10 Commonly Asked Bowling Questions

Bowling is for everyone, but if you’re new to the game or looking to improve, here are 10 commonly asked questions we hear at Tiger Zone—along with the answers!

1. What weight bowling ball should I use?
Choosing the right ball weight is important for both comfort and performance. A good rule of thumb is to use a ball that’s about 10% of your body weight, without exceeding what you can handle easily. Most adults typically bowl with balls ranging from 12 to 16 pounds, while kids usually start with lighter balls between 6 and 10 pounds. The ball should feel heavy enough to knock down pins effectively, but not so heavy that it strains your arm or affects your form. If you find yourself swinging the ball wildly or struggling to control it, it’s probably too heavy. On the flip side, if the ball feels too light and you can’t deliver a smooth, powerful shot, you might want to try a heavier one.

2. What do the lane arrows mean?
The lane arrows, also called targeting arrows, help you aim more precisely. Rather than focusing solely on the pins, bowlers use these arrows about 12 to 16 feet down the lane as visual guides for lining up their shots. You can improve your accuracy and consistency by aiming at a specific arrow instead of trying to target the distant pins directly. Think of it like aiming at a closer target to better control the overall path of the ball. Whether you throw a straight ball or a hook, using the arrows can help you fine-tune your approach and hit your mark more often!

3. What’s the difference between a strike and a spare?
Strike (“X”) = All 10 pins knocked down in one roll.
Spare (“/”) = All 10 pins knocked down in two rolls.

4. Why do I have to wear bowling shoes?
Bowling shoes are designed to give you the right amount of slide and grip for a smooth, safe approach. They also protect the lanes from dirt and damage. Wearing proper shoes helps you bowl better and keeps the lanes in top shape for everyone!

5. How do I throw a hook?
Throwing a hook is all about adding spin to the ball so it curves toward the pins instead of going straight down the lane. A hook gives you a better angle into the pocket (the space between the 1 and 3 pins for right-handers, or the 1 and 2 pins for left-handers), which increases your chances of getting a strike! To throw a hook, start with a relaxed grip — you don’t want to hold the ball too tightly. As you release the ball, rotate your hand slightly, like you’re turning a doorknob. This hand motion puts a spin on the ball, helping it hook as it travels down the lane.
It may take a little practice to get the timing right between your release and your wrist movement, but once you get it down, your shots will become much more powerful and consistent. Everyone’s hook looks a little different, so don’t be afraid to experiment and find the style that works best for you!

6. Can I bring my own equipment?
Yes! If you have a personal ball, feel free to bring it. The same goes for shoes and anything else that might improve your bowling game.

7. What’s the highest score in bowling?
A perfect game is 300 points, meaning 12 strikes in a row! There are 10 frames in total, but on the 10th frame of bowling, there’s a chance to get 3 strikes!

8. What if my ball goes into the gutter?
If your ball falls into the gutter, it unfortunately means you score zero points for that roll — but don’t worry, it happens to everyone, especially when you’re just starting out! Gutter balls are part of learning and improving in bowling. For beginners or younger bowlers, we do have the option to use bumpers! These are rails that pop up along the sides of the lane to keep the ball from falling into the gutter, helping you stay focused on aiming and having fun.

9. Can I rent a lane for a private event?
Definitely! If you are celebrating a birthday, reunion, hosting a team party, or just want a fun group event, we’ve got you covered. We offer lane rentals and party packages to make your event planning easy and unforgettable. Reserve a few lanes or book a full party — it’s up to you!Visit our website to see all the options and pricing. Let’s make your next celebration one to remember!

10. What’s the cost for a standard game?
Let’s make your next celebration one to remember! A single game of bowling costs $5.25 per person. You can also rent an entire lane for $30 per hour, which is a great option for groups or anyone who wants to bowl as many games as possible within the hour.