What is considered an average bowler?
An average league bowler should aim for a bowling average of around 160-170 per game.
On a typical house shot, a bowler averaging in the range of 150 can be considered “good” in that they have dedicated some time to honing their skills and consistency. A bowler averaging about 160-180 is better in that they likely have invested time in spare shooting and adjusting to lane conditions.
While a perfect bowling game is 300, most bowlers don't actually expect to have an average of 300. In fact, that's quite impossible. However, having a 200+ bowling average is highly admired and aspired to.
A typical beginner score at first is around 50-70 and a good leisure bowler's average is normally in the 130s-150s. A good bowler usually gets around 200 in a single game. A winner in a professional bowling game/tournament usually gets between 260 and 280.
Generally, you should have a regular average of 200 or better. Each tournament has different rules, which can include a minimum score average over a minimum number of games. You'll research each competition individually, but reaching a 200 average is a good goal to strive for as you practice.
Those who are brand new or aren't focused on the game tend to score below 100. As such, for those who are new to the game, a score of 150 points is great. For players who participate in bowling leagues and play professionally, 150 is not a great score. Most professional bowlers tend to score points at 175 and above.
| Handicap Percent | 90% | |
|---|---|---|
| Player | Average | Score 3 |
| Beginner Player | 100 | 120 |
| Medium Player | 150 | 170 |
| Expert Player | 220 | 240 |
On average, It will take 3-4 games to learn the basics of bowling and score around 150 but to master bowling and to get an average of 200+, one can take 50-60 games with a coach. It can even take more than 100 games to master consistency in bowling without a coach.
The facts are that the ideal bowling ball speed is about 17 miles per hour (mph) measured at impact with the pins and about 21 mph when the ball is released onto the lane, plus or minus one mph tolerance.
In bowling games that use 10 pins, such as ten-pin bowling, candlepin bowling, and duckpin bowling, the highest possible score is 300, achieved by bowling 12 strikes in a row in a traditional single game: one strike in each of the first nine frames, and three more in the tenth frame.
How can I increase my bowling average?
- Prepare Your Equipment. It's a tall order for any bowling ball to perform at its best if it isn't properly maintained. ...
- Know the Playing Field. If the lane pattern is released prior to play, you will have access to the lane graph. ...
- Make Practice Count. ...
- Make Your Spares. ...
- Strike More.
Most pro bowlers use 16-pound balls, although more than you think use 15-pounders. Another method is to add one or two pounds to the weight of the house ball you normally use. A heavier ball drilled specifically to your hand will seem to weigh about the same as a house ball two pounds lighter.
Bowling between 190-220 is considered the good range and anything above 220+ averages are excellent. So, for a beginner, you should aim to bowl between 130-150. This score is considered really good for a beginner because of the lack of practice and experience within the sport.
| Rank | Name | Average |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jason Belmonte | 225.31 |
| 2 | Anthony Simonsen | 222.17 |
| 3 | EJ Tackett | 221.56 |
| 4 | Jesper Svensson | 221.46 |
For a league bowler, if you get 175 points in a game, that's a good bowling average score. If you are a beginner playing a 175 point game, that's an amazing bowling score average. A recreational bowler who plays the game a few times a year getting 70 to 100 points has a good bowling average.