Bowling Alley Dimensions

By far the best measure of the soaring popularity of bowling is the fact that it is played by around 90 million people, across 90 nations in the world. The sport has come a long way since its first standardized rules were introduced in New York in 1895. One of the most important constituents of this set of standardized rules dealt with bowling alley dimensions. Though historical records suggest that the sport was played in various parts of the world since a long time, the introduction of the set of guidelines for dimensions of a bowling alley made the sport fair and more competitive.

About Bowling

In bowling, players attempt to score points by rolling a bowling ball down the lane, towards a set of bowling pins, with the intention of hitting the target, or at least getting as close to it as possible. Though there are several different forms of bowling, ten-pin bowling, wherein 10 pins are arranged in 1-2-3-4 formation, is the most popular. Other popular forms of bowling include five-pin bowling and candle-pin bowling. The sport is played on a straight, narrow surface referred to as the bowling lane or simply lane. One important thing to keep in mind is that the term 'bowling alley' is used to refer to the lanes wherein the bowling ball is rolled on to the pins, as well as the building which house these lanes.

Bowling Alley Dimensions

In any sport the basic knowledge of the playing area, especially the dimensions of the same, is helpful for the players. Similarly, in bowling being aware of bowling lane dimensions, and other important aspects, such as the lane arrows and approach dots, can be of great help for mastering the game.

Length: The bowling lane measures 60 ft, i.e. 18.29 m, from the foul line to the first pin. The person who bowls is expected to cover this distance, without crossing the foul line, and hit the target on the other side of the lane.

Width: Bowling alley width, according to the guidelines set by the International Bowling Federation, is 41.5 in, i.e. 1.05 m. The combined width of the lane plus gutters should not be less than 60 in or more than 60 1/4 in.

Lane Arrows: Lane arrows, also referred to as guide arrows, are meant to guide you when releasing the ball. This set of guide arrows is located at a distance of 15 feet, i.e. 4.57 m, from the foul line.

Approach Dots: Like the lane arrows, the lane is also marked with two sets of approach dots to guide you. The first set of dots is marked at a distance of 12 ft, i.e. 3.66 m, and the second set at 15 ft, i.e. 4.57 m, from the foul line.

Lane Approach: The approach is an area behind the foul line is required, 15 ft in length, where the player can take the start and move towards the bowling lane to release the ball.

Another important aspect about bowling alley you should know is the area wherein oil is applied to the lane to protect its surface. The oil is applied right from a point at a distance of 4 inches from the foul line to 38 ft down the lane.

You can also own a bowling alley at your home, but that is only if you are ready to shell out some extra money for this costly investment. Home bowling alleys are generally similar to the standard alleys, however, you can customize them as per your specifications to suit your taste.

Over the last few years, bowling has come a long way to become an important source of entertainment, from a competitive sport. If the trend continues, the time is not far when the world will be divided into two groups - those who know bowling and those who don't.