Wait for the lanes beside you
Only one bowler should be on the approach at a time across neighboring lanes. Before you step up, look to both sides. If a bowler on the lane next to you is already on the approach or setting up, wait until they have thrown. A common convention is that when two bowlers step up at the same moment, the one on the right goes first.
Once you have thrown, step back off the approach so the next bowler can go. Watching your ball reach the pins is fine. Standing at the foul line for a long time after every shot slows everyone down.
Stay behind the foul line
The lane past the foul line is coated with oil, and it is slick. Walking on it is a fall risk, and the oil sticks to your shoes and makes the approach slippery for everyone. If a ball gets stuck or pins need attention, press the call or reset button at your lane, or ask staff. Never walk down the lane yourself.
Shoes and the approach
- Wear bowling shoes on the approach. Street shoes can scratch it and leave grit and moisture behind.
- Don't walk outside the bowling area in bowling shoes. Water, food or dirt on the soles can make you stick or slip at the line.
- If you spill something, keep off the approach until staff have cleaned it.
- Before each frame, glance at your sliding sole. Something stuck to it can stop your slide suddenly.
A sticky slide is the most common cause of falls at the foul line. If your foot grips unexpectedly, stop, check your shoe and ask staff for help.
Food and drinks
Keep food and drinks at the seating area, behind the approach. Many centers mark the line where food and drinks must stop. Wipe your hands before you pick up a ball, since grease on the ball and your fingers affects your grip.
Balls and the ball return
- Use your own ball or the house ball you picked. Ask before using another bowler's ball, since it was drilled for their hand.
- Pick balls up from the sides, with your fingers clear of the gap where balls meet on the return.
- Roll the ball onto the lane. Throwing it high so it bounces is called lofting and can damage the lane surface.
- Keep only the balls you are using on the return.
Pace of play
Be ready when your turn comes: ball chosen, hand dry, eyes on your target. On a league night, a slow team holds up the whole pair of lanes and the bowlers waiting beside you. Keep your routine before each shot short, with no more than a practice swing or two.
Being a good neighbor
- Cheer good shots, including those of other teams. Avoid loud reactions while someone beside you is on the approach.
- Keep language and celebrations in proportion, especially when families are bowling nearby.
- Keep phones off the approach. Take calls away from the lanes.
- Don't comment on another bowler's technique unless they ask.
Bowling with children
Many centers offer bumpers that block the gutters, and ramps that let young children roll the ball down a slide. Ask at the counter. Keep small children off the approach and away from the ball return when they are not bowling, and help them pick up balls with two hands.
League nights
Leagues add a few habits: arrive in time to warm up during practice, tell your captain early if you can't come, and follow the league's rules on lane changes and pace. The league guide covers what to expect.