Bowling terminology

Back end - the last third (approx.) of the lane furthest from the foul line, that lacks oil.

Ball Rack - The place where the balls are stored during the game, as well as the place where the balls return after the throw.

Bowler - a bowling player.

Bumper - barriers that are placed at the edges of the lane, keeping errant balls in play and out of the gutter, primarily for beginners or children.

Foul Line - a line that separates the approach from the lane and that is not allowed to step over.

Gutter - trough-shaped structures surrounding a lane to catch errant rolls. Can be fenced via bumpers.

Gutter capping - plastic cap, which divides lanes.

Hook - term "Hook" got several meanings:
- the second phase of a ball motion, when a ball changes direction dramatically and curves into the pins;
- a ball's parameter, responsible for its curving ability.

Lane - a surface down which the ball is rolled in bowling.

Length - term "Length" got several meanings:
- the distance between the foul line and the point at which a ball enters the hook phase;
- a ball's parameter, responsible for it's straight movement before it begins to hook.

Loft - term "Loft" got several meanings:
- a thrown ball's path through the air before contacting the lane surface;
- also, the distance traveled on such a throw.

Oil - the lubricating conditioner applied to the front two-thirds of the lane.

Oil Pattern - a quantitative pattern of distribution of oil on the lane, having a major effect on ball motion.

Pin - a wooden object used in bowling; set up in triangular groups of ten as the target.

Pocket - the ideal place for the ball to hit the pins in order to maximize a strike probability.
It's a spot between 1st and 3d pin for right-handed bowlers and 1st and 2nd pin for lefties.

RPM - an abbreviation for revolutions per minute.