, as not every centre sells them.
What ball weight should a beginner woman use for bowling?
Most women who are new to bowling play comfortably with 10 to 12 lb (4.5 to 5.4 kg). The right weight is still the one you can swing without your wrist bending.
How many games should you play on a bowling outing?
Two games is a good format for a first outing: the first to discover the game, the second to improve. Beyond three, beginners often feel their arm getting tired.
Is bowling difficult for a beginner?
No, bowling is one of the most accessible sports: you knock down pins from your very first shot. With bumpers, even a child or a complete beginner scores points every turn.
Sources and references
