Arrows

Dots and arrows are the visual aids that help enormously for proper alignment of good
strikes. There is a set of seven arrows between the 15th and 17th feet of the lane from the
foul line. They are at the end of the first quarter length of the lane, at what is called the
splice. Up to this length the lane is usually of hard maple, while the main portion of
the lane is made of softer pinewood.
There is also a set of 10 dots, which is placed 6 feet from the foul line. Both are
positioned on numbered boards.
The arrows are aligned with the approach dots. The middle arrow is on the middle board
(20th), while the other six are 5 boards away from the next one on either side of the
middle arrow. So the arrows are on boards 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35. The space
between two consecutive arrows measures 5 inches.

Thus, if you draw a straight line from the middle dot of the approach to the pocket, it will
pass through the middle arrow, the middle of the headpin (Pin 1), and the middle of Pin 5
(the pin directly behind pin 1).
Note: The approach dots and the lane arrows are in directly alignment with the center of
the pins, but the lane dots are not aligned in this manner.
Most players look at the dots and arrows - not the pins - to align their shots. If you want
to bowl straight you will focus on the middle arrow, while if you want the ball to take a
curved path you will target arrows to the left or the right. Left-handers aim at the arrow
on the opposite side of the middle arrow, as compared to the right-handers to execute a
curved delivery.
Now that the lane has been described in detail, lets go bowling. The next chapter will
discuss the right stance you have to take, for a good strike.

- 15 2004, HowToBowlStrikes.com