Factors Affecting Your Bowling Ball Reaction

bowlingball.com, Originally Posted: 6/2/2014; Updated: 10/25/2022

There are several key factors affecting your bowling ball reaction.
Before selecting a new ball and deciding on a drilling layout, make sure you are familiar with these factors before making your final decision on a new bowling ball.
Here are factors which influence your ball reaction:
1. Your Rev Rate - how many revs per minute do you impart on your bowling ball.
2. Ball Speed - your ball reaction is definitely influenced by how fast you deliver the ball.
3. Bowling Ball Coverstock - the texture and material composition of the ball surface determines how much traction your ball will provide on given lane conditions.
4. Bowling Ball Core - the core design in your ball can affect your ball reaction by providing varying amounts of track flare.
5. Altering the Ball Surface - after drilling your ball, you can alter the surface texture and either extend or reduce the skid length of the ball in the front end and in the mid-lane.
When extending the skid by using a fine grit pad, your ball stores energy and tends to hook slightly more decisively in the mid lane. The opposite holds for gaining more friction when adding texture to the coverstock using lower grit pads. This is where your pro shop professional can help.
6. Drilling Layout - controlling the ball reaction also depends on the given layout you choose coupled with the ball design you select. Using various layouts can move weight toward or away from your Positive Axis Point and affect your ball reaction in the mid-lane and on the back end.
7. Your Delivery Style - yours style in delivering your ball affects ball motion. If you have a low axis tilt delivery, then your ball will produce a forward roll direction and tend to have a controlled amount of hook in the mid-lane.

If you have a high axis tilt, your ball will spin more in the front end and tend to skid more than a low axis tilt delivery. This style can produce a decisive back end reaction.
When getting to the decision phase in a ball selection process, make certain you consult your coach and/or your pro shop professional.
There are many manufacturers today providing top grade bowling balls that it is easy to become confused when choosing a new ball.
Visualize the type of ball reaction you want for the lane conditions you are targeting and then communicate that picture with your pro shop pro. The pro or your coach can compare your desired ball reaction to the existing reaction you get with your current equipment and help you arrive at a sensible conclusion.