Often, bowlers struggle to score in situations where they are up against “heavy oil,” but what does this designation actually mean? You may know the basics of bowling lane oil patterns and still not be exactly sure what qualifies as “heavy.” And as it turns out, when we break this phrase down we discover that […]
Long Layoff? No Problem! Returning to Bowling After a Break
If you’ve been on a bowling hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic that shut down alleys across the country, or for any other reason, it may seem like an intimidating proposition to return to the lanes after a long layoff. After such an extended break, there will be inevitable questions about your skills being rusty, […]
Is it Safe to Go Bowling Again during COVID-19?
The novel coronavirus pandemic largely shut down most of the world economy, forcing businesses of all types to shutter for months in order to help reduce the spread of the virus. But more recently, most states have begun a phased reopening process with the goal of getting people back to work safely. Bowling alleys were […]
Lane Conditions: Oil Pattern Length and The Rule of 31
We’ve talked some about oil and lane conditions on this blog, but so far the overall theme has been understanding where the oil is applied from left to right. For example, the main house pattern is forgiving because it has less oil outside near the gutter, so a shot missed wide can more easily hook […]
Bowling Approach and Release in Slow Motion: Jason Belmonte, Sean Rash, and More (Video)
When it comes to achieving a proper bowling armswing and release, written instructions can only take you so far: it usually takes seeing things with your own eyes to truly understand the relevant concepts and learn how to apply them to your own form. To that end, this article will present some video footage that […]
The 300 Club: Tips to Help You Bowl a Perfect Game
It seems simple enough. Just throw 12 strikes in a row and you’ll end up with a 300, or a perfect game. Nearly anyone who puts in effort to learn how to bowl will throw more than their fair share of strikes. So how long until they happen to string 12 together, even with the […]
How to Take Care of Bowling Equipment: Maintenance Tips for Balls and More
We have published several articles detailing the different bowling equipment that you might want to consider adding to your arsenal. But the work doesn’t end when you’ve selected your preferred makes and models: you need to make sure you know how to keep your equipment in good condition so it’ll continue to perform optimally just like […]
How to Get Ready for a Night at the Bowling Alley
Bowling is an incredibly popular activity: it’s enjoyed all around the world by more than 100 million people and can range from a competitive sport to a leisurely night out among family or friends. If you’re planning to hit the local bowling center for an evening of strikes, spares, and maybe a few gutterballs, there […]
Benefits of Buying Your Own Bowling Ball vs. Using Alley Balls
One of the benefits of bowling is that it’s relatively cheap to participate in. If you hunt around for deals you can expect to spend just a couple of bucks per game. Shoe rental will run another few dollars, and of course the alley provides bowling balls to use so you don’t have to spend […]
Where Is Bowling Ball Speed Measured, the Release or the Pins?
Ball speed is an important metric in bowling. It affects your hook, it determines the degree to which your ball reacts to the lane, and the mechanics involved play an important role in your release and direction. So you want to be aware of the speed that you’re throwing. Helpfully, most bowling alleys include your […]