The world of bowling is filled with its own unique language and terminology. Understanding these terms can not only enhance your appreciation of the game but also improve your performance on the lanes. Here’s a comprehensive list of bowling terms to get you started:
Basic Terms
- Strike: When a bowler knocks down all ten pins with the first ball in a frame.
- Spare: When a bowler knocks down all ten pins with two balls in a frame.
- Frame: A bowler’s turn, consisting of one or two chances to knock down all ten pins.
- Gutter: The channels on either side of the lane that a ball can fall into, resulting in zero points for that roll.
- Split: When two or more pins are left standing with a gap between them, making it difficult to knock down all of them with the next ball.
- Pin Deck: The area at the end of the lane where the pins are placed.
Scoring Terms
- Open Frame: A frame where a bowler fails to get a strike or a spare.
- Perfect Game: Achieving the highest possible score of 300 by rolling 12 consecutive strikes.
- Turkey: Three consecutive strikes.
- Dutchman: Alternating strikes and spares.
Bowling Techniques and Equipment
- Hook Potential: The amount a ball can curve or hook as it travels down the lane, influenced by the ball’s coverstock, core, and the bowler’s release.
- Rev Rate: The number of revolutions a bowling ball makes as it moves down the lane, which affects hook potential and overall ball motion.
- Axis Tilt: The angle between the bowler’s positive axis of rotation and the vertical plane, which can influence the ball’s hook potential.
- Finger Hole: Holes drilled into the bowling ball for the bowler’s fingers, affecting the ball’s release and motion.
- Thumb Hole: The hole drilled for the bowler’s thumb.
Lane Conditions and Play
- House Shot: A typical lane condition found in bowling centers, characterized by an oily lane with less hook potential.
- Sport Shot: A more challenging lane condition with less oil and more hook potential, mimicking professional bowling conditions.
- Lane Play: The strategy of targeting specific areas of the lane based on its conditions to achieve the best ball motion.
- Arrow: Targets or marks on the lane used by bowlers as aiming points.
Competitive and Professional Terms
- Average: A bowler’s total score divided by the number of games played, indicating their skill level.
- Handicap: A scoring system to level the competition among bowlers of different skill levels.
- Tournament: Competitions where bowlers compete against each other, often with specific rules and formats.
- USBC (United States Bowling Congress): The national governing body for bowling in the United States, which sets rules and standards for the sport.
Understanding these terms is the first step to appreciating the complexity and strategy involved in bowling. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, knowing the language of the game can enhance your enjoyment and performance.
