Study the 20 vocabulary terms below. Then continue to the activities.
- Alley
- Approach
- Backswing
- Ball
- Combo
- Foul
- Frame
- Gutter
- Hook
- Lane
- Lane oil
- Pin
- Release
- Score
- Spare
- Split
- Split conversion
- Strike
- Strike out
Noun (thing)
A term which can mean either a single bowling lane, or an entire bowling facility.
He spent his weekends at the local alley.
Noun (thing)
The area or method used by a bowler before releasing the ball.
Her approach was smooth and measured.
Noun (thing)
The motion of moving the ball backward before the delivery.
A controlled backswing can improve accuracy.
Noun (thing)
The heavy spherical object rolled down the lane.
The ball swung smoothly off his fingers.
Noun (thing)
A combination of pins knocked down together.
That strike was a perfect combo of pins.
Noun (thing)
A violation that occurs when a bowler oversteps the foul line.
He was warned for a foul on his delivery.
Noun (thing)
One complete round in a game of bowling.
A game usually consists of ten frames.
Noun (thing)
The side channel where the ball may fall if not aimed properly.
A stray shot ended up in the gutter.
Noun (thing)
A ball that curves as it travels down the lane.
A strong hook can help hit the pins at an angle.
Noun (thing)
The long, narrow surface on which the bowling ball is rolled.
He carefully aimed down the lane.
Noun (thing)
The substance applied to the lane that affects the ball’s movement.
Understanding lane oil is key to a good shot.
Noun (thing)
The target object that stands at the end of the lane and must be knocked down.
She lined up her shot to hit every pin.
Noun (thing)
The ideal area between pins for a strike.
Hitting the pocket increases the likelihood of a strike.
Noun (thing)
The point at which the bowler lets the ball go.
A perfect release sends the ball on the right path.
Noun (thing)
The numerical tally representing a bowler’s performance.
Improving your score takes practice and focus.
Noun (thing)
Knocking down all pins using both balls in a frame.
He managed to get a spare after a tricky first roll.
Noun (thing)
A difficult pin formation left after a first ball that challenges conversion.
Converting a split requires great skill.
Noun (thing)
The attempt to turn a split into a spare.
His split conversion saved him the game.
Noun (thing)
Achieving the knockdown of all pins with the first ball.
Landing a strike is every bowler’s dream.
Noun (thing)
To achieve several consecutive strikes in a game.
Striking out repeatedly is a sign of consistency.