Bowling alleys typically feature lanes, which are the long, narrow strips of wood or synthetic material that the bowling ball rolls along. The lanes are usually divided into 10 sections, each with a set of pins at the end. Other features of a bowling alley include a ball return system, which brings the ball back to the bowler after it has been thrown, and bumpers, which are raised pieces of material that line the sides of the lane and prevent the ball from going into the gutter.