In hindsight, it seems obvious to this American: attach strings to the tops of bowling pins so they can be yanked upward into holes that settle ... crash when the ball hits. More scientifically ...

Once your sealant is dry and your ball is decorated how you'd like, drill through either one of the finger holes or the thumb ...

At A & B Bowling Supply, the red carpet is reserved for practice bowls. The plush runner is not there to look good; it's laid out so bowlers can learn the proper handling of their balls.

"The sport was born and bred in Worcester and there used to be candlepin houses everywhere," said Dave Novia, co-owner of ...