A group of friends holding bowling balls, illustrating the concept of average bowling score

Average Bowling Score by Age and What’s a Good Score by Group

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Bowling is great fun! You can play with friends, family, or on your own, regardless of your skill level.

But how do you measure your performance? How do your scores compare to others in your age group?

I’ll help you understand what a good bowling score looks like for different age groups.

Age Group Score Range
Kids Under 10 20-70
Pre-Teens 70-120
Teens 120-190
Young Adults 170-220 (20-30)
Mature Adults 120-150

Kids Under 10


  • Scores Range: 20-70
  • Tips: Use bumpers and light balls

For young kids under 10, bowling is all about having fun and getting a feel for the game.

Lighter balls and bumpers, which prevent the ball from going into the gutters, help keep the game enjoyable.

Scores can vary widely as kids are just starting to develop their coordination and strength.

Pre-Teens

  • Scores Range: 70-120
  • Focus: Learning to score spares

As kids hit the pre-teen years, their average scores start to climb.

This age is perfect for focusing on technique, especially learning how to consistently score spares.

It’s an exciting time as they start to see their scores improve with practice.

Teens

A close-up of bowling pins set up at the end of a lane
It’s a great age to start taking the game a bit more seriously if they’re interested

  • Scores Range: 120-190
  • Key: Regular practice

Teenagers, with their increasing strength and refining skills, can achieve impressive scores.

Regular visits to the bowling alley and a focus on technique can help them score in the high 100s.

Young Adults

  • Ages 20-30: Scores between 170-220
  • Ages 31-50: Expect 200-250

In their 20s and 30s, bowlers hit their physical peak. Those who keep refining their skills and strategies can see their scores soar.

It’s also the age group where many bowlers achieve their lifetime best scores.

Mature Adults

 

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Ages 50+: Casual bowlers average 120-150, while regulars can maintain around 200

As bowlers enter their 50s and beyond, scores might dip a bit for casual players.

However, those who stay active in the sport and maintain their physical fitness can still post impressive numbers.

How Age Affects Bowling Performance

Bowling is one of the few sports where players of all ages can enjoy and excel. However, physical and developmental factors at each stage of life can influence performance:

Age Group Key Physical Factors Impact on Game
Kids (Under 10) Developing coordination, small muscle strength Light balls and bumpers help them learn the game enjoyably
Pre-teens to Teens Growth spurts, improving coordination, growing power Scores increase quickly with regular practice
Young Adults (20–30) Peak physical strength and reflexes Often the highest-scoring group due to power and control
Adults (31–50) Slight dip in reflex speed, but better technique Can still reach or maintain pro-level scores with practice
Older Adults (50+) Possible reduction in strength, flexibility, stamina Experience and smart play can still lead to great scores

Key takeaway: Age matters, but consistent practice, good technique, and staying active are more important for improving your score.

What’s a Good Score?

A bowling ball rolling down the lane toward the pins, illustrating the concept of a good bowling score
Experienced bowlers often score between 200 and 250, indicating professional-level play

Understanding what makes a good score depends on several factors, including age, experience, and how often you play.

Here’s a quick rundown:

  • Ages 10 to 15: A good score ranges from 90 to 150, improving as kids grow and gain more experience.
  • Ages 15 to 30: Bowlers should aim for scores between 170 and 220. Older individuals in this group might achieve higher scores thanks to increased skills.
  • Ages 30 to 45: Scores of 200 to 250 or more are common among experienced bowlers, reflecting a professional level of play.
  • Ages Above 45: While scores can vary, a general expectation is 120-150. However, those who practice regularly and stay fit can achieve much higher.

Skill Levels by Score

Here’s a breakdown of bowling skill levels based on average scores:

Skill Level Score Range Description
Beginner 50 – 100 Just starting out. Learning how to aim and release the ball. Occasional spares/strikes.
Intermediate 100 – 170 More consistent. Able to pick up spares and hit strikes occasionally. Building confidence and control.
Advanced 170 – 220 Strong technique and good game strategy. Consistent scoring, with regular spares and strikes.
Pro-Level 220 – 300 Competitive or league-level bowlers. Precision, consistency, and advanced ball control. Can handle lane variations.

Tie-in with Age Groups

  • Kids & Pre-teens: Typically in the beginner range, aiming to reach intermediate with practice.
  • Teens: Progressing toward intermediate and sometimes advanced.
  • Young Adults (20–30): Often in the advanced range, especially with regular play.
  • Adults (30+): Range varies depending on experience. Casual players may stay intermediate, while league players often reach pro levels.

How Can You Improve Your Bowling Score?


Regardless of your age, improving your bowling score is all about practice, technique, and sometimes, a bit of strategy. Here are a few tips:

  • Practice Regularly: The more you bowl, the better you’ll get. Try to play at least once a week.
  • Focus on Technique: Work on your stance, approach, and release. Consistency is key.
  • Learn About Bowling Balls: Different balls suit different styles and lane conditions. Experiment to find what works best for you.
  • Join a League: Bowling in a league can push you to improve and learn from more experienced players.

Bowling Milestones to Aim For

Whether you’re 8 or 80, celebrating your progress with personal milestones makes the game even more fun. Here are common achievements to strive for:

Milestone What It Means
First 100-point game Big step for beginners. Shows basic control and scoring ability.
First Spare Learning to pick up difficult pin combinations.
First Strike A satisfying moment – a clean, strong delivery.
Breaking 150 Consistently Indicates a solid intermediate player.
First 200+ Game Major milestone. Shows consistent spares/strikes and control.
Series of 500+ (3 Games) For more serious bowlers, a great goal to measure consistency.

Tip: Keep a personal score journal or use a bowling score tracking app to mark these milestones.

Bottom Line

@pajakdaria Yaaaaaaas! What’s your high score? #bowling #perfectscore #athlete #sport #GoSpring ♬ Unstoppable (I put my armor on, show you how strong I am) – Sia


A good bowling score varies by age and experience, but tracking your progress is key.

Kids under 10 should aim for 50–70, while pre-teens can work toward breaking 100. Teenagers often reach 130–170 with regular play, and young adults typically score between 170 and 220.

Adults in their 30s and 40s can maintain scores around 180–230 if they play consistently. For older adults, 130–150 is a solid range, though regular bowlers can still achieve 180 or more.

Set specific goals, monitor your scores over time, and focus on steady improvement through practice and technique.

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