Bowling is enjoyed as a sport by millions around the globe. While it’s played recreationally, it involves a high level of skill and precision.
A good reward for playing any sport is achieving a good score. This score in bowling reflects the performance of bowlers in their lanes.
We’ll take a look at what good bowling scores are depending on the level at which you play. We’ll also delve into what constitutes a good bowling score.
What Is a Good Bowling Score?
Wondering what a good bowling score looks like? This score is dependent on multiple factors.
These include your skill level, the type of game you’re playing, lane condition, and specific standards of a league or tournament. To make it easier for you, we’ve broken down a list of good bowling scores to help you understand better.
Casual Bowling
If you’re a beginner-level bowler who enjoys occasional games with friends, then a score between 100 and 150 is good. These scores are also good for bowlers who are new to the sport.
However, with the development of skills and experience, your scores are likely to improve.
Casual to League Bowling
As an intermediate bowler who participates in leagues regularly, a good score lies between 150 and 180. At this stage, you’re gaining consistency in your shots while understanding lane conditions.
League and Tournament Bowling
This category consists of advanced bowlers who are serious about the sport. Since these bowlers are highly skilled, they participate regularly in leagues and tournaments.
For them, a good score is anywhere between 180 and 220. These bowlers have refined skills and are consistent with hitting strikes and spares.
Professional Level
Professional bowlers are exceptionally skilled in the sport, so they achieve high scores consistently. A good score at the professional level should be above 220.
Good Bowling Scores for Beginners
As a beginner, you’re still learning the fundamentals of the game. So you’re unaware of the stance, approach, release, and targeting skills.
These skills take time and practice. Hence, at the beginner level, a score between 100 and 150 is called a good score.
Scores in this range are a sign that you understand the basics of the game and can make progress. This score also shows that you’re able to knock down a fair number of pins, convert some spares, and also have the potential of getting a few strikes.
If you continue to practice, there’s a promising chance for your scores to improve. Even if you’re not achieving the higher end of this range, don’t be discouraged. Bowling includes incremental progress. Remember to have fun no matter what your score is.
Good Bowling Scores by Age
Good bowling scores also tend to vary with age due to differences in physical ability, experience, and skill development.
Children
The scores vary widely for children between the ages of 6 and 12. Since they’re just learning the basics of bowling, they aren’t very skilled.
With the development of coordination and strength, scores between 50 and 100 are good scores for children. The aim at this age should be to enjoy the sport and become familiar with it.
Teenagers
Between the ages of 13 and 19, children tend to be active in bowling leagues, school teams, and casual play with friends. Good scores for this age group lie between 100 and 150 or even above it. With the refinement of skills, teenagers can score more.
Young Adults
Young adults have practiced bowling and have higher chances of getting a good score. Regular practice can help these young adults between 20 and 30 achieve a good score of up to 180 or even higher.
At this stage, bowlers are more proactive towards polishing their skills and participating in leagues and tournaments.
Adults
Adults between the age bracket of 30 and 50 have been bowling for a long time. Scores between 160 and 200 or higher are considered to be good scores for this age group.
Many adults continue to practice their bowling skills and are involved in bowling leagues.
Seniors
While skills play an important role in this age, physical factors may not allow certain bowlers to achieve very high scores. Hence, for this age group, a good score is anywhere between 140 and 180 or higher.
Experienced bowlers in this age have improved strategy and accuracy.
Average Bowling Score by Age
Since bowling scores vary with age, they are inconsistent throughout. For children, the average bowling score is between 70 and 100.
Keep in mind that children are still developing their motor skills; hence, they are unable to knock down all pins consistently. During the teenage years, physical abilities are slightly more developed.
Since teenagers are active in sports, they are more aware of the sport and are actively participating in school teams. The average score for teenagers is between 100 and 150.
Young adults have more refined skills and abilities, so their average score is higher. A score between 130 and 180 is an average score for young adults.
Young adults begin participating in more competitive environments, and that is why they are consistent in knocking pins. Adults could take part in bowling leagues and tournaments.
This gives them room to get an average score between 150 and 200. Seniors, due to their lack of physical ability, have a lower average score between 140 and 180.
Average Bowling Score for a Man
The average bowling score for a man depends on various factors. These include skill, frequency of playing, and the bowling environment.
The average bowling score for a man was between 130 and 150 in September 2021. This range also includes men who play the sport recreationally and have not gotten extensive training for it.
For men who are actively playing the sport, the average score can be higher. For those who continue to improve their skills and participate in leagues, the scores vary.
Average Bowling Score for a Woman
The average bowling score for a woman also varies depending on factors like skill and experience. Women who play bowling as a casual activity and without training have an average score between 120 and 140.
Women who are regular bowlers and, with practice, can have higher average scores between 160 and 180. These averages are different for all individuals and are influenced by multiple factors.
These include region, local bowling culture, level of competition, and commitment to the game.
Conclusion
In the world of bowling, achieving a high score is desirable and gratifying. If you’re a novice, then you can achieve good bowling scores with consistent efforts.
Getting good bowling scores is rewarding and reflects your capabilities, dedication, and skills in the game. With the refinement of techniques, you can enhance your performance by knocking down more pins with precision.
However, while trying to achieve a good bowling score, don’t forget to enjoy yourself. The more you enjoy the sport, the more you’ll be able to score in it.