Bowling Tips: How To Target On The Bowling Lane for More Strikes and Spares!

Targeting different areas of the bowling lane is a key component to consistent and accurate ball motion. Today we discuss the various markings on the lanes - namely the dots, arrow, and rangefinders - that you can utilize to get to the pocket with each and every shot.
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I'm USBC Silver certified coach Arthur O'Connor, and I'm here to promote the sport I love -- bowling. Subscribe to my channel for tips, tricks, and techniques to improve your bowling scores!
00:00 Introduction
00:53 Various Places To Look For Targeting
01:44 Using Range Finders

[@JoeBrrFan]

Bowling update, no one will ever read. But I don't care. Just want to say I stopped using anything but the first set of dots, after watching this vid. I used to use the 6 pin, but now it's just the dots. And guess what? I now bowl consistantly in the 200 every single game. Not just once in a while. Every game. It's like a whole new game to me. I can't believe I didn't know about this for the last 40 years of bowling. It's like wow covered in more wow and topped with I can't believe it. Anyways, just thought I would give a shout to AOB for doing something I didn't think was possible. Teaching and old dog new tricks.

[@ArtOfBowling]

I am an old dog and learn new tricks every day...thanks for watching

[@JoeBrrFan]

@@ArtOfBowling Oh wow.. so this is embarassing.. Thanks so much for your vids. Changed how I bowl now. So many of vids have helped me. Speed. Target. Hook. Elbo. Everything I was doing wrong or thinking wrong has changed. I tell everybody that asks what happened to check out AOB. But when I see them and notice they are still doing the same things.. I heckle them a bit... didn't check out aob did you.??? hahah No but I will. So I will continue to spread your name and vids. Hopefully somebody will take me serious and be serious about changing their games too. Thanks so much. Here is one true story you can tell people: So the lane mechanic walks by and looks up at the scoreboard and says "hey where are all them strikes you were throwing".. I told hiim I just threw a few practice balls to warmup and find my line but give me a minute.. He walked away, I finished a few more frames to end the game, and to start over. Then I started my first game with the front 6 and ended with a 239. I looked to see if I could find the guy to point it out. Nope.. nowhere to be found. So bummed. Then I started the next game. 9 spare in the first, 4 pack. open 8 count, and then 5 pack 9: 256.. This time. This time he was there. And I couldn't have been more proud of myself. This is me: 179-185 on average. Never quite getting that 200, lots of 193 195.. now and again a 204 or something like that. But now it's everygame I hit 200. What a difference changing where I aim made. It's still so unreal to me.

[@dastrayer63]

@@ArtOfBowling I go through this playlist about once per year for the last few years to tune myself a little. Drilled a 10 lb ball 2 years after surgery to keep going. Got back to 14 lb balls. Got back into the 630s for a few weeks and now in a slump (450s slump). I think I'll find it before I go to Reno this month. I used to use the dots, and now the arrows. I think I'll go to using both to change my mind set. Thank you for this playlist and I hope you are doing well in your new ventures. Glad to see your response above, because lets us know you are still around.

[@Pend2027]

How do I find the oil pattern?

[@ArtOfBowling]

I am reading and enjoying thank you

[@blakedarst9053]

Art, I've watched your videos for awhile now and been trying to improve. Tonight I shot my first 300 game. Thank you for these videos

[@ArtOfBowling]

woo hoo so much better having someone you helped throw a 300 then doing it yourself happy to be considered part of this accomplishment

[@playdiscgolf1546]

Heck yeah welcome to the club

[@jasenfisher4181]

Wow. One of the best bowling vids I’ve watched. I honestly never knew about the dark lines for break points.

[@brianselock5410]

Great video Arthur, I have been using this system for approximately 15 years. The only difference is I would Target from the reflection of the pin downlane and track back up to the dots at the foul line. Now that I'm switching to a southpaw. This is extremely valuable to getting my game back up to the level I was at as a right-hander quickly. Thanks again Arthur.

[@njmaugbill]

I watched this video Sunday night. On Monday morning league, I practiced this suggestion, and had a high game of 241 and series of 601! It works and I'm doing it now!

[@td1138]

Awesome video. Very helpful. I needed an alternate aiming point. One of the places I bowl has large video monitors at the end of each lane. The glare from these monitors “wash out” the arrows, making targeting very difficult. Using the closer dots as a target might be a great alternative target to aim at. Thanks so much!

[@NeilTruick]

Great video! I've been bowling over 35 years and never knew about the rangefinders...TIL. I use the arrows almost exclusively. The dots are way too close for me. Thanks for the valuable info!

