You’ve probably spent time thinking about your release. Maybe your approach. Possibly your equipment. But here’s a question I ask every new coaching student, and most of them can’t answer it: exactly which boards are your feet on when you take your starting position?
Most recreational bowlers have no idea. They walk up to the same general area they always use, settle into a spot that feels familiar, and start their approach. The result is a consistent miss — always a little left, always a little right — with no systematic way to correct it. This fix adds 3 to 5 pins per game.
“The dots and arrows are your GPS. Learn to use them.”
Understanding the Lane’s Built-In GPS
The Dots (Foul Line)
The seven dots along the foul line are your foot placement guides. The center dot sits at board 20. The dots step out 5 boards on each side from there.
The Arrows (Rangefinders)
About 15 feet past the foul line you’ll find seven arrows. These are your aiming points — close enough to track accurately, unlike the pins at 60 feet. The second arrow from the right sits at the 10-board, the most common target for right-handed bowlers.
How to Find Your Correct Starting Position
- Choose your target arrow. For most right-handed straight bowlers, start with the second arrow from the right.
- Find your default starting position. Note which dot your slide foot is on or near. Write it down.
- Bowl three shots at your target arrow. Don’t think about the pins — only about rolling the ball over your arrow.
- Evaluate. If the ball crosses left of your arrow, move your feet 2 boards left. If right, move right.
- Bowl three more shots from the new position. Repeat until the ball consistently crosses your arrow.
- Write it down. Slide foot on board ___. Starting foot on board ___. This is your starting position.
Practice Drill: The Board-By-Board Adjustment
The Board-By-Board Adjustment Drill
Round 1 — Baseline: Bowl 3 shots from your established starting position. Note where the ball crosses the arrows and where it ends up at the pins.
Round 2 — Move 1 board right: Bowl 3 shots from 1 board right of your baseline. Same target arrow. Note the difference.
Round 3 — Move 1 board left: Return to baseline, then move 1 board left. Bowl 3 shots. Note the difference.
You’ll see that a 1-board adjustment at your feet produces roughly a 3-board difference at the pins. This ratio is the foundation of lane adjustment.
The Rule: Move Your Feet, Not Your Target
When you miss your target, you adjust your feet — not your eyes. Your target arrow stays the same. Your starting position shifts to bring the ball back online. Miss right of your arrow? Move your feet right. Miss left? Move left. This is why knowing your starting position in boards is so valuable — you can’t make systematic adjustments from an undefined starting point.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which arrow should I target if I throw a hook?
Hook bowlers typically play deeper — targeting the 3rd or 4th arrow depending on the oil pattern. The principle is identical: find the starting position that puts your swing path over your target arrow, and adjust your feet when you miss.
How often should I re-evaluate my starting position?
Your baseline starting position shouldn’t change much once you’ve found it. Revisit it if you change your approach style, switch to a significantly different ball, or take an extended break from bowling.
Next Up in the Series
Continue the series:
Fix #1 — Stop Rushing Your Approach
Fix #3 — Stop Death-Gripping the Ball
Fix #4 — Pick a Specific Target on the Lane
Fix #5 — Develop a Pre-Shot Routine
Ready to take your game further?
A single video review session with Mr. Wendell identifies your exact boards and builds a personalized adjustment system for your game.
→ Learn About Coaching | YouTube: @wkillette
Leave a Reply