Kickback Meaning in Bowling

The kickback is the side wall in the pit area where the pins often bounce after being hit. These walls are designed to help the pins stay in motion so they have a better chance of knocking down other standing pins. A strong hit that sends pins into the kickback often results in a “messenger” strike. Therefore the material and condition of the kickback can actually affect how many strikes a bowler gets. For example the pin bounced off the kickback and flew across the lane to finish the strike. A kickback is the vertical side wall that helps deflect pins back onto the lane surface. The pin bounced off the kickback and flew across the lane to finish the strike.