How Do I Read The Bowling Lanes?
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Originally Posted: 3/24/2015; Updated: 6/18/2022If you average 180 or less and want to improve, start by learning to line up properly to the pocket so you can make good adjustments as your competition moves along.
If you ask how do I read the bowling lanes, use a mildly reacting bowling ball for your first few practice shots.
Using a reliable bowling ball (one which you trust and are familiar with the ball reaction you normally get with the ball) make a few deliveries where past experiences tell you is the best way to line up to the pocket.
Each bowling center and each league where you bowl uses a given lane oil condition.
Once you recognize the ball reaction you typically will get on that lane condition using the mildly reacting bowling ball, you can quickly determine if you need to adjust your angle of attack or switch to either a less aggressive bowling ball or a stronger reacting ball.
Your mildly reacting ball can become your favorite ball if it does not over-react on most lane conditions you face.
In most cases, you will need to make an angle adjustment as your first adjustment to hit the pocket solidly once you are warmed up and bowling at full speed.
At some point a ball change may be needed once angle adjustments do not yield a consistent ball reaction, one which allows you to hit the pocket repeatedly.
Before you make a ball change, in many instances you will make intermediate angle adjustments and/or other fine tuning adjustments such as speed changes, loft distance changes, or slight release adjustments.
Getting lined up to the pocket initially when first beginning your competition is the priority.
Line up as you normally would assuming the lane conditions are close to past weeks in league play.
Use your favorite ball which gives you a reliable ball reaction.
If your lane reading ball does not react well enough to align to the pocket, then don’t force it to react.
No one can outbowl a poor ball reaction. Simply switch to a lesser or a more aggressive coverstock to gain the right skid distance and back end reaction you seek.
The objective is to find the right skid distance so you do not have to force your delivery beyond your range of effectiveness.
By changing bowling balls, you can generate either a greater skid length or a quicker reaction in the mid-lane, depending on the given coverstock selection of the ball you select to use.
Reading the lanes is essential to good pocket alignment. Making the right adjustments as the lanes change so you continue to hit the pocket is what allows you to produce good results.
It is amazing how your confidence is boosted when you are hitting the pocket easily and when your adjustments work as lane conditions change during competition.
If you want to read the lanes properly, start your sessions with a reliable ball which does not hook sharply, too soon, nor skid well beyond the breakpoint before hooking to the pocket.
Adjustments are made off of a sound alignment foundation and with using a reliable reacting ball.
