A bowling ball stop assembly for a pinsetter of a bowling lane is provided. The bowling ball stop assembly can include a moveable blocking feature that moves between a plurality of positions. The plurality of positions include an extended position with the stop arranged in front of the pinsetter to block or obstruct bowling balls moving down the bowling lane, and a retracted position with the stop raised away from the bowling lane to allow passage of bowling balls and the play of bowling games thereon. The bowling ball stop assembly further includes a frame supporting the blocking feature and configured to guide or facilitate control of movement thereof between the extended and retracted positions. Other aspects also are described.