[@lennygrebs8384]

I'm a new bowler and I've been integrating all of what you touched on ..I really Appreciate the colored boards comment from your father. I tend to use that process for finding may way around a center as apposed to dots and arrows to feel the lanes. Great stuff.

[@bsam7688]

I picked up 20 pins on my average by targeting the dots instead of arrows I found it easier to be consistent with a closer target

[@ethang6735]

You probably also started laying the ball down sooner as well... which can help or hinder depending on a few things but still

[@kenrathbone3265]

Some years ago, I would pick a blemish in a board (dark or light spot) about 35 feet down the lane. This was before our lanes had the break point markings. Recently, I have moved to blemishes much closer to the arrows because the backgrounds above the lanes reflect too much to see marks further down. I averaged 217 with the longer distance.

[@anthonydorazio9650]

Thanks Art your tips on the dots for strikes and arrows for ten pin and left side were great. Also got rid of the glove and it is working well much more feel now. Thank you my scores are going way up keep up the good videos. 😃

[@optimusvader7823]

LIKE ALWAYS, A VERY INTERESTING VIDEO . THANK YOU 🎳AND HAPPY BOWLING 🎳 🎳🎳🎳🎳😄!

[@clowny2396]

Glad I got this link today. Been missing your lessons. Hope you're doing well. I've been targeting at the tip of the range finders especially for spare shots. Even with my old eyes I can do pretty well using that technique. Lately I've been pretty much looking at the 6-pin for our house shot for my first ball in each frame and drawing a line with my eyes back to the arrows. It usually takes me to aiming around board 10.5 to board 12. Hope you start posting again Art. Thanks for your help...

[@SinkkingTurrtle]

most of the bowling alleys I've bowled at growing up have not had range finders, but I've always aimed using off colored boards or extending the pin reflections to the break point to target a specific spot.

[@ryanbedford2098]

Great video, quick and to the point!

[@raymondruzin7560]

I loved this video it was a great point of view on different aspect of how to create a line and your shape on a lane!

[@robertfrost2652]

I just watched this and I’m going to practice this afternoon. I’ll try the dots. I’ve always used the arrows. I’ll report the results later.

[@MTocci1965]

Art, you're the man! Thank you for passing on your knowledge.

[@ArtOfBowling]

Thank you it is greatly apprecisted

[@sarge420]

Thanks. Short & sweet. Out of bowling for 40yrs. Just purchased a UFO Alert and joining league again. Good reminders.

[@hexa8513]

I actually look at the Foulline at my approach :D

[@zahiriqbal6760]

تحتاج زلالقاقتقهق🎳🎳🎳🎳🎱⚽️

[@christ9359]

I believe Wes Malott does too

[@addisonraap]

@@zahiriqbal6760 eq

[@rogerredford6242]

I use the arrows for my first roll but will try the dots. Anything to gain consistency.

[@missionforward1774]

I have been using the arrows. But it make sense that my precision would improve if I targeted a little closer... I will try that next time out. Art... You really are an awesome coach. I have employed several of your suggestions and my game has improved 40 points in very short order. I was out of bowling for several years and it was like starting all over. Your instructions have me nearly back to the 175 bowler I was years ago. Thank you brother!

[@irishpogi]

Arthur, this is a great video introduction to the subject of targeting. Hopefully you can add to this by helping a bowler find out where he/she stands on the approach to play a certain trajectory on the lane. Also, when deep angles are needed, how open should our hips and shoulders be? I also believe this concept may play when it comes to cross alley spares. Thank you.

[@ArtOfBowling]

I actually did in the spare shooting video we did m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/gKaoopmpqKuSm6M

[@brianmizway9324]

Grew up bowling, then at 18 got out due to things in life. Just getting back into bowling 29-30 yrs later. Never knew till this video that the arrows line up to the pins. Lol. Thanks 😊

[@alecedgeworth2814]

Arthur: been watching for 2 years and I have been able to raise my average by 20 pins this year. Problem I have with aiming is being able to see the individual boards, dot or arrows. I also bowl with a straight ball not a hook ball

[@bobbyhogan9207]

I use all of the ones you mention…perhaps that is one of my many issues resulting in poor shots 🤷🏼‍♂️. I will start using just the dots and see how that goes. 👊😎

[@mikelambrecht7267]

Thank. You Arthur .

[@tdub5693]

This is awesome I use the same target as you but i get alot of 10 pins should i move my target to right in front of the dots thinking maybe my ball needs more time ?

