Bowling Glossary

A systematic approach to spare shooting based on moving your feet 3, 6, or 9 boards from your strike position depending on which pin you need to pick up. A foundational spare-shooting method taught to many bowlers.

A perfect game — 12 consecutive strikes. The maximum possible score in a single game of bowling. Also called a "perfect game."

A USBC rule requiring bowling balls used in national tournaments to have a minimum hardness of 78 on the Shore D scale. Prevents manufacturers from making extremely soft coverstocks that grip the lane too aggressively. Applies to reactive balls only.

A three-game series totaling 800 or more pins. Extremely rare and prestigious — requires averaging over 266 per game. The maximum possible three-game series is 900 (three consecutive 300 games).

A sanding pad used to adjust a bowling ball's surface texture. Lower grit numbers (500, 1000) create more friction for heavy oil; higher numbers (2000, 4000) create a smoother finish for lighter conditions.

The area behind the foul line where a bowler walks before releasing the ball, typically 15 feet long. Also refers to the footwork pattern itself — most bowlers use a 4-step or 5-step approach.

The 15-foot section behind the foul line where bowlers perform their delivery. Must be kept clean and dry for safe sliding. Different centers may have wood or synthetic approach surfaces.

Seven triangular markers embedded in the lane surface at 15 feet past the foul line, corresponding to boards 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35. Most bowlers use the arrows as their primary target rather than looking at the pins.

A bowler's complete set of bowling balls, selected to cover different oil conditions. A typical league arsenal is 3-4 balls; a tournament arsenal can be 6 or more. Each ball fills a specific slot on the oil spectrum.

A bowling ball core with an irregular mass distribution, creating different RG values on different axes. Produces more hook potential and angular ball motion than symmetric cores. Identified by having an intermediate differential value.

A bowler's mean score per game over a set period, calculated by dividing total pins by total games bowled. Used for handicap calculations and league standings. A 200 average is considered "good"; 220+ is competitive.

The degree to which a bowler's release creates side rotation on the ball. More axis rotation = more hook potential and a sharper backend reaction. Measured in degrees from 0 (end-over-end roll) to 90 (full side rotation).

The angle of a bowling ball's spin axis relative to the horizontal. More tilt means the ball skids longer before hooking. Bowlers with high tilt see later, more angular ball motion.

The last 20 feet of the lane, from where the oil pattern ends to the pin deck. Where the ball transitions from hook to roll. A "strong backend" means the ball makes a sharp, angular move toward the pocket in this zone.

A ball that curves in the opposite direction of a typical hook — left to right for a right-handed bowler. Usually unintentional and caused by improper release mechanics. Some bowlers use it deliberately for certain spare leaves.

Slang for four or more consecutive strikes. A "four-bagger" is four in a row, "five-bagger" is five, and so on. "Six-pack" is specifically six strikes in a row.

A team bowling format where five bowlers each bowl two frames in sequence (bowler 1 bowls frames 1 and 6, bowler 2 bowls frames 2 and 7, etc.). Creates a single team game. Used in collegiate and some professional events.

An extra hole drilled in a bowling ball to adjust its static weight balance. USBC banned balance holes effective August 2020; all holes must now be used for gripping purposes.

A liquid cleaning product applied to a bowling ball's surface to remove oil, dirt, and lane residue. USBC-approved cleaners can be used during competition. Regular cleaning extends ball life and maintains consistent reaction.

Switching to a weaker (less aggressive) bowling ball as lane conditions change. Used when the current ball is hooking too much due to track burn or dry conditions. The opposite of "ball up."

The complete path a bowling ball takes from release to pins, encompassing the three phases: skid, hook, and roll. Different ball/lane combinations produce different ball motions — angular, smooth, early, late.

The mechanical system that returns bowled balls to the bowler via an underground track. Also refers to the physical rack area between two lanes where balls sit before being bowled.

The velocity of the bowling ball measured at the pins, typically 16-18 mph for competitive bowlers. Speed relative to rev rate determines ball motion shape. Speed-dominant bowlers see less hook; rev-dominant bowlers see more.

A machine used in pro shops to spin a bowling ball at high speed for sanding, polishing, or applying surface compounds evenly. Also used by some reviewers to demonstrate ball characteristics, though on-lane testing is more reliable.

