Bowling Terms: Your Ultimate Glossary

Oct 28, 2025 by SLV Team 38 views

Hey bowling fanatics and newcomers! Ever found yourself at the bowling alley, hearing all these wild terms being thrown around and feeling a bit lost? Don't sweat it! We've got you covered. This ultimate bowling glossary is your one-stop shop for understanding all the jargon, slang, and definitions you need to know to truly get in the game and maybe even impress your friends. From the basics to the more advanced techniques, we're breaking down everything you need to know about bowling terms. So grab a snack, lace up those bowling shoes, and let's dive into the fascinating world of bowling terminology! This glossary will not only help you understand what's being said, but it can also assist you in bettering your bowling game. Let's strike it rich with knowledge, shall we?

A is for... Approach, Angle, and Ace

Alright, let's kick things off with the letter "A". The approach is a super important part of bowling; this is the area you walk on before you deliver your ball. This is where you get your momentum going – think of it as your runway! A smooth, consistent approach is key to a good delivery. Next up, we have angle, which refers to how your ball hits the pins. A good angle means a better chance of a strike! Many bowlers try to get their ball to hit the "pocket," which is the ideal angle for a strike. Also, you might hear the term "ace", which is a more informal term for a perfect game. It's a fun term to use when someone is on fire and knocking down pins left and right. There are a few important things when we are talking about the approach such as the starting point, the number of steps you take, and your overall rhythm. Your starting point needs to be consistent, so you can repeat your approach every time. Usually, this is around 15 feet. From there, your steps depend on your height and personal preference. Make sure you don't overstep the foul line! Finally, your rhythm is just as crucial. You need to develop a consistent tempo so that you can release the ball at the right time. Developing a good approach is one of the most important things for a bowler.

Additional "A" Terms

Anchor: The last bowler in a team's lineup, usually the most consistent player. Basically, the person you want in the clutch! This person is relied on to get the team to victory. They are also known as the team's closer. This bowler needs to be calm under pressure and always ready to make the team proud.
Arrows: These are the aiming guides on the lane. Use them to help you line up your shot. These arrows allow bowlers to measure their shots so that they hit the pocket. The arrows are important for beginners, as they help with finding the right spot to get a strike.
Average: A bowler's average score, calculated by dividing the total score by the number of games played. This is a good way to see how you are improving. This number also helps you compete with other bowlers.

B is for... Ball, Brooklyn, and Backup Ball

Moving on to "B", and first up is the most important piece of equipment: the ball! From its weight to its surface, the ball is everything. The weight of the bowling ball is important. It is usually anywhere from 6 to 16 pounds. The surface of the ball affects the way it reacts when it hits the lane. Next, we have Brooklyn, which means the ball hits the pins on the opposite side of the headpin than intended – usually, it's a split! It's that gut-wrenching moment when you see the ball cross over and hope for the best. Also, a backup ball is one that curves in the opposite direction of a hook, curving away from the bowler's dominant hand. It's less common than a hook, but some bowlers swear by it. When choosing a ball, consider the weight and the finger holes. The finger holes are just as important as the ball itself, as you need to be comfortable when you bowl. Having the right ball will greatly improve your bowling game. In order to get the perfect ball, it is recommended to get it customized for your hand. This will allow you to get the perfect grip for your ball and allow for an ideal release.

Additional "B" Terms

Baby Split: A split where only one pin is left standing, usually the 7-10 split or the 2-7 or 3-10.
Big Four: A split where the 4, 6, 7, and 10 pins are left standing. This is an extremely difficult split to convert.
Blow: Another word for a miss or a non-strike. A "blow" is when you leave pins standing after your first ball. This is the opposite of getting a strike. Bowlers hope to never blow, as it means more pins are left standing.

