Most bowling alleys, such as Brunswick, have markings on the lane known as range finders and arrows. These markings aren’t there for decorative purposes only – these are used to zero in on your target and, thus, increase your chances of getting strikes. Here are a few basic things that you may want to know about these markings.
Look for the Range Finders
The range finders are useful in making a curve ball or rolling a hook, thus, experienced bowlers will look for them. As the ball travels down the lane, its path will hold in the same direction for a certain distance only. Once that distance has been reached, it will deviate from its prior path and hook in an inward direction, usually toward the board with a higher number.
Finding the set of range finders is then a must so that the ball will travel in the desired direction. There are two sets of range finders:
- The first starts at 34 feet from the foul line, located on board 15 for right-handed and left-handed players, and measure 3 feet in length.
- The second starts at 40 feet down the lane, located on board 10 for all players, and measure 3 feet in length, too.
But keep in mind, too, that the path and distance the ball will take before it starts its inward movement will vary depending on the length of the oil on the lane. You must take into account this factor and adjust your throw as needed. In majority of cases, the ball starts to move inward at the second range finder, generally between 40 and 43 feet.
Check the Arrows
The arrows are useful, too, in aiding players in rolling the ball over a definite spot on the lane. These are usually marked about 15 feet from the foul line. There may also be black lines that aid players in determining the board numbers, a useful information as the ball starts its path down the lane.
Counting the arrows depends on whether you’re a right-handed or a left-handed player. In both cases, the player should stand on the approach, look down the lane, and start counting in the direction according to their dominant hand. For a right-handed bowler, counting starts from right to left. For a left-handed bowler, it’s from left to right.
Also, with the lanes having 39 boards – and the arrows being 5 boards apart – the middle arrow in on the 20th board. Each of these boards are considered as a separate target and the arrows aid the player in determining the specific board where the ball rolls over.