The Bowling Lane 101

The Approach

From the foul line back to where the back set of dots ends is known as the approach in bowling.

The approach is made up of two sets of dots and the foul line.

Everything that happens in the sport of bowling before the bowling ball rolls on the lane occurs on the approach.

If you take more steps or longer steps, the first set of dots towards the back of the approach is where you’ll want to set up. If you take shorter steps or fewer steps, the second set of dots (closer to the foul line) on the approach are for you.

The Lane

A bowling lane is 60 feet long. It is made up of either a wood or synthetic surface. Lane oil is applied in a pattern onto the lane to vary when and where the bowling ball hooks. There are different pattern lengths and oil volumes that give bowling a different invisible playing field every time you bowl.

The first set of dots on the lane are located about 8 ft. past the foul line. Some bowers use them to aim at or target when they release the bowling ball.

Fifteen feet past the foul line are the arrows. These are used more commonly for targeting. They are the biggest marking on the lane, which makes them easiest to see.

The dots on the approach correlate with the dots at the foul line, the lane, the arrows, and the pins.

The approach and the lane are made up of boards. They are counted in five-board increments and trace from the approach all the way down to the pins.

Understanding the playing field is the first step in learning how to bowl. Check out How To Bowl: Getting Started and our Spare Shooting library for great beginner instruction designed to improve your game.