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How to Use Bowling Lane Arrows for Better Accuracy
You’ve been bowling for a while now and notice those triangle-shaped markings about 15 feet down the lane, but you’re still aiming directly at the pins 60 feet away. Meanwhile, you watch better bowlers seemingly ignore the pins completely, focusing intently on these closer targets with laser-like precision.
What they know that you don’t is one of bowling’s most fundamental secrets: targeting the arrows instead of the pins will dramatically improve your accuracy and consistency. It’s counterintuitive, but looking closer to hit something farther away actually works.
This guide will teach you everything about the arrow system – how it works, why it’s more effective than pin bowling, and how to use it to transform your targeting from guesswork into precision.
Master Bowling Accuracy: Using Lane Arrows to Target Like a Pro
Arrow Targeting Purpose: Focusing on targets 15 feet away (arrows) instead of 60 feet away (pins) dramatically improves accuracy and consistency.
By BowlersMart IQ Metro Detroit Head Instructor – Mike Calhoun
Decoding the Lane Arrow System
Those triangular markings aren’t just decorative – they’re a precisely engineered targeting system that every serious bowler needs to understand. Once you grasp how the arrow system works, you’ll wonder how you ever bowled without it.
The Seven Arrow Layout
Arrow Spacing
Seven arrows per lane, positioned exactly 15 feet from the foul line, spaced 5 boards apart for precise targeting reference.
Board Numbers
Each arrow corresponds to specific board numbers: 5, 10, 15, 20 (center), 25, 30, and 35 on the 39-board lane.
Reading Direction: Right-handed bowlers read arrows right to left (1st arrow = 5th board). Left-handed bowlers read left to right using the same system.
Arrow and Board Number Reference Guide
Understanding the relationship between arrows and board numbers is essential for precise targeting and making accurate adjustments during your game.
Right-Handed Bowler Reference (Right to Left)
1st Arrow: 5th Board – Far right arrow, used for extreme outside targeting
2nd Arrow: 10th Board – Common target for straight bowlers and spares
3rd Arrow: 15th Board – Popular target for medium hook shots
4th Arrow (Center): 20th Board – Most commonly used target for strikes
5th Arrow: 25th Board – Used for heavier oil conditions or big hook shots
6th Arrow: 30th Board – Deep inside targeting for heavy oil or strong balls
7th Arrow: 35th Board – Extreme inside position for specific conditions
Left-Handed Bowler Reference (Left to Right)
1st Arrow: 35th Board – Far left arrow, used for extreme outside targeting
2nd Arrow: 30th Board – Common target for straight bowlers and spares
3rd Arrow: 25th Board – Popular target for medium hook shots
4th Arrow (Center): 20th Board – Most commonly used target for strikes
5th Arrow: 15th Board – Used for heavier oil conditions or big hook shots
6th Arrow: 10th Board – Deep inside targeting for heavy oil or strong balls
7th Arrow: 5th Board – Extreme inside position for specific conditions
Targeting Between Arrows
Board-by-Board: You can target any of the 5 boards between arrows for fine-tuned adjustments.
Half-Arrow Targets: Many bowlers use the imaginary “half-arrow” between two arrows for precise positioning.
Small Adjustments: Moving one board at a time allows for minor corrections without major changes.
The Science Behind Arrow Targeting
Arrow targeting isn’t just a preference – it’s based on fundamental principles of human vision and accuracy that make it objectively superior to pin bowling for most shots.
Distance and Accuracy Relationship
Pin Targeting Problems
Pins are 60 feet away, making precise targeting difficult and increasing margin for error with small alignment mistakes.
Arrow Targeting Benefits
Arrows are only 15 feet away, providing a much closer, clearer target that’s easier to hit consistently.
Visual and Mental Advantages
Clearer Focus: Your eyes can maintain sharper focus on targets that are closer, improving accuracy.
Reduced Variables: Arrows don’t move or fall down like pins do, providing a consistent reference point.
Better Feedback: You can immediately see if you hit your arrow target, making adjustments more accurate.
💡 Pro Tip: Think of arrows like the sights on a rifle – they’re your precision targeting system that makes distant accuracy possible.
How to Start Using Arrow Targeting
Transitioning from pin bowling to arrow targeting takes practice, but the improvement in accuracy is immediate for most bowlers. Here’s how to make the switch effectively.
