Changing Lane Conditions

bowlingball.com, Originally Posted: 1/7/2012; Updated: 8/19/2023

Every Night You Experience Changing Lane Conditions, Here Is How To Adjust.
Bronze Tip We all know as the game progresses the lane conditions do not stay consistent and scores suffer. Adjusting to the continuously changing lane conditions is simpler than most bowlers believe. It is just a matter of comprehending simple angles and visualizing how the will roll to the pocket.
When you begin to notice your ball not hooking, move your body further to the right in your approach, lefty's move left, and adjust the angle of your body so your right shoulder is closed or aimed more toward the headpin. Most often, a move to the right and a closed shoulder position results in a straighter ball path on oily lanes.
in the case your ball is beginning to hook more than desired, move a little left and adjust the angle of your body so your right shoulder is open or aimed more toward the 10-pin. Doing this will produce a larger arc to the pocket.
When changing your position on the approach, remember to picture the shape of your ball's reworked arc to the pocket. Altering your mental picture of how the ball should roll is just as essential as is the actual change in your body's positioning.
Silver Tip Adjusting a bit to the right or the left is a simple adjustment to adapting to your changing lane conditions. However this is not always the correct reaction.
When you become more experienced with the understanding of lane adjustments the distance from the back to the front of the lane becomes a significant factor to think about when adjusting to the changing conditions.
In your efforts to make your ball hook into the pocket at the precise moment there are three main adjustments when handling distance adjustments.
The make up of your coverstock to your ball is one of the main things when considering on how to react. The rule of thumb for bowling balls is to use dull, sanded, or rough textured ball for oily lane conditions and when combating dry lanes utilize a polished ball. This is why so many now carry more than one ball so they can adjust to the changing lane conditions. You have to use the right tool for the job, in this case the ball.
If changing your ball does not produce the reaction you are looking for then begin to adjust your ball speed and or loft. When on heavy oil slow your speed and lay down your ball about six inches past the foul line. Doing this will allow the ball to be in contact with the lane for a longer period of time and then allow for the ball to have more reaction. If you are bowling on medium oiled lanes try rolling the ball at a normal speed while lofting the ball about 24" on to the lane. On dry lane conditions increase your ball speed and loft the ball about 32" past the foul line. This will cause your ball to be in contact with the lane for a reduced amount of time and results in less reaction from your bowling ball.
It is quite often that you hear bowlers complain about their ball not hooking enough or it is hooking too much. Actually, what is happening is that the ball is hooking too early or to late and making adjustments with the type of coverstock, speed and loft will allow you to control the distance to your correct breaking point getting you back in the pocket. This will bring your game to the next level and increase your scores.
Gold Tip At this point you should be well versed with right and left adjustments on the approach along with how to adjust coverstock, speed and loft variables to conquer changing lane conditions.
The last aspect of adjustments experienced by great bowlers concern themselves with is equipment knowledge and how to go about having a complete bowling arsenal. What is underneath the surface of your ball is just as vital as whether the surface is dull or polished. The inside composition of bowling balls is the difference between good bowling balls and great bowling balls.
The weight block in your ball makes a vast difference. The rule of thumb for weight blocks is a center heavy weight block helps the ball hook earlier while a cover heavy (surface heavy) weight block helps the ball get further down the lane before it begins to hook.
Adding the bowling ball's rolling dynamic to its cover ( polished means more skid, sanded means earlier roll); you have another variable that enters the equation.
Your responsibility is to fit all the pieces together. The best way to account for all circumstances and know what you need to do in certain situations is to practice and apply all of the above and you will see results and have a greater understanding of the game of bowling. Once you master the basic adjustments of angle, coverstock, weight blocks/cores, loft and speed enter those brackets and/or the high game pot to take home some extra cash.