[@jrooney58]

I use a combination of the dots and arrows. I draw a line from my breakpoint through the arrows to the dots and on to my expected lay down point. I look at the dots until release and follow the ball to the arrows. If I don’t hit both, I know that I am off target. I find this particularly helpful if I’m open to the lane instead of playing straight down the boards.

[@ArtOfBowling]

Me too...it helps me envision the ball going down the lane

[@lennygrebs8384]

Pin reflections...just learned another tech. Thanks people. Will try that tmro.

[@edwh164]

Thanks for the videos Arthur. I am a league bowler please tell me where to place my feet for a strike ball. Thanks Ed

[@jimwilliams4088]

I am using the dots on the lane. I am learning how to make adjustments by using them. By using them, it helps me keep my head down through the shot. I use the center arrow to make my spares on the left, and move my feet accordingly

[@ArtOfBowling]

Sounds like a solid plan. That is what we need to succeed in this sport

[@donliguori]

very good coach

[@ham4fun]

i use the range finder lines and if the lanes dont have them for some reason i look for the reflection of the lane number on the lane

[@chasingnaturephotography2341]

Cheers for the tips about to join my local singles league here in new Zealand on Wednesday night ,only sport I can play being a dairy farmer

[@marcyeatts1252]

I tend to look down lane, but also tend to drop my head at the line. I think looking at the first set of dots may just help correct that problem!

[@epiphoney]

Can you explain the spare system in Bowling Beyond the Basics? I think they say to walk straight up but then throw it at a small angle? But they give the exact board to lay the ball at with the 3 middle arrows as targets.

[@DoRayMeFa]

Interesting video, as usual, thanks. However, except for the 1 pin and 5 pin, the pins are not lined up with the arrows on boards 5, 10, 15, 20... 35. Pin placement is determined by equilateral triangles with 12-inch sides, which spreads the pins out laterally more than five boards each.

[@RobertJackson-pd3du]

DoRayMeFa Just posting to agree with this. The arrows, though arranged like the pins, do not correspond to the pins, except the center arrow.

[@dannytaylor7035]

I'm just starting to learn how to hook. Been bowling for years.

[@ArtOfBowling]

Send a video to my fb page, id love to take a look

[@aranzaynaiara8704]

I don't speak English, and I watch your show regularly. It would be good if your video had Spanish subtitles and also for it to be more audiovisual.

[@keeganjacobs5913]

Hello Arthur, lets say you have 40 foot long oil pattern and i want to get my ball to the 9th board at the break-point. Where would you line up and which dot would you focus on?

[@nancysimpson9288]

I like to use dots and then a number of boards between dots.

[@leegreenontheair2285]

I’m more of an arrow guy myself, as long as I keep my head down on my target then I’d be more consistent

[@glenstokes697]

I do that same thing! But that really really works as long as I keep the ball speed between 13, 15 . Dry or oily . But I still get what I aim for (usually) 🤣🤣🤣

[@bowler3329]

Dark Boards were also a little harder than the lighter wood and you could use it for a little hold sometimes, play just outside of the dark board.

[@garlandoverton727]

I like to use the foul line dots

[@whompmaster]

I was taught to throw at the arrow as it helps save energy in your ball but recently I've started aiming at the dots right after the foul line and my average has gone up. To me, it's like throwing darts at a dart board from 15 ft. away or 5 ft. away and I have better aim.

[@ArtOfBowling]

Thats why i use the dots, there are no rights or wrongs when it comes to targeting its a personnel choice

[@frankskyle1]

If you are left eye dominate and right handed, you may need to look down lane first, then at your near target to cross the arrows at the correct angle.

[@richardcassvan7300]

Explain , please...i have this problem...thanks

[@jrooney58]

I too am right handed and left eye dominant. The way I solved the problem was to have trusted teammates watch and tell me what I hit when I targeted a specific arrow. So I know that I hit two to three boards inside of my target. With that information I know that if I want to hit ten (the second arrow), I need to look around the 7th or 8th board. Today, I would have someone videotape me shooting a series of shots at the arrows . Once you get the target variance, I would videotape to see if I consistently hit the target after allowing for the target variance.

[@michaelfrench4391]

I use the arrows after moving to the dots to find my consistency.

[@rkw221]

fantastic reminder there are many ways to skin a cat! for me it i want to cut down my hook, play straighter up the boards, i use those down lane targets as well.

[@allenthomas914]

What do you recommend I look at if I want to lay the ball down sooner instead of lofting so much?