Switching to a stronger (more aggressive) bowling ball when conditions call for more hook — typically on fresh, heavy oil. The opposite of "ball down."

The most versatile ball in a bowler's arsenal, used as the starting point to read lane conditions. Typically a medium-oil ball with a symmetric core and hybrid coverstock. If it hooks too much, switch to something weaker; if it doesn't hook enough, go stronger.

The rounded edge at the top of finger and thumb holes in a drilled bowling ball. Proper bevel prevents calluses and blisters and allows a cleaner release. A pro shop adjusts bevel based on bowler preference.

When a bowling ball smooths out the differences between oily and dry areas of the lane, producing a consistent reaction even on imperfect shots. Hybrid coverstocks are known for blending conditions well.

A set of games bowled in a single session during a tournament. For example, "the morning block" might be 6 games, followed by an afternoon block. Qualifying rounds are often split into multiple blocks.

The individual wooden (or synthetic) strips that make up a bowling lane surface. There are 39 boards from gutter to gutter. Bowlers use board numbers to describe their position and target. Board 1 is the right gutter for right-handers.

Protective case for transporting bowling balls. Available as single-ball totes, 2-ball rollers, or 3-4 ball roller bags with wheels. Tournament bowlers typically use a 3-4 ball roller.

Specialized footwear with a sliding sole (usually on the non-dominant foot) and a braking sole. Essential for a consistent approach. House shoes are universal; performance shoes allow interchangeable soles and heels.

Adhesive tape inserted into the thumb hole to adjust fit — white tape reduces the hole size (for a tighter fit), while textured tape affects release feel. Bowlers adjust tape throughout a session as their thumb swells or shrinks.

The official streaming platform of the PBA and USBC, broadcasting live tournament coverage and archived events. Available as a paid subscription service.

A side competition within a tournament where bowlers bet on game outcomes in an elimination-style format. Also refers to the bracket stage of a tournament — the match-play rounds after qualifying.

See Transition. The process of the oil pattern deteriorating during play as balls carry oil and wear down the track area.

The spot on the lane where a bowling ball transitions from the skid phase to the hook phase — the farthest point the ball reaches on the lane before changing direction toward the pocket. Determined by oil pattern length, ball characteristics, and bowler style.

See Brooklyn Strike.

A strike where the ball hits the opposite pocket — the 1-2 pocket for right-handers or the 1-3 for left-handers. Still counts as a strike but generally happens when the ball hooks too much.

Retractable rails that fill the gutters to prevent gutter balls. Used for children and recreational bowlers. Automatically raised and lowered between frames in many modern centers.

The depletion of oil in the area where most bowlers throw — the "track area." As oil is removed by repeated ball traffic, the lane becomes drier in that zone, causing balls to hook earlier and more aggressively.

Oil that gets picked up by bowling balls from the front of the lane and deposited further down, past the original pattern. Creates oil where there shouldn't be any, reducing backend hook. A common cause of balls "dying" at the pins.

A bowling facility, also called a "bowling alley" (though many prefer "bowling center"). Modern centers often include bars, arcades, and food service alongside traditional bowling lanes.

The point on a bowling ball where its total weight is balanced. Marked by the manufacturer. Used in drilling calculations along with the pin and mass bias to achieve desired ball motion.

See Gutter.

A tournament division for bowlers whose averages fall within a specific range. Allows bowlers to compete against others of similar skill level rather than against higher-average bowlers.

A game where a bowler converts a mark (strike or spare) in every frame. No open frames. A clean game typically scores 170-200 depending on the number of strikes.

The mineral oil applied to bowling lane surfaces by a lane machine. Protects the lane from friction damage and determines how balls react. Brand examples: Kegel Fire, Kegel Ice, Brunswick Crown.

A drilling layout where the fingers are inserted to the second knuckle. Provides more control and is common for beginners and spare shooting. Generates less hook than a fingertip grip.

The dense inner weight block inside a bowling ball that determines its mass distribution. Core shape affects RG (how fast it revs up) and differential (how much it flares). Designs include pancake, symmetric, and asymmetric.

The number of pins knocked down on a specific delivery, particularly the delivery following a mark. "Good count" after a strike means a high pin count (8-10) on the next ball, maximizing the strike's bonus.

The outer shell of a bowling ball that contacts the lane surface. The single biggest factor in how a ball reacts to oil. Types include reactive solid, reactive pearl, reactive hybrid, urethane, and polyester.

