Bowling Tips (Bowling Terms) Frequently Asked Questions
updated: April, 2026Have a question about bowling terms? This is the place where we've gathered all our questions about bowling terms from our guides and articles, so you can find expert answers quickly and get back to bowling. For the quickest answers, use the search bar below.
Q: What does the term strike mean in bowling?
A: A strike is when you knock down all ten pins with your first delivery in a frame. It is the highest scoring shot possible in a single ball and is marked with an X on the scoreboard. Getting strikes consistently is the fastest way to increase your score.Q: What is a spare in bowling?
A: A spare is when you knock down all ten pins using two balls in the same frame. The second ball must clear any pins left standing after the first delivery. Spares are essential for good scoring and are marked with a slash on the score sheet.Q: What is a turkey in bowling?
A: A turkey refers to three consecutive strikes in a row. It is a fun term bowlers use to celebrate a strong streak. Four consecutive strikes are sometimes called a hambone.Q: What is the pocket in bowling?
A: The pocket is the ideal target area between the 1 and 3 pins for a right handed bowler (or 1 and 2 pins for a left handed bowler). Hitting the pocket properly creates the best chance for a strike because the ball drives through the pins with maximum power and carry.Q: What does Brooklyn mean in bowling?
A: Brooklyn (also called a crossover) is when a right handed bowler hits the 1-2 pocket (left side of the headpin) or a left handed bowler hits the 1-3 pocket (right side of the headpin). It is an accidental hit on the opposite side of the headpin from where the ball was intended to go.Q: What is a split in bowling?
A: A split is when two or more pins remain standing after your first ball with a gap between them, making the spare very difficult. Common examples include the baby split (2-7 or 3-10) and the dreaded 7-10 split. Splits usually happen from poor pocket hits or light hits on the headpin.Q: What is a double in bowling?
A: A double means two consecutive strikes in a row. It is a strong scoring opportunity because the first strike gets bonus points from the next two balls. Bowlers often celebrate a double as it builds momentum toward higher game scores.Q: What is a foul in bowling?
A: A foul occurs when any part of your foot or body touches or crosses the foul line during your delivery. The ball still counts, but any pins knocked down on that delivery do not count toward your score for that frame.Q: What is a gutter ball?
A: A gutter ball is when your ball rolls into the gutter (channel) on either side of the lane without hitting any pins. It scores zero for that ball and is one of the most frustrating outcomes for beginners.Q: What is a perfect game in bowling?
A: A perfect game is a score of 300, achieved by throwing twelve consecutive strikes in a single game (one strike in each of the ten frames plus two extra strikes in the tenth frame). It is the ultimate achievement in bowling.Q: What is a hambone in bowling?
A: A hambone is four consecutive strikes in a row. It builds on a turkey (three strikes) and is a fun, celebratory term used by bowlers when someone gets on a hot streak.Q: What does hook mean in bowling?
A: Hook describes the curved path a bowling ball takes as it travels down the lane toward the pins. It is caused by the ball spinning and gripping the lane surface, allowing it to enter the pocket at a better angle for strikes.Q: What is the approach in bowling?
A: The approach is the wooden or synthetic area behind the foul line where bowlers take their steps before releasing the ball. It usually consists of the last 15 feet of the lane leading up to the foul line.Q: What is deadwood in bowling?
A: Deadwood refers to pins that have been knocked down but remain on the lane or in the pin deck instead of falling into the pit. They can interfere with the next shot if not cleared properly by the pinsetter.Q: What is a clean sheet in bowling?
A: A clean sheet means you made every spare in the game (no opens or missed spares). It shows excellent spare shooting consistency and is a point of pride for many league bowlers.Q: What is an open frame in bowling?
A: An open frame is any frame in which you fail to get a strike or spare. You leave one or more pins standing after using both balls in that frame. Open frames hurt your score significantly and are what bowlers try hardest to avoid.Q: What does carry mean in bowling?
A: Carry refers to how effectively the ball knocks down pins, especially the back pins. Good carry means the ball drives through the pocket with enough power that pins fly and knock each other down cleanly, resulting in more strikes.Q: What is a washout in bowling?
A: A washout is a difficult split where the headpin is standing along with one or more pins in the back row (usually the 1-2-4-7 or 1-3-6-10). It is one of the toughest spares to convert and is often the result of a light pocket hit.Q: What is rev rate in bowling?
A: Rev rate is the number of revolutions (spins) your ball makes per minute as it travels down the lane. Higher rev rates create more hook potential while lower rev rates produce a straighter path. It is one of the key factors that defines your bowling style.Q: What is the difference between a hook and a curve in bowling?
A: Hook describes a smooth, controlled arc created by proper release and rotation. Curve usually refers to a much more dramatic, exaggerated side-to-side path often caused by extreme wrist action or poor technique. Most bowlers aim for a controlled hook rather than a wild curve.
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