Keilaus

Keilaus is the Finnish term for the sport of bowling. It refers to the activity in which players roll a ball down a lane to knock down pins at the far end. Bowling is typically played indoors on a smooth, oil-coated lane, where oil patterns influence ball motion and control. The game is played in several variants, the most widespread being ten-pin bowling, along with other forms such as five-pin, candlepin, and duckpin bowling in different regions. In Finland, ten-pin bowling is the dominant form in clubs and competitions.

Equipment used in keilaus includes a bowling ball, bowling shoes, and a lane with automatic pinsetters. Scoring depends on the variant; in ten-pin bowling, a game comprises ten frames with strikes and spares, and a maximum score of 300. The ball is typically gripped with holes, though some variants use different ball configurations.

Organized keilaus in Finland is overseen by Suomen Keilailuliitto (Finnish Bowling Federation), which coordinates national championships, clubs, coaching, youth programs, and national teams. The federation represents Finland in international bowling organizations, aligning with global bodies such as World Bowling and, for ten-pin bowling, the World Tenpin Bowling Association. Globally, bowling has a long history dating to the 19th century, and modern keilaus in Finland developed within the framework of organized clubs and leagues in the 20th century.

Today, keilaus remains both a popular recreational activity and a competitive sport in Finland, featuring local and regional leagues, national championships, and pathways for amateurs and professional bowlers alike.