The seven arrows embedded in a bowling lane approximately 15 feet past the foul line are officially called "rangefinder arrows" or "targeting arrows." They serve one primary purpose: to give bowlers a close, clearly visible aiming point that's far easier to target accurately than the pins 60 feet away. Learning to use the arrows — rather than staring at the pins — is one of the most impactful technique shifts a developing bowler can make.
Where the Arrows Are
The seven arrows form an inverted chevron (pointing toward the pins) at approximately 15 feet past the foul line. They sit on the following boards (for a right-handed frame of reference, counting from the right gutter):
| Arrow | Board | Common name |
|---|---|---|
| 1st (rightmost) | 5 | "First arrow" or "right arrow" |
| 2nd | 10 | "Second arrow" — the most commonly used |
| 3rd | 15 | "Third arrow" |
| 4th (center) | 20 | "Middle arrow" |
| 5th | 25 | Mirror of 3rd arrow |
| 6th | 30 | Mirror of 2nd arrow (left-handed target) |
| 7th (leftmost) | 35 | Mirror of 1st arrow |
The Second Arrow: Your Default Target
For most right-handed bowlers, the second arrow (board 10) is the primary strike target. If your ball crosses board 10 at the arrows and enters the pocket between boards 17 and 18 at the pins, your strike line is correctly calibrated. This is the starting reference point for nearly all right-handed targeting systems.
Left-handed bowlers use the mirror equivalent — the 6th arrow (board 30) — as their default strike target, with the pocket entry on the left side of the head pin.
How to Use the Arrows
Step 1: Pick your target arrow. Start with the second arrow. Fix your eyes on it as you approach — not on the pins.
Step 2: Deliver the ball over your target. Your entire focus during the approach and release should be on hitting that arrow. The ball should roll directly over (or very near) the arrow you've chosen.
Step 3: Read the result. Watch where the ball crossed the arrow, and where it hit the pins. This gives you two data points for adjustment.
Step 4: Adjust. If the ball crossed your target arrow but hit high (too far left into the pocket), move your feet slightly to the right. The ball path will shift right at the pins while still crossing near the same arrow. This is the core of arrow-based lane adjustment.
Arrow Targeting for Spare Shooting
Arrows are especially powerful for spare shooting. The "3-6-9 spare system" and similar formulas tell you exactly which arrow to target and from which position to convert common spare leaves. For example: a 10-pin spare (right corner pin) for a right-handed bowler is typically shot by moving far left and targeting the first arrow — a straight line from that position through board 5 runs to the 10-pin without hook. The arrow gives you the targeting reference; your position adjusts the angle.
The Dots That Support the Arrows
Seven dots are also embedded in the lane approximately 7 feet past the foul line, on the same boards as the arrows. These dots let you visualize your intended ball path as a line: from your release point through the dot, through the arrow, toward the pocket. Drawing this mental line before each delivery helps establish consistent targeting geometry.