Bowling Ball Speed Definitions & Information

By: bowlingball.com, Originally Posted: 9/17/16; Updated: 1/28/2022

Not all bowlers are familiar with aspects of bowling ball speed.

If you are interested in knowing a bit more about ball speed in general, here are a few bowling ball speed definitions and information to clarify terms you may hear around the bowling centers and pro shop:

*Average ball speed - bowling ball average speed accounts for the instantaneous speed a bowling ball is delivered and the speed measured at impact with the pins. The average of these two speeds produces an average ball speed.

*Launch speed - this term is also referred to as initial speed and it is is measured at the moment a ball leaves the bowler’s hand.

As example, a bowling ball delivered at 21 mph initial speed and impacting the pocket at 17 mph slows about 4 mph over the distance of the lane. The average speed is about 18 mph.

*Instantaneous speed - the measured ball speed at any given point on the lane as the ball travels down the lane.

Other information and factors affecting speed measurements:

*The amount of oil lubricity on the lane surface directly affecting a bowling ball skid distance.

*The bowling ball coverstock texture.

*The rev-rate a ball is delivered by a given bowler.

*The number of boards of hook a given ball uses on a given lane condition.

*An average ball speed of 17 mph takes approximately 2.4 to 2.6 seconds to impact the pins measured from the time of delivery, + or - .15 seconds elapsed time.

*Recommended average ball speed - data provided by the USBC Ball Motion Studies and manufacturers’ testing conclude that the average speed between 15 and 17.5 mph is the best speed to gain the greatest degree of ball reaction consistency from modern bowling ball products.

As another example, an average ball speed of 16 mph will help most any bowler get very good pin carry and result in generating a reliable ball reaction.

The highest bowling ball speed at the time you deliver your ball of about 22 mph which will result in a very good average speed is not easily achievable by all bowlers. If you are unable to deliver your ball at an average speed of about 16 mph due to physical limitations, there are ways to compensate for a slow speed and still be effective. Your choice in bowling balls, the surface texture and factory finish, the drilling layout, and your release technique are factors which can compensate for a lesser ball speed and still produce an effective ball reaction.

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