Bowling might seem like a very simple game. The only goal is to roll a heavy ball down a lane so it knocks down as many pins as possible. This simplified understanding, however, severely misrepresents everything that makes bowling the complex and exciting sport that it really is. Taking some time to learn the dimensions and layout of the lane is a good first step for bowlers looking to take things a bit more seriously.
The Lane Area
A bowling lane measures 60 feet long and it is about 40 inches wide.
If you look hard, you will notice small little strips of wood going across the width of the bowling lane about an inch wide. There are 39 of these strips and they are called boards. They are used by bowlers for aiming, but it isn't the primary reference point.
In addition to the boards, a bowling lane features seven arrows arranged in a V-shape. Bowlers usually line their shots to a particular arrow. Bowlers aim at the arrows instead of the pins because the distance is much closer (15 feet compared to 60) and it is much easier to hit a closer target than one far away
If you bowl with serious players, you will surely hear them referring to the boards and arrows by number; such as, "Aim at the second arrow" or "I moved over to the 7th board." The boards and arrows are typically numbered from right to left, but lefties count the opposite way, starting from the left. You should also know that the distance between each arrow is 5 boards.
The Approach Area
The actual lane is not the only important thing to learn about, as the area where you make your approach is also quite key to a serious bowler. This area, known as the approach area, has 39 boards which line up with the boards on the lane.
The approach area has dots that bowlers use to line up their feet. There are three separate sets of dots, one about twelve feet from the foul line, one about fifteen away, and the third right up on the foul line. The center dot is located at the twentieth board, the very center, and the others are spaced at intervals of five boards.
The Pin Area
The other big part of the lane is the pin area, although this is not as important for bowlers as it only comes into play after you have already rolled the ball. This area is usually called the pin deck, and it is the spot down the lane where the pins stand. Its has a padded cushion near the back to catch pins that fly up and a mechanism that puts the pins back in the pinsetter and sends the ball back up the lane to the bowlers.
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