How Do I Learn Bowling Etiquette For My League?

bowlingball.com, Originally Posted: 1/16/2015; Updated: 7/16/2022

If you are asking how do I learn bowling etiquette for my bowling league, there are a few courtesies you can observe to help you fit into the pace of the league play.

If you are getting ready for your first league or find that you are getting confused about what to do in your existing league, here are guidelines to follow which are easy and make good common sense:

1. When you get up to the ball return, have your bowling ball in hand while remaining behind the approach.

2. Do not step onto your approach until the other bowlers on adjacent lanes have stepped off their approaches and clear the way for you to bowl.

3. Change into bowling shoes before stepping onto the approach.

4. Be ready to bowl when it is your turn and avoid wandering around where teammates have to find you and remind you it is your turn to bowl.



5. Return off of the approach and back into the settee area once your ball impacts the pins. Allow other bowlers on adjacent lanes to ready themselves to bowl.

6. Avoid wasting time aiming - take aim, begin your walk to the line and deliver the ball.

If you follow these lane courtesies, everyone will enjoy the pace of bowling in your league.

If you have additional questions about bowling etiquette, contact your league officers or the control desk personnel at your bowling center for more information.