C is for... Carry, Channel, and Cherry

Alright, let's hit "C". Carry refers to how well the ball knocks down the pins – a good carry means more strikes! This means the ball is taking down a lot of pins on its way to the back. A great carry will give you more strikes. Next, we have the channel (or gutter), that dreaded area on either side of the lane where your ball goes if you're not careful. Nobody wants to see their ball go into the channel! This is the area where the ball is considered out of bounds. Also, cherry (or chop) is when a bowler leaves the front pin standing after attempting to knock down a split, but the other pins are cleared. It's not a good thing! There are a lot of ways you can learn how to avoid going into the gutter, and how to improve your carry. The best way to improve your bowling is to practice. By practicing, you will become more comfortable with your form and the ball. You can also watch professionals bowl in order to learn. This will allow you to see what they do and how they are able to bowl so well.

Additional "C" Terms

Clean Game: A game with no missed spares or opens (no gutter balls or non-converted spares).
Count: Refers to how many pins are knocked down. A bowler can also add up the count of each frame to calculate their final score.
Creeper: A slow-rolling ball that barely makes it to the pins.

D is for... Deadwood and Double

Let's keep the momentum going with "D". Deadwood refers to pins that have fallen into the gutter but haven't been removed yet. The pin is still in the lane, but it's not standing up. The deadwood will be removed before the bowler's next turn. Next, we have double, which is two strikes in a row. A double is good, but it is not as good as a turkey! Doubles are important to gain momentum. If you are on a strike, it is important to get another strike. This way, you can build up your score to get a great game. A bowler should practice throwing a strike so they can get a double, and a turkey. A double is not easy to get, but with practice, you can get one.

Additional "D" Terms

Doughnut: A frame with zero pins knocked down (an open frame). This is the worst score you can get for a frame!
Dry Lane: A lane with less oil, which tends to make the ball hook more.

E is for... Error

Here we go, "E"! Unfortunately, there aren't too many bowling terms that start with "E", but we have error, which refers to mistakes made by the bowler! This can be anything from missing a spare to throwing a gutter ball. Everyone makes them – it's part of the game. Errors can lead to frustration but they are a way to learn. It is important to learn from these mistakes. This will allow you to get better. Try to focus on what you can improve for the next frame. By learning from your errors, you can greatly improve your bowling game.

F is for... Foul and Frame

Time for "F". Foul is when you step over the foul line while delivering the ball, and your score for that delivery doesn't count. It's a big no-no! Make sure you keep your foot behind the line. Next, we have frame, which is one of the ten boxes in a bowling game. Each frame gives you up to two chances to knock down all the pins. The frame is important for calculating your score. The frame is the basic building block of a bowling game. The first frame is the most important, as it will set the tone for the game. Try to get a strike on the first frame, which will put you on the right track.

Additional "F" Terms

Fast Lane: A lane that is heavily oiled, causing the ball to slide more and hook less.
Fill Ball: The final ball thrown in the tenth frame. It determines the bonus points earned from strikes and spares.
Five-bagger: Five strikes in a row.

G is for... Gutter Ball and Grip

Alright, let's explore the letter "G". We've already mentioned the gutter, and a gutter ball is, well, when your ball goes into the gutter. Sad times. Then there is grip, which is how you hold the ball. You can have a conventional grip, a fingertip grip, or a semi-fingertip grip. Grip is important because you need to be comfortable holding and releasing the ball. The grip of your ball is how you hold it. The grip can affect the way your ball rolls, so it is important to find the right grip. Make sure the grip is comfortable for your fingers. Having the right grip can drastically improve your bowling game. A lot of bowlers prefer the fingertip grip, as it allows them to put more spin on the ball. When choosing your grip, make sure you go to the pro shop so you can find the right one for you.

H is for... Handicap, Head Pin, and Hook

Here's "H"! First, we have handicap, which is a system that allows bowlers of different skill levels to compete fairly. It's a way to level the playing field. Also, we have the head pin, which is the number one pin at the front of the lane. If you get a strike, you knocked this pin down. Next, hook is when the ball curves from the side to the pins. A hook is a technique used by many bowlers. The hook helps to knock down more pins. If you can master the hook, then you can greatly improve your bowling game. A hook can be achieved by angling your wrist and fingers in the right direction. The hook is not easy to achieve, so it is important to practice. Also, it is recommended to get lessons from a professional in order to improve your hooking skills.