[@DGV_Tips]

Great video Arthur. I would add that some people, like Wes Malott, use the dots right at the foul line for targeting. Also, I read somewhere that by targeting the dots you tend to get your ball down sooner which promotes an earlier hook (great for oilier lanes), and by targeting the arrows you tend to get your ball down later, which promotes a later hook (good for drier lanes)...I haven’t tried this personally because I have always used the arrows. I wish our house had range finders!

[@ArtOfBowling]

They are only on brunswick lanes. Thats where finding a darker board or reflection down the lane helps

[@DGV_Tips]

Art Of Bowling I know...they are so helpful. I also wish there were more reference dots/points on the approach)

[@Gk2003m]

I use the arrows, for the same reason that a rifleman without a scope is using the pin at the end of the barrel as his sighting tool. IMO sighting needs to have some distance from your eye to be effective. If I use the first set of dots, and I’m lined up even a half a board left of my usual spot, the ball can go many degrees off track. OTOH if I’m using the arrows, I’m going to be at least close to target.

[@stevekeller3643]

Art, so the breakpoint is the pattern length minus 31- where your ball should be when it begins path to the pocket. How does one utilize this info ? Say one doesn’t know the PL ? Thank you

[@lfcmacgruder]

I like to use the arrows since last night.

[@XXXSakuchihaXXX]

I like to use the arrows :D

[@ArtOfBowling]

90% of bowlers I find do. And nothing wrong with it. I do ask my students when practicing to look at other parts of yhe lane

[@MikeChuk]

Thanks!

[@ArtOfBowling]

Welcome

[@MikeChuk]

I was going to my league last night to bowl with anticipation of using these 4 long rectangular areas near the pins. They were not there!! These Lanes only have the arrows and the dots at the foul line.

[@ArtOfBowling]

@@MikeChuk unfortunately not all bowling centers have them

[@PyroProspectParagon]

For the longest time I used the arrows...and struggled. But then I got better...and still struggled. lol One day something just clicked, and I decided to try the dots. I had no clue just how much that would help me in the future; saw a 15 pin increase in average, which turned into a 20 pin increase the next year.

[@ArtOfBowling]

I also use the dits thise are personnel preferences and only the bowler knows what works best for them...I encourage everyone to try looking at different areas of the lane to figure these things out

[@PyroProspectParagon]

@@ArtOfBowling Yup. Took a minute to find out that every bowler has their own "fingerprint", so to speak. Thanks for the vids!

[@Jrk_1986]

I've never even considered using the dots before the arrows as visual targets until now. I think I'm gonna test this out tonight. Is there any downside to using a closer target?

[@Jrk_1986]

@@dwobbema that actually makes a lot of sense, considering the dots are closer. Considering using the dots to become more accurate. Sometimes I find myself missing by a lot if not focusing enough

[@ArtOfBowling]

@@Jrk_1986 look at the preshot routine video we have for help with the focus

[@mikewhite735]

If you miss your target by 1 board at the dots, it's the equivalent to missing your target by 2 boards at the arrows.

[@turkeyvolumeguessing]

I wish my house had the range finders.

[@barryborses7212]

Always been a dot target guy. Specifically around 8 board. Always been a lighter colored board to target.

[@PinBoy626]

Not all lane panels have the outer boards only Brunswick pro anvil lanes do Amf hpl and spl don’t also a few other panels but still very helpful

[@dograt666]

Hey Art....Where do I get one of those snazzy t-shirts?

[@ArtOfBowling]

Subscribe, like the facebook page and send me address in messenger. Maybe i can arrange something!

[@samuelpancake4084]

Honest questions but one of the lanes I got to does not have the 4 dark boards and that's what I aim on .. what should I aim on them

[@thestime]

I don't think I could ever use dots. They are so close and so small that it would seem hard to me to know if you actually rolled over a particular dot. I always see the arrows right before I let go of the ball but sometimes I am not sure exactly which one I went over. As a righty I will sometimes just visualize shooting the 6 pin and depending on whether I am high or light, adjust my starting point left or right as needed. I might be the only one who does this but it helps me stay within a three board area much more consistently than actually watching the arrow the whole time.

[@rodneyholcombe202]

You said visualise. Told people for years I close my eyes and visualise. Keeps my thought on armswing and release. I tried spot bowling and it didn't work for me at all. Dots arrows and downlane.

[@jakeinlow1561]

I look at the arrows on the lane my ball starts to the right and then drifts to the right or left of the center pin I did 9 pin no tap gotten lot of strikes with it

[@tpz7618]

I look at the foul line as I approach, never down the lane, I have tried rolling the ball over the arrows and just cannot do it. I average 215 with my method.