A bowler with a high rev rate and aggressive style, generating maximum hook. Crankers typically have high axis rotation, open shoulders at release, and ball speeds that match their rev rate. Creates dramatic ball motion.

When a ball hits the opposite side of the headpin from the intended pocket — the 1-2 pocket for a right-hander (Brooklyn) instead of the 1-3 pocket. Can still result in a strike, called a "Brooklyn strike."

The area of the lane from the center (board 20) to about board 12. Where the heaviest oil concentration typically exists on a house shot. "Playing the crown" means targeting this high-oil zone.

Playing from a position far left on the approach (for right-handers), projecting the ball across many boards to reach the breakpoint. Common on heavy oil or long patterns where outside angles don't work.

How much a bowling ball is pushed off its path after hitting the pins. A ball with too little entry angle or too much speed will deflect away from the remaining pins, reducing carry.

The difference between a bowling ball's lowest and highest RG values. Higher differential means more flare potential and more hook. Typical range: 0.020 (low flare) to 0.060 (high flare).

Two consecutive strikes. Worth 20 plus the count of the next ball. Building doubles is the key to high scores — each double adds at least 10 extra pins compared to single strikes.

A tournament event where two bowlers form a team, combining their pin totals. Each bowler bowls their own games; scores are added together. Different from baker format where bowlers alternate frames.

Lateral movement during the approach — ending at a different board than where you started. Some drift is natural and intentional; uncontrolled drift creates inconsistency.

The specific placement of finger and thumb holes relative to a ball's core. Affects how the ball transitions from skid to hook to roll. Common system: the pin-to-PAP and pin-buffer method.

A lane with very little oil remaining, either by design (short pattern) or because the oil has been carried away during play. Balls hook early and aggressively on dry lanes. Pearl, polished, or polyester balls work best.

A drilling method that uses two angles (drilling angle and VAL angle) plus the pin-to-PAP distance to position the pin and mass bias relative to the bowler's PAP. An alternative to the pin-buffer system.

A game where a bowler alternates strikes and spares for all ten frames, resulting in exactly 200. Statistically improbable and considered a novelty achievement. Requires perfect alternation starting from frame 1.

The stage of a tournament where bowlers compete head-to-head and losers are eliminated. Typically follows a qualifying round that determines seedings. Single or double elimination formats are common.

The angle at which the ball enters the pin deck, ideally around 6 degrees for optimal carry. Too little angle causes deflection; too much causes the ball to drive through without pin scatter.

The surface texture a bowling ball comes with out of the box, specified by the manufacturer. Examples: "500/2000 Abralon," "1500 Polished," "Reacta Gloss." Can be changed at a pro shop.

The final bonus ball thrown in the 10th frame after a spare. Worth its pin count only (no bonus multiplier). Also refers to any ball thrown to "fill" the bonus after a previous mark.

A drilling layout where the fingers are inserted only to the first knuckle, with finger inserts or grips for comfort. Generates significantly more hook and rev rate than a conventional grip. Standard for competitive bowlers.

The migration of a bowling ball's track as it rolls down the lane, visible as multiple oil rings on the ball. More flare means fresh coverstock contacts the lane with each revolution, increasing hook potential.

A release with minimal revolutions or side rotation, producing a ball that doesn't hook much. Can be intentional (for spare shooting) or unintentional (fatigue, poor mechanics). "The ball came off flat."

An oil pattern with a low ratio — oil is distributed relatively evenly from gutter to gutter. Extremely challenging because there's no "wall" to redirect errant shots. All sport-certified patterns must be under 3:1 ratio by USBC rules.

Lanes with extremely heavy oil volume, making it very difficult for balls to hook. Requires the most aggressive equipment (strong solid coverstock, low RG, high differential) and deep inside angles.

The continuation of the arm swing after the ball is released. A complete follow-through toward the target improves accuracy and consistency. The hand should finish near the shoulder or ear.

When a bowler's foot crosses or touches the foul line during delivery. Results in a zero pin count for that delivery. Detected by infrared sensors or manual observation.

The line at the end of the approach that separates the bowler's area from the lane surface. Stepping past it is a foul. Also the starting point for measuring oil pattern distance.

