What is a split in bowling?

A split in bowling refers to a scenario where a bowler leaves two or more pins standing on opposite sides of the lane after their first ball of a frame. This makes it difficult to knock down both pins with a second ball, as the pins are too far apart to be knocked down in a single shot.

One of the most common and challenging splits in bowling is the 7-10 split, where the bowler leaves the two back corner pins standing. This split is considered one of the most difficult to convert due to the wide gap between the pins. Another challenging split is the 4-6-7-10 split, where four pins are left standing in a diagonal line across the back row.

Bowlers can attempt to convert a split by strategically adjusting their angle and speed, or by using a technique called "split shooting" which involves hitting one pin into another to knock both down. However, converting a split is considered a rare and impressive accomplishment in the sport of bowling.