Step-by-Step Transition Process
Step 1: Find Your Starting Arrow: Most beginners should start with the 2nd arrow (10th board) for straight shots or 3rd arrow (15th board) for slight hook.
Step 2: Focus Only on the Arrow: Resist the urge to look at pins – keep your eyes locked on your chosen arrow throughout your approach.
Step 3: Track Your Results: Note where your ball crosses the arrows versus where it hits the pins to understand your ball’s path.
Step 4: Make Small Adjustments: Move one board at a time based on your pin carry and arrow accuracy.
Step 5: Practice Consistency: Focus on hitting the same arrow repeatedly before worrying about pin carry.
Common Starting Points by Style
Straight Bowlers
Start with 2nd arrow (10th board) and focus on rolling over it consistently for spare shooting.
Hook Bowlers
Begin with 3rd arrow (15th board) for medium hook or 4th arrow (20th board) for stronger hook shots.
Power Players
Consider 4th or 5th arrow (20th-25th board) to allow room for your ball to hook back to the pocket.
Combining Arrows with Approach Dots
The arrow system works best when combined with proper use of the approach dots. Together, they create a complete targeting system that covers your entire shot from start to finish.
The Complete Targeting System
Approach Dots: Use dots on the approach to ensure consistent starting position and footwork alignment.
Arrow Target: Focus on your chosen arrow during your approach and release for accurate ball direction.
Breakpoint: Advanced bowlers also track where their ball begins to hook, usually around the 35-45 foot mark.
Making Coordinated Adjustments
Parallel Adjustments
Move both your feet and target the same direction and distance to maintain the same ball path angle.
Angular Adjustments
Move your feet one direction and target the opposite direction to change your ball’s angle into the pins.
Avoid These Arrow Targeting Mistakes
Pitfalls That Prevent Accuracy Improvement
Looking at Pins
Problem: Glancing at pins during approach breaks focus and reduces accuracy.
Solution: Keep eyes locked on your arrow from setup through follow-through.
Inconsistent Target
Problem: Changing arrow targets frequently without giving each one a fair trial.
Solution: Stick with one arrow for several shots before making adjustments.
Ignoring Results
Problem: Not tracking where the ball actually crosses the arrows versus the intended target.
Solution: Pay attention to accuracy at the arrows, not just pin results.
Developing Your Arrow Targeting Skills
Like any bowling fundamental, arrow targeting requires deliberate practice to become automatic. Here’s how to build this skill systematically.
Practice Drills for Arrow Accuracy
Arrow-Only Drill: Practice hitting your target arrow without worrying about pin results – focus purely on arrow accuracy.
One-Arrow Session: Spend entire practice sessions using only one arrow to build consistency and confidence.
Progressive Targeting: Start with larger arrows, then work on hitting specific boards between arrows for precision.
Measuring Your Progress
Arrow Accuracy Rate: Track how often you hit your intended arrow target out of 10 shots.
Consistency Improvement: Monitor how your pin carry improves as arrow accuracy increases.
Confidence Growth: Notice increased confidence in your targeting as arrow skills develop.
Final Thoughts
Mastering arrow targeting is one of the most fundamental skills that separates casual bowlers from serious players. The arrows provide a precision targeting system that’s been tested by generations of successful bowlers. While it may feel unnatural at first to ignore the pins, the improvement in accuracy and consistency will convince you quickly.
Remember, this is a reference system to help you understand targeting fundamentals. Every bowler sees the lane differently and develops their own style. Use arrow targeting as your foundation, then adapt it to match your comfort level and natural approach. The goal is building a targeting system you can trust under any conditions.
Every great bowler has mastered the art of arrow targeting. It’s the foundation that makes everything else possible – spare shooting, strike consistency, and lane adjustment. Start with the arrows, trust the system, and watch your accuracy reach new levels.
AND AS ALWAYS BOWL GREAT – MIKE CALHOUN
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I use the dots and reference the arrows as a secondary target down lane.
I like to start out using the dots and switch to the arrows when the lanes start to dry out.
When using the dots, what dot do you aim at for strike? What dots do you aim for 7 and 10 pens? I know that you have to move so many boards as well.