Average Bowling Ball Speed: What to Expect at Every Level
Learn the average bowling ball speed for beginners, recreational bowlers, league players, and professionals. Includes mph benchmarks and how to measure your own speed.
The average bowling ball speed for recreational bowlers is 14–17 mph at the pins. League bowlers typically throw 18–21 mph, and professional bowlers reach 20–22+ mph at the pins (22–24 mph release).
These speeds are measured at the pins — the ball loses about 2–3 mph from release to impact due to friction with the lane. You can measure your own speed with a stopwatch and our Bowling Ball Speed Calculator.
Average Bowling Ball Speed by Player Type
| Player Type | Speed at Pins (mph) | Release Speed (approx) |
|---|---|---|
| Beginner | 10–14 | 12–17 |
| Recreational | 14–17 | 16–20 |
| League bowler | 18–21 | 20–24 |
| Advanced / Semi-pro | 19–22 | 21–25 |
| Professional (PBA) | 20–22+ | 22–24+ |
Average Speed for Recreational Bowlers
Most people who bowl occasionally — open play, birthday parties, casual nights — throw between 14–17 mph at the pins. This range is:
- Comfortable for most bowlers to repeat
- Effective on typical house oil patterns
- Sufficient for good pin carry when combined with decent accuracy
If you average 12–14 mph, you are on the slower side but still within a normal range. Many bowlers in this range score well by focusing on accuracy and spare conversion.
Average Speed for League Bowlers
League bowlers who compete weekly typically throw 16–20 mph at the pins. A speed of 18–21 mph is common among bowlers who average 170–200.
At this level, speed and rev rate (ball rotation) work together. A bowler with moderate speed and high rev rate can achieve similar pin carry to someone with higher speed and lower rev rate.
Average Speed for Professional Bowlers
Professional bowlers on the PBA Tour typically throw 20–22+ mph at the pins. Their release speeds are often 22–24 mph or higher. These bowlers:
- Have strong, repeatable mechanics
- Use properly fitted equipment
- Adjust speed based on lane conditions
Why Do Speeds Vary?
Ball speed varies because of:
- Technique — A free, relaxed release generates more speed than muscling
- Ball weight — Heavier balls can slow some bowlers; lighter balls may allow more speed
- Approach speed — Faster footwork and slide contribute to ball speed
- Lane conditions — Some bowlers throw harder on heavy oil to maintain carry
How to Measure Your Average Speed
To find your average ball speed:
- Use a stopwatch to time several shots from foul line to pins
- Use the standard 60 ft lane distance
- Enter your times into our Bowling Ball Speed Calculator
- Average the results from 5–10 throws for a reliable number
See our guide on how to measure bowling ball speed for detailed steps.
Related Tools and Articles
- Bowling Ball Speed Calculator — measure your speed with a stopwatch
- What is a Good Bowling Ball Speed? — benchmarks and tips
- Bowling Ball Speed Chart — speed ranges by skill level
- Bowling Ball Weight Calculator — find the right ball weight