Additional "H" Terms

High Game: The highest score achieved in a single game.
Hold: When the ball "holds" its line and doesn't hook as much as expected.

I is for... Injury

It's "I" time, and though we wish it wasn't a thing, we have injury. Bowling, like any sport, can lead to injuries if you're not careful. Make sure you warm up and use proper form to avoid any issues! Bowling is generally a safe sport, but you can still get injured if you're not careful. Always stretch before you bowl. Also, make sure you don't overdo it. Bowling too much can lead to injury. Make sure you use the proper form, so you don't overextend yourself. If you feel any pain, stop bowling.

J is for... Jargon

Let's keep it rolling with "J". We have jargon, which is the technical terminology used in bowling. Now you know a lot of the terms! You should be able to understand the jargon now after reading this glossary. Learning the jargon is the first step in improving your bowling game. Knowing the jargon will help you communicate better with other bowlers. It will also help you understand the game better. Being able to follow the conversation will allow you to get better.

K is for... Kingpin

Only one term for "K": Kingpin. It is a term used to describe the head pin. It is the most important pin, as it is the first pin that the ball hits. The head pin is the first pin you need to knock down. If you hit the head pin, then you are more likely to get a strike. The head pin also determines the angle of the ball. If you hit the head pin, then you will be able to get a strike.

L is for... Lane and Leave

"L" time! First up, we have lane, the playing surface where you roll the ball. It's usually made of wood or synthetic material. There are a lot of different things to consider when talking about the lane. The lane is 60 feet long, with 40 boards across it. The lane is oiled with different patterns, which affects how the ball rolls. Next, we have leave, which is the pins remaining after the first ball. A leave is used to determine how many pins you need to knock down. This helps you to figure out what you need to do to get a strike. It is important to know your leaves, as this will help you to get spares. The leaves are also used to calculate your score. Learning the leaves will help you to know what to do in order to get a strike or a spare.

Additional "L" Terms

Line: The path the ball takes down the lane.
Loft: How far the ball travels in the air before hitting the lane.
Low Game: The lowest score achieved in a single game.

M is for... Mark

Moving on to "M". Mark is the term used for either a strike or a spare. You've "marked" your frame if you get one of these! It is important to mark, as it will greatly improve your score. A mark will also help you to get more strikes and spares. In order to mark, you need to be consistent. Also, it is recommended to practice so you can learn how to mark. Marking your frames is one of the most important aspects of bowling. By learning how to mark, you will drastically improve your bowling ability.

Additional "M" Terms

Match Play: A form of bowling where bowlers compete head-to-head, similar to stroke play in golf.
Messenger: A pin that bounces off the side and knocks over another pin, helping you get a spare or a strike.
Miss: Failing to knock down all the pins. The opposite of a mark.

N is for... No-Tap

N, we have no-tap, where if you knock down a certain number of pins on your first ball, it's considered a strike, even if you don't hit all ten. It's a fun variation of bowling! The no-tap is good for beginners or for those who want to get a higher score. It is a way to make bowling more fun. If you are a beginner, then you should try the no-tap. This will allow you to have more strikes. This will also allow you to have more fun when you bowl.

O is for... Open

Let's get into "O". We have open, which means you don't get a strike or a spare in a frame. You've left pins standing after both balls. This is the opposite of a mark. An open can lead to a lower score. It is important to avoid getting opens. If you get an open, it will make it harder to get a high score. Also, it is important to practice so you don't get opens. Try to avoid open, and you will be on the right track!

P is for... Pocket and Perfect Game

"P" time! The pocket is the sweet spot between the headpin and the 3-pin (for right-handers) or the 2-pin (for left-handers). Hitting the pocket gives you the best chance for a strike. You can use the arrows to see where you should aim. Next, we have a perfect game, which is 12 strikes in a row, resulting in a score of 300. It's the holy grail of bowling! This is the highest score you can get. Getting a perfect game is not easy. It takes a lot of practice and skill. Most bowlers never get a perfect game. It is a once-in-a-lifetime achievement. Achieving this will require a lot of dedication and hard work.