[@ArtOfBowling]

I know a lot of players that do this. If it works keep doing it.

[@jacobn.3387]

I do the exact same.

[@paulwilcox1]

I also use dots at foul line

[@goldfox5179]

When I look I look at the arrows too

[@geog1388]

I use the arrows to get lined up.There are people who only look at the pins.

[@CharlesBiancoRealtor]

Hello! I live on the border of Nassau and Queens and I average, non-sanctioned, 205. I feel my approach and release is inconsistent. Can I reach out to you for coaching?

[@ArtOfBowling]

yes message me on facebook

[@CharlesBiancoRealtor]

@@ArtOfBowling great thank you! I'll look for art of bowling

[@ArtOfBowling]

@@CharlesBiancoRealtor I messaged you

[@CharlesBiancoRealtor]

@@ArtOfBowling I'm afraid I don't see the message, was it through messenger?

[@mytrellleshore9756]

i like to use the arrows for my target

[@bowl1820]

Note the four long lines down the lane are not "Rangefinders" they are called "Breakpoint Markers". The actual "Rangefinder" and the Rangefinder targeting system (was invented by Lowell Jackson back in the 1930's, Because of his poor eye sight.) consists of the just the Arrows and the Dots. The down lane breakpoint markers are a more modern innovation.

[@Ace-3.]

God bless everyone and have a good day..

[@willbertot82]

Arrows are where i start, but then target actual board when i find my strike

[@camdyngaming7340]

What are the dots called before the foul line

[@ArtOfBowling]

I call them foul line dots

[@careerprimejobs3524]

I am dropping ball before the fall line on regular basis. How can I over come that.

[@ArtOfBowling]

dropping your ball could be due to unloading (or unlocking) your wrist too early. A great drill for you is the no step drill to fix your release timing. Send in videos of your delivery and let's have a look

[@rogerredford6242]

I'm just learning to use the dots after years of being away from bowling. It works. I like your videos because they inform without trying to be comedians, a trend I find in too many sites. Bowling is perfect for Las Vegas where the weather is far from cooperatives for outdoor sports, unless, of course, you enjoy playing golf in 25-35 mph winds, 100+ temps, and zero humidity.

[@jayare7750]

I actually look at the other bowlers to make sure they didn’t see my gutter ball!

[@holidayhouse03]

Bowled off and on for 40 years... never knew there was range finding boards.

[@ap70621]

I believe only Brunswick made lanes have them.

[@FFFF-td2hl]

Everyone know there are marker on the lane and skip the park where to aim and stand. Nice!

[@mikeperry2774]

I use the arrows

[@elgenfranord1651]

I look at the arrows

[@Jbank727]

Does every lane have range finders? I don't see them in my house

[@ArtOfBowling]

no in brunswick houses

[@Insanity_Crow]

My house doesn't have dots or rangefinders. Arrows are my only choice.

[@shawnholts5119]

I look at the arrows on my strike shot and then I’m picking up spares I’ll look at the pins anyone else thanks

[@Atochabsh]

You're lucky if you have range finders. I had a horrible time transisioning from wood lanes to synthetic due to all the characteristics of wood and how I could target on dark spots etc..........

[@rudyebert4339]

I'm an arrow shooter, the dime size dots are to small for me.

[@EdwardTunilla-zn2ch]

Some of my teammates wonder how my bowling style even works.

[@meatysmc]

I just look at the pins lol

[@phillygreekfeet]

I should start aiming at the markings i guess LOL

[@aranzaynaiara8704]

I am from Venezuela, i would like your explanation, in addition to being theoretical, to be much more audio visual, so we can aplly tour theory once and for all.

[@EdwardTunilla-zn2ch]

I looked down at the foul line.

[@jeremyfranklin1510]

I need to use the targeting system more frequently and not rush it.

[@MyLameAnimations]

I target the foul line until my ball is over it. Then I move my eyes to the arrows.

[@peteredwards889]

I news the Aero's i news a Handle ball as I'm in are wheelchair i LOVE bolling

[@elr2141979]

You should be a gold coach

[@ArtOfBowling]

I am working on it

[@supersentallupinurmouf]

I use jack and coke to target

[@aydengianes2515]

I have been hitting the 10 almost every time know I can't even hit it anymore why?

[@ArtOfBowling]

I would have to see what you are doing

[@aydengianes2515]

@@ArtOfBowling I getting them like 2 months ago and now I can't

[@ArtOfBowling]

Is the ball missing left or right?