One of ten scoring intervals in a game of bowling. Each frame allows up to two deliveries to knock down all ten pins (except the 10th frame, which allows up to three).

Lanes that have been newly oiled and not yet bowled on. The oil pattern is in its original state, offering maximum consistency. Typically the best conditions for aggressive, heavy-oil equipment.

Strikes in all of the first nine frames — 9 consecutive strikes to start a game. Guarantees at least a 267 score and puts the bowler in position for a 300 game.

The channels on either side of the bowling lane that catch balls that roll off the lane surface. Also called "channels." Gutter guards (bumpers) can be raised for children or recreational bowlers.

A delivery that goes into the channel and scores zero pins. Also called a "channel ball" in some regions.

A ball that falls into the gutter channel on either side of the lane before reaching the pins. Scores zero for that delivery.

The orientation of the bowling hand at the point of release. Variations include behind the ball (end-over-end roll), to the side (hook), and on top (backup). Small changes in hand position dramatically alter ball motion.

A scoring adjustment that levels the playing field between bowlers of different skill levels. Typically calculated as a percentage of the difference between a bowler's average and a base score (e.g., 90% of 220 minus average).

The front pin in the pin formation — the number 1 pin. The target for all strike shots. A ball that hits the headpin straight on typically results in a split.

The first 15-20 feet of the bowling lane past the foul line. Typically the most heavily oiled area. The ball should be skidding through the heads — if it hooks too early here, the ball is reading the heads.

A shot that strikes too far toward the headpin (toward the center of the pin formation). Often results in a split. The opposite of a light hit.

A zone on the lane where the oil distribution helps redirect a slightly off-target shot back toward the pocket. Created by the contrast between oil in the center and dry on the outside. Present on house shots, absent on sport patterns.

The curved path a bowling ball takes as it moves from the skid phase into the roll phase. Created by the interaction between the ball's rotation and the lane surface friction. More hook generally means more entry angle and better carry.

A rating of how much a bowling ball can curve on its path from release to pins. Determined by coverstock type, core design, surface texture, and drilling layout. Rated on various scales; BBV uses 0-10.

The specific area on the lane where the ball begins to change direction from skid to hook. Determined by where the oil pattern ends, the ball's surface strength, and the bowler's rev rate and speed.

A bowling ball provided by the bowling center for public use. Typically polyester with a conventional grip, available in various weights. Not designed for hook — recreational bowlers use house balls.

The standard oil pattern applied by most bowling centers for recreational and league bowling. Features a high ratio (6:1 or more) with heavy oil in the center and dry outside boards, creating built-in miss room. Typically 38-42 feet long.

Rubber or silicone grips placed inside the finger holes of a fingertip-drilled ball. Provides a secure, comfortable grip without squeezing. Available in various sizes and textures.

A ball path that starts from a position closer to the center of the lane (higher board numbers) and angles toward the pocket. Used on heavier oil conditions or as lanes transition and the outside dries up.

A measurement unique to asymmetric cores, representing the difference between the Y-axis and Z-axis RG values. Higher values create a more angular, defined breakpoint. Only asymmetric balls have this spec.

The premier youth bowling tournament in the United States, operated by USBC. Features U12, U15, U17, and U20 divisions. Thousands of young bowlers compete in regional qualifying to earn a spot.

The 5-pin, located in the center of the pin formation. Critical for strike carry — if the ball or pins don't take out the 5-pin, it often results in a difficult spare leave like the 5-pin or 5-7 split.

The 60-foot long, 42-inch wide playing surface in bowling, extending from the foul line to the pin deck. Made of wood (maple and pine) or synthetic materials. Covered with oil conditioner to control ball reaction.

An automated machine that cleans and oils bowling lanes. Applies conditioner in a precise pattern as it travels down and back on the lane. Major manufacturers include Kegel and Brunswick.

The physical material of the bowling lane. Traditional lanes are wood (maple heads, pine backends). Modern lanes are often synthetic (laminates or overlays). Surface material affects how oil is absorbed and how balls react.

An organized group of bowlers who compete weekly over a season (typically 30-36 weeks). Leagues can be sanctioned (USBC-certified, scores count) or unsanctioned (recreational). The backbone of competitive recreational bowling.

The pins remaining after the first ball of a frame. A "good leave" is easy to convert (like a single pin); a "bad leave" is difficult (like a split). "What was the leave?" means which pins are standing.

