Bowling Ball Motion Made Simple

bowlingball.com, Originally Posted: 1/13/2013; Updated 2/14/2023

Let’s eliminate as much confusing scientific data as possible in grasping the concept of bowling ball motion. Once you get an idea of what is important to know about bowling ball motion, your task in selecting your next bowling ball will be less frustrating.

Here is a simplified version of bowling ball motion:

When a bowler delivers a ball, the bowler imparts four forces to the ball:

1. initial ball speed

2. initial rev rate

3. initial ball axis tilt

4. initial axis rotation

As a bowling ball travels down the lane, it passes through three phases and two transitions:

1. the skid phase (the first transition from skid to hook)

2. the hook phase (the second transition from hook to roll)

3. the roll phase

Once the ball reaches its’ entry angle at the second transition, the entry angle will remain the same until the ball hits the pins, a scientifically accurate description of bowling ball motion.

It has been proven that all drilled bowling balls are asymmetrical, whether they are symmetrical or asymmetrical before drilling.

Symmetric balls produce a smooth, controllable motion in the mid-lane.

Asymmetric balls produce a more defined and angular motion on the back end than do symmetric bowling balls. These balls can create more area at the break point and will respond to friction faster at the break point than symmetrical balls.

The Ball Motion Study, which was conducted by the Ball Motion Task Force. The Ball Motion Task Force consisted of the USBC Equipment and Specifications Department and the ball manufacturers.


According to the Ball Motion Study, ball motion is affected by:

1. coverstock - The study proved that the most important factor in determining ball motion is the ball’s coverstock. When searching for your next bowling ball, keep in mind that the type of coverstock which best matches the lane conditions where you bowl should be your first consideration.

2. mass distribution inside the bowling ball (known as ball dynamics) - the core design will determine if a ball is symmetric or asymmetric and will describe its hook and length potential ratings.

3. static weight balance - after selecting a new ball, your decision of which drilling layout you will use will also affect the ball motion.

Establishing a good working relationship with your pro shop professional will help you choose a bowling ball based on your game and to compliment your existing equipment arsenal.

Keep things as simple as possible. There is no need for you to become a scientist to understand bowling balls.

Because there are so many great choices in today’s bowling ball technology, it is vital to develop a simple and clear way of understanding ball motion.