Step onto the lanes, and you enter a world filled with its own unique language. Bowling, like any sport, has its own set of terms and phrases that can sometimes leave newcomers feeling a bit lost. Whether you’re a casual bowler looking to brush up on the basics or a seasoned pro wanting to expand your alley vocabulary, this guide to common bowling terms will have you striking with confidence in no time!
- Strike: When a bowler knocks down all of the ten pins with their first ball in a frame.
- Spare: When a bowler knocks down all of the remaining pins with their second ball in a frame.
- Open Frame: A frame in which a bowler fails to knock down all ten pins.
- Split: When two or more pins left standing are not adjacent to each other.
- Turkey: Three consecutive strikes in a row.
- Gutter Ball: When the ball rolls into the gutter without hitting any pins.
- Brooklyn: When a right-handed bowler’s ball crosses over to the left side (or vice versa for a left-handed bowler).
- Anchor Bowler: The final bowler in a team’s lineup.
- Pocket: The ideal spot on the pins for the ball to hit, between the 1 and 3 pins for right-handed bowlers, and between the 1 and 2 pins for left-handed bowlers.
- Hook: The curving path the ball takes as it travels down the lane.
- Mark: Either a strike or a spare.
- Frame: A turn for a bowler, consisting of up to two rolls.
As you continue to refine your bowling skills, remember that understanding the language of the alley is key to improving your game. From spares to strikes, splits to strikes, each term adds depth to your bowling knowledge and enhances your appreciation for this timeless sport. So, the next time you step up to the lane, speak the language of bowling like a pro and watch as your game reaches new heights!
Keep rolling, keep bowling, and always compete with EXPN Bowling Match Play.
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