A shot that barely catches the headpin on the pocket side, resulting in poor pin carry. Usually leaves the corner pin (10-pin for right-handers). The ball needs to be moved closer to the pocket.

The distance a ball travels through the air after release before making contact with the lane. Some loft is normal; excessive loft can damage lanes. Intentional lofting is used to get past oil or the heads.

See Loft.

The target a bowler aims at on the lane — typically one of the seven arrows embedded at 15 feet, or the dots at the foul line. Most bowlers aim at the arrows rather than the pins.

Any frame where all ten pins are knocked down — either a strike (first ball) or a spare (both balls). Consecutive marks build scoring momentum because of bonus pin calculations.

The area on an asymmetric bowling ball where the most concentrated mass exists. Marked on the ball's surface and used as a reference point in drilling layouts to fine-tune ball motion.

A tournament format where bowlers compete directly against an opponent rather than against the entire field. Win/loss records may count toward advancement, sometimes with bonus pins awarded for each win.

A pin that gets knocked sideways across the pin deck and takes out another pin — often in dramatic fashion. The most common messenger is the 5-pin sweeping across to take out the 10-pin. A lucky but legal way to get a strike.

The middle portion of the bowling lane, roughly from 15 feet to 40 feet. Where the ball transitions from the heavily oiled heads into the area where the oil pattern starts to taper. Ball motion in the midlane determines how it enters the backend.

A ball that creates significant pin action — pins bouncing off the sidewalls and each other to knock down remaining pins. Good mixing action increases carry percentage even on slightly off-pocket hits.

Using arm strength to force the ball through the swing rather than letting gravity create a natural pendulum. Causes inconsistency, injury risk, and loss of accuracy. A common bad habit.

The specific distribution of lane conditioner (oil) across the lane surface. Defined by distance, volume, and ratio. The oil pattern is the single most important variable in how bowling balls behave.

How far the oil extends down the lane from the foul line, measured in feet. Short patterns (under 36ft) produce early hook; long patterns (42ft+) delay the hook phase. A 60-foot lane with 40ft of oil has 20ft of dry backend.

The total amount of conditioner applied to the lane, measured in milliliters. More oil = less friction = less hook. Ranges from about 5 mL (very light) to 37 mL (extremely heavy).

A frame where the bowler fails to knock down all ten pins in two deliveries. No bonus pins are earned. Minimizing open frames is the fastest way to improve your average.

A ball path that starts from a position near the edge of the lane (low board numbers) and angles toward the pocket. Effective on drier conditions where outside boards provide friction for the ball to hook.

An inconsistent ball reaction where slight misses to the left go too far left (over-hook) and slight misses to the right don't hook enough (under-hook). Caused by a poor ball-to-pattern match. Extremely frustrating and hard to score on.

Two bowling lanes side-by-side that share a ball return. Bowlers alternate between the left and right lane of a pair during a game. Each lane in a pair may play slightly differently despite having the same oil pattern applied.

A simple, disc-shaped core found in entry-level and spare bowling balls. Produces minimal flare and a predictable, straight-line motion. All polyester spare balls use pancake cores.

The point on a bowling ball's surface closest to the bowler's initial axis of rotation. Unique to each bowler based on their release. All drilling layouts are measured relative to the PAP.

See Oil Pattern Distance.

The professional bowling tour founded in 1958, featuring the world's best bowlers competing for titles and prize money. The PBA Tour includes major championships, regional events, and the PBA50 (senior) Tour.

One of the five most prestigious PBA tournaments: the USBC Masters, PBA Championship, Tournament of Champions, U.S. Open, and PBA Players Championship. Winning a major is a career-defining achievement.

See Reactive Pearl.

See 300 Game.

A colored dot on a bowling ball's surface marking the top of the core. Used as a reference point for drilling layouts. The pin-to-PAP distance affects how much the ball flares.

How effectively pins scatter and interact when struck by the ball and by each other. Good pin action means pins bounce off walls, fly across the deck, and take out neighboring pins. Affected by entry angle, ball speed, and ball weight.

In Storm's layout system, the distance from the pin to the PSA (preferred spin axis) mark. Controls how smooth or angular the ball's transition is from hook to roll.

