Bowling terms with the measurements behind them: lane length, approach, thumb hole, delivery, ball speed, ball weight, coverstock and oil pattern.
This glossary pairs each term with the physical element it describes, which makes it the more useful reference for someone specifying equipment rather than watching a match. Lane and approach Lane: the playing surface, usually about 18.3 m long, built from wood or synthetic material. Approach: the smooth area in front of the foul line where the player starts and releases the ball. Pin deck: the area at the far end where the ten pins are set in a triangle. Oil pattern: the oil applied to the lane, which changes how much the ball slides and how much it curves. Ball and delivery Thumb hole: the hole in the ball for the thumb. Delivery: the act of releasing the ball. Ball speed: the speed of the ball at release. Hook: the curve the ball takes as it travels, produced by rotation. Coverstock: the outer material of the ball, which affects friction and how much the ball hooks. Grip: how the player holds the ball, including finger position and pressure. Ball weight: the mass of the ball, commonly between 10 and 16 lb. Because these terms describe physical properties, they are the ones to use when comparing equipment between suppliers: lane length, ball weight, coverstock and oil pattern all change how a lane plays. The facilities side of these specifications is set out in bowling facilities and equipment. Scoring vocabulary is in bowling terminology.