Additional "P" Terms

Pin Deck: The area where the pins are set up.
Pinsetter: The machine that sets up the pins.
Pitch: The angle of the finger holes in the bowling ball.
Practice Game: A game played before a sanctioned league or tournament. You play these to get ready for the actual game.

Q is for... (Quiet!)

Unfortunately, there's not a lot of bowling-specific terms that start with "Q", so we'll move on.

R is for... Release and Rotation

"R" time! Release is the moment you let go of the ball. It's all about timing and technique! Next up, we have rotation, the amount of spin you put on the ball. More rotation equals more hook potential. The release is important for getting a strike. Having the right release will allow you to control the ball. The rotation will also help you to get a strike. Learning how to properly release the ball is one of the most important things for a bowler. Practice will help you improve your release. Also, the rotation will greatly improve your bowling game.

Additional "R" Terms

Rail: The gutter.
Reverse Hook: A ball that curves in the opposite direction.
Runway: The approach.

S is for... Spare, Split, and Strike

Okay, "S"! First, we have spare, which is knocking down all the remaining pins after your second ball. It's marked with a "/". Getting a spare will improve your score. It is important to know your spares, as this will allow you to get a high score. Next up, we have split, which is when the head pin is knocked down and the remaining pins are widely separated. Very hard to convert! A split is not good, as it means you may not get a strike. It is important to know the splits so you can get a spare. Finally, a strike is knocking down all ten pins with your first ball. Marked with an "X". The strike is the ultimate goal of bowling. Getting a strike is not easy. The strike is worth ten points plus the pins knocked down in the next two balls. It is important to practice your strikes, as this will help you to get a high score. A strike is also used to determine your average. The strike is the most important part of the bowling game!

Additional "S" Terms

Sandbagging: Intentionally bowling poorly to get a lower handicap.
Scratch Score: The actual score before any handicap is applied.
Series: The total score of multiple games.
Set Up: The starting position on the approach.
Sleeper: A pin hidden behind another pin.
Soft Lane: A lane that provides more hook due to oil absorption.

T is for... Tap, Target, and Turkey

Time for "T"! First, we have tap, when you get nine pins on your first ball. Not a strike, but close! Also, we have target, which is the spot on the lane you're aiming for. It could be the arrows or the pins. Then, we have turkey, which is three strikes in a row. A turkey is a lot better than a double! This is important for getting a high score. A turkey will also give you momentum. The best way to get a turkey is to practice. A turkey will also get you pumped up! This is one of the best moments in bowling.

Additional "T" Terms

Track: The area of the lane where the ball travels most often.

U is for... Unibrow

Well, "U" is another letter that doesn't have a lot of bowling terms. But the term is a unibrow, which is a type of split. It is one of the hardest splits to make, as it is very difficult to knock down the pins. The unibrow is a difficult split to make, which is why it's so rare.

V is for... Very Few Bowling Terms

Unfortunately, there aren't many "V" bowling terms! But we hope you are still learning.

W is for... Washout

Here we go, "W"! We have washout, where you leave the 1-2-10 or 1-3-10 pins standing. This is an extremely difficult leave to convert. The washout is not a good thing. A washout is hard to convert. You should try to avoid the washout.

X is for... X (Strike!)

We already mentioned it, but it's important! "X" stands for strike.

Y is for... Yet Another Lack of Terms

"Y" doesn't have many bowling terms. But hopefully, you are getting better.

Z is for... Zero (Open Frames) and Zebra

Finally, "Z"! We have zero, which is another way of saying an open frame. Also, we have zebra, which is a split where one pin is left standing on the opposite side of the lane. If you get a zero, it means you did not get a strike or a spare in that frame. A zero is not good for your score. You should try to avoid the zero. This glossary should help you out. Good luck.