The percentage of time a bowler converts strikes. Good pin carry means the ball consistently clears all ten pins. Carry is influenced by entry angle, ball speed at impact, and how flush the ball hits the pocket.

The total number of pins knocked down on a given delivery. In scoring, the pin count of subsequent deliveries affects the bonus earned from strikes and spares.

The area at the end of the lane where the ten pins stand, starting at 60 feet from the foul line. Not oiled. The surface condition of the pin deck affects how pins scatter and carry.

The automated machine behind the pins that detects fallen pins, sweeps them away, and sets new racks. Major types: free-fall (Brunswick A-2, GS series) and string (pins attached to strings for retrieval). USBC has approved string pinsetters with scoring adjustments.

The angle at which finger and thumb holes are drilled relative to the center of the ball. Forward/reverse and left/right pitch affect how the ball releases from the hand, influencing comfort and hook potential.

Targeting the outside boards where there is little to no oil, using the friction to create hook. Common strategy on burned-up lanes or patterns with low volume.

Targeting the center of the lane where oil is concentrated, using inside angles and projecting the ball to the breakpoint. Common on heavy oil patterns and fresh conditions.

To fill existing holes in a bowling ball with a resin compound, allowing it to be re-drilled with a new layout. Common when a ball changes owners or when a bowler wants a different reaction from the same ball.

The ideal target area between the 1-3 pins for right-handed bowlers (1-2 for left-handers). Hitting the pocket consistently is the goal of every strike shot. A ball in the pocket at the right angle and speed will strike.

A delivery that strikes the pocket (1-3 for right-handers). A "flush" pocket hit enters at the ideal angle; a "light" hit grazes the headpin; a "high" hit is too far toward center.

A hard, non-porous coverstock material (also called "plastic") that generates minimal hook. Used almost exclusively for spare balls. Travels straight with predictable motion regardless of oil conditions.

The final round of a league season where teams are matched by standings position — first place vs second place, third vs fourth, etc. Determines final league standings and is often the most competitive night.

The second-to-last step in a bowler's approach (the penultimate step). A quick, short step that builds momentum before the slide foot plants. Generates power for the release.

A specialized retail location (often inside a bowling center) staffed by certified ball drillers who measure hands, recommend equipment, drill bowling balls, and perform maintenance like resurfacing.

A coverstock formulation designed to read the lane early, creating an earlier hook point. Opposite of a skid-flip reaction. Common in solid reactive coverstocks for heavy oil.

The first movement of the bowling ball at the start of the approach — pushing the ball forward and slightly outward to initiate the pendulum swing. Timing of the push-away with the first step is critical for a consistent approach.

The professional women's bowling tour, revived in 2015 after a hiatus. Features the top female bowlers competing in a dedicated tour schedule with its own major championships.

The initial stage of a tournament where bowlers accumulate pin totals over multiple games to earn a spot in the elimination or match-play rounds. The "cut" is the minimum total needed to advance.

The full set of ten pins arranged in their triangular formation. Also used as a verb — "rack up" means to bowl a strike. The pins are set 12 inches apart, center to center.

The proportion of oil in the center of the lane compared to the outside boards. A 10:1 ratio means 10x more oil in the middle than the edges (very forgiving). A 2:1 ratio is nearly flat (very challenging). USBC sport certification requires under 3:1.

A tournament format that allows bowlers to pay again and re-bowl their qualifying set, keeping their highest score. Increases the field revenue and gives bowlers a second chance.

A coverstock that blends solid and pearl reactive materials. Offers a middle ground: reads the midlane like a solid but retains backend energy like a pearl. Popular choice for benchmark balls.

A coverstock with mica or similar additives mixed into the reactive resin. Provides length through the heads (front of the lane) and a sharper, more angular backend reaction. Best for medium to light oil.

A coverstock made of reactive resin with a uniform (non-pearl) surface. Creates the most friction and earliest hook among reactive types. Best for heavy oil conditions where the ball needs to grip early.

The moment the bowling ball leaves the bowler's hand. The position of the fingers, wrist, and hand at release determines the ball's rotation, axis tilt, axis rotation, and speed. The most important single element of a bowler's game.

The process of restoring a bowling ball's surface texture using Abralon pads or a ball spinner. Removes oil absorption, scratches, and track wear. Recommended every 60-100 games to maintain consistent reaction.

