Bowling Targeting: Arrows, Dots and Boards

Many recreational bowlers look at the pins and hope for the best. If you want to control where the ball goes, you need a target much closer to you. That is what the bowling targeting system of arrows, dots and boards is for: it gives you fixed reference points on the approach and on the lane that you can aim at and return to on every shot.

For an overview of all parts of a lane, see bowling lane anatomy explained.

The boards: the coordinates of the lane

A lane is about 41.5 inches (1.05 metres) wide and made up of 39 boards, or a synthetic surface with the same markings. Boards are counted from the side of your bowling hand: right-handers count from the right gutter, left-handers from the left. Board 20 is the centre of the lane.

Counting boards turns aiming into a precise language. "Feet on 15, target on 10" means the same thing on every lane.

The arrows: the main target

Seven arrows are set into the lane in a V shape, roughly 12 to 16 feet (about 15 feet on most lanes) past the foul line. They sit on every fifth board:

• 1st arrow: board 5
• 2nd arrow: board 10
• 3rd arrow: board 15
• 4th arrow (centre): board 20

From the other side, the arrows continue symmetrically. Most bowlers who aim at a spot use the arrows as their target, because they are far closer than the pins: the distance from the foul line to the head pin is 60 feet (18.29 metres). A small error in your swing or release makes a much bigger difference at 60 feet than at 15.

The dots: for your feet and for orientation

• Approach dots: the approach usually has three rows of dots, including two sets 12 and 15 feet behind the foul line. They help you find the same starting position every time; which row you use depends on the number of steps in your approach.
• Range finders: further down the lane, two pairs of guide lines begin 34 and 40 feet past the foul line. Many bowlers use them to see on which board the ball reaches its breakpoint.

The pins: for checking the result

Looking at the pins is natural – they are what you want to knock down. As an aiming point, however, they are far away. Use them to check the result of a shot, not as a target during the delivery.

Choosing your starting line

Your line is the combination of starting board and target. As an example, one coaching suggestion for right-handers who roll the ball fairly straight is to place the instep of the shoe over the 15 board and aim at the 10 board, the second arrow; left-handers mirror this. Bowlers who hook the ball adjust the line to their ball reaction and the oil pattern. Choose one combination, commit to it and build from there. How the stance itself works is explained in bowling stance: how to set up your starting position.

Adjusting with your feet

If the ball misses left or right, move your feet on the approach while keeping your eyes on the same arrow. As a rule of thumb, move in the direction of the miss: if the ball goes to the right of where you want it, move your starting position to the right; if it goes to the left, move to the left. Adjust in small steps and check the result after each move.

The same principle – feet move, target stays – is the basis of the 3-6-9 spare system. More on spare angles in spare shooting: the most important angles, and on the most common single-pin spare in how to shoot the 10-pin spare more consistently.

Keep your eyes on the target

Keep your gaze on your target from your stance until you reach the foul line. If your eyes move to the pins during the delivery, your head and upper body often follow. It feels unusual at first, but it becomes routine with practice.

Drill: one arrow, one starting board

1. Pick one arrow, for example the second arrow (board 10).
2. Choose a starting board and keep it.
3. Roll ten balls and note after each shot only whether you hit your arrow.
4. If you miss the arrow repeatedly on the same side, move your starting position by one board and repeat.

This drill shifts your attention from the pins to your target and builds a reliable reference line. It also depends on a consistent approach and slide, so practise in the shoes you bowl in. If you are looking for your own pair, BOWLIO bowling shoes have a full-length leather sole under both shoes and are suitable for left- and right-handed bowlers.