How to Play Lanes in Bowling

The manner in which bowling lanes are oiled, how much or how little oil is applied and how the oil has broken down over the course of the games all have an effect on how a bowler should play the lanes. For bowlers who throw straight balls, this is not very crucial, as the shot will not change. However, bowlers that throw hooks must be ready to make adjustments.

Things You'll Need

  • Bowling ball
  • Bowling lanes
  • Towel
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Instructions

    • 1

      Throw your first ball as you normally would. Stand in the spot that you usually begin your game and throw at the mark that you like.

    • 2

      Evaluate the first few balls you throw without making any adjustments. Make sure that you are throwing a consistent and comfortable shot.

    • 3

      If your ball is coming in "light" of the pocket (the sweet spot between the head pin and the three pin for right-handed bowlers), the lanes are probably oilier than optimal for your shot. If the ball is carrying to or past the head pin, the lanes are dry and the ball is coming in "heavy."

    • 4

      Adjust to oily lanes in one of several ways. Move your stance to the right and aim at the same mark. This will require less hook out of your ball. You can also try to move back a bit in your stance to let the ball have more time to react on the lanes. Slowing down the speed with which your throw the ball will allow the ball more time to hook. Use a towel to wipe your ball each time before throwing, this will reduce the oil that is being carried on your ball. Finally, try to get more rotation on the ball by getting more lift out of your fingers at release. It may require a combination of these adjustments to find the optimal shot.

    • 5

      For dry lanes, move to the left with your stance and aim at the same mark. This allows your ball to travel out farther to the right before breaking back. Moving forward in your stance will cut the distance that the ball has to be on the lane and reduce how far it will hook (an inch or two can be significant). Speeding up your throw will also take some of the hook out of it.