A bowler whose rev rate overpowers their ball speed, causing the ball to hook more aggressively. Rev-dominant bowlers often need to play straighter lines or use weaker equipment to control ball motion.

The number of revolutions per minute (RPM) a bowler imparts on the ball. Low rev (under 250 RPM) = stroker. Medium rev (250-350 RPM) = tweener. High rev (350+ RPM) = cranker. Higher rev rate means more hook potential.

The conditioner applied by a lane machine on its return trip (reverse direction). Combined with forward oil, it creates the complete oil pattern. Reverse oil often covers fewer boards than forward oil, shaping the pattern's taper.

A measurement of how the mass is distributed inside a bowling ball relative to its center. Low RG (2.46-2.50) = early rolling, quick rev-up. High RG (2.54-2.58) = later rolling, stores energy longer.

A seemingly perfect pocket hit where the 6-pin wraps around the 10-pin without knocking it down. One of the most frustrating leaves in bowling. Often caused by deflection or the ball entering the pocket at a slightly wrong angle.

A small cloth bag filled with rosin powder, squeezed by bowlers to absorb moisture from their hands. Helps maintain a consistent grip, especially in humid conditions.

A formula for estimating the breakpoint board number based on oil pattern length: subtract 31 from the pattern distance in feet. A 40-foot pattern suggests targeting the 9-board as the breakpoint. A starting estimate, not a rule.

A league or tournament officially certified by USBC, meaning scores count toward the bowler's average and award eligibility. Requires USBC membership and adherence to USBC rules.

Intentionally bowling below your ability to maintain a lower average for handicap advantage. Considered unethical and against USBC rules. League secretaries monitor for suspicious patterns.

Bowling without handicap — actual pin totals only. Scratch tournaments and leagues are for competitive bowlers who want to compete on a level playing field based purely on skill.

A drilling between conventional and fingertip, with fingers inserted between the first and second knuckle. Sometimes called "sarge" grip. Uncommon — most bowlers go directly to fingertip.

The combined score of multiple games bowled in sequence — typically three games. A 600 series (200 average), 700 series (233 average), and 800 series (266+ average) are common milestones.

A tournament event where each bowler competes individually based on their own pin total. The most straightforward format — highest total wins.

Six consecutive strikes. A notable achievement in a single game. The term is specific to exactly six; longer runs use the "-bagger" convention (seven-bagger, eight-bagger, etc.).

The final step of the approach where the lead foot glides forward on the sliding sole. A consistent slide provides a stable base for the release. Slide distance and direction affect accuracy and timing.

An approach with deliberately reduced foot speed, which shortens the swing arc and reduces ball speed at release. Used to increase hook on dry conditions or to match up better on shorter patterns.

The distance between the thumb hole and finger holes in a drilled bowling ball. Proper span is critical for a clean release — too short causes early drop, too long causes hanging.

Knocking down all remaining pins on the second delivery of a frame. Scores 10 plus the pin count of the next delivery as a bonus. Spare shooting consistency is the single biggest factor in a bowler's average.

A polyester (plastic) bowling ball used specifically for picking up spares with a straight shot. Essential for every arsenal because it eliminates the variable of hook when shooting at single pins.

The skill of converting non-strike first-ball results into spares. The most statistically important skill in bowling — converting 95% of single-pin spares versus 85% is worth 10-15 pins per game on average.

A bowler whose ball speed overpowers their rev rate, resulting in less hook. Speed-dominant bowlers often benefit from stronger coverstocks and lower surface finishes to generate enough friction.

A spare leave where the headpin has been knocked down and at least two remaining pins have a gap between them. Difficult to convert. The 7-10 split is the most famous and nearly impossible to pick up.

An oil pattern certified by USBC as "sport" compliant, with a ratio of less than 3:1. Designed to challenge bowlers with minimal built-in miss room. Used in PBA events, USBC sport leagues, and sanctioned tournaments.

A tournament finals format where the lowest-seeded qualifier bowls the next-lowest, the winner bowls the next, and so on up to the top seed. Creates dramatic, single-elimination one-game matches for the title.

Knocking down all ten pins on the first delivery of a frame. Scores 10 plus the total pin count of the next two deliveries as a bonus. Consecutive strikes create exponential scoring — five in a row is worth at least 50 bonus pins.

A bowler with a smooth, controlled release and moderate rev rate. Strokers emphasize accuracy and consistency over power. The arm swing stays close to the body with minimal wrist action.

The roughness of a bowling ball's surface, measured by the Abralon pad number used to finish it. Lower grit (500) = rough, more friction, earlier hook. Higher grit (4000) or polished = smooth, more length, later hook.

The pendulum motion of the bowling arm from the pushaway through the backswing to the release point. A free, relaxed swing is the foundation of consistent bowling. Muscle in the swing reduces accuracy.

A bowling ball core with a uniform mass distribution around its vertical axis. Produces a smoother, more predictable ball motion than asymmetric cores. Does not have an intermediate differential value.

A bowling lane made from laminated or overlay material instead of traditional wood. More durable and consistent than wood but can play differently — some synthetics hold oil longer while others let it evaporate faster.

A seemingly perfect shot that leaves a single pin standing — most commonly the 10-pin (for right-handers) or 7-pin (for left-handers). Also called a "solid hit" that doesn't carry. Often caused by pin deck conditions or slight entry angle issues.

How an oil pattern transitions from heavily oiled to dry along its length. A sharp taper (oil drops off quickly) creates a more defined breakpoint. A gradual taper creates a smoother, less angular ball motion.

The intended path of the ball from release to the pins. Defined by the starting position on the approach, the mark aimed at on the lane, and the intended breakpoint.

The final frame of a game, which allows bonus deliveries. A strike in the 10th frame earns two bonus balls; a spare earns one. This means a bowler can throw up to three balls in the 10th frame.

A removable insert placed in the thumb hole made of vinyl or urethane. Allows for precise thumb fitting and easy replacement if the fit changes. Most competitive bowlers use one.

The synchronization of a bowler's footwork with their arm swing. "Early timing" means the ball arrives at the bottom of the swing before the slide foot plants; "late timing" means after. Consistent timing is essential for accuracy.

The microscopic imperfections and variations in a bowling lane's surface — low spots, high spots, and crowned areas. Even new lanes aren't perfectly flat. Topography affects ball motion in ways that the oil pattern alone doesn't explain.

The visible ring of oil or wear on a bowling ball after it has been thrown. Shows where the ball contacts the lane surface. High-track bowlers have the ring near the thumb; low-track bowlers have it further away.

The zone on the lane where most bowlers' balls travel — typically boards 8-15. This area breaks down fastest as oil is depleted by ball traffic, causing lane conditions to change throughout a session.

The process of oil pattern breakdown during play. Oil gets carried down, the track area burns up, and the pattern effectively changes shape. Reading and adapting to transition is a critical competitive bowling skill.

Three consecutive strikes. Worth at least 60 pins for the three frames (30 in the first frame of the turkey). The term originated in the 1800s when bowling alleys would award a turkey to bowlers who achieved three strikes in a row.

A bowler whose style falls between a stroker and a cranker — moderate rev rate with moderate speed. The most common bowler type. Tweeners are versatile and can adjust to many lane conditions.

A bowling style where the non-dominant hand stays on the ball through most of the approach, removed just before release. Generates extremely high rev rates. Popularized by Jason Belmonte and Jesper Svensson at the professional level.

A coverstock material that provides more friction than polyester but less than reactive resin. Produces a smooth, controlled hook with an early, predictable roll. Popular for sport patterns and short oil. Also used at the professional level on specific conditions.

The national governing body for bowling in the United States, formed in 2005 by merging the ABC, WIBC, and YABA. Sets rules, certifies leagues and tournaments, maintains equipment standards, and operates major championships.

The boundary created by a high-ratio oil pattern where dry boards on the outside sharply contrast with heavy oil in the center. The "wall" redirects slightly off-target shots back toward the pocket. Absent on sport patterns.

A spare leave where the headpin is still standing along with other pins, but it's not a split because adjacent pins fill the gaps. Typically easier to convert than a split. Common example: 1-2-4-10 leave.

See Core.

The angle of the bowling wrist at release — cupped (forward), flat (neutral), or broken (backward). A cupped wrist increases hook; a broken wrist decreases it. Wrist supports are used by some bowlers to maintain a cupped position.

A mechanical device worn on the bowling wrist to maintain a specific wrist position (usually cupped) during the release. Helps bowlers who lack wrist strength or consistency. Available in adjustable and fixed positions.