Lane oil patterns!
11.09.2009
Did you know that a 16lb bowling ball
can hit the lane with a force of over 2000lb per
square inch?
Just think of the amount of friction there would be
between the ball and the lane. That is the main
reason oil is placed on the lanes, to protect them
from all the wear and tear that would be caused.
This oil can be placed on the lanes in different
ways, which are known as "oiling patterns".
|
Flat Oil |
Flat oil is
simple, it is an equal amount of oil across the
entire width of the lane. |
|
Block |
A block pattern is very
simple. It is where there is more oil in the
middle of the lane, with less on the outside
boards. This can also be known as a "wall",
where a wall of friction is created on the
outside boards. For a hook bowler
this is usually a very
high scoring pattern. The hook bowler will place
their ball on the lane where there is oil,
angling it out to the edge boards where the
friction increases and allows the ball to "turn
over" and hook into the pins (hopefully into the
pocket). |
|
Reverse Block |
A reverse block is exactly
how it sounds, it is where there is more oil on
the outside boards and less in the middle part
of the lane. A reverse block is usually created
by straight bowlers playing down the middle of
the lane and "stripping" or "drying" out the
oil. It is a very hard condition to play on and
every hook bowler's nightmare. |
|
Christmas tree |
The Christmas Tree condition
is commonly thought to be one of the fairest
possible competition conditions. The oil starts
at each side of the lane and goes into a point
further down the lane, creating a triangle
resembling a Christmas tree. This condition
caters for all styles. It allows the big hook
bowler or cranker
to move deep into the middle of the lane and
swing the ball out to the edge of the lane where
there will be more friction. At the same time,
this condition allows a lesser hook bowler or
stroker
to play up the edge of the lane. |
Pro-Shop Corner
Tips That Will Help Increase Your Bowling Scores
Tip No.1 Learn surface management, here is an area that most bowlers neglect and will not take care of there bowling balls. 
Learn to use abralon and clean your ball properly.
Tip No.2 Maintaining a high performance bowling ball is to know what type of bowling ball you have. 
Different types of coverstocks (outer core of the ball) have different characteristics that you will need to consider when cleaning your bowling ball. To maintain the highest performance of your bowling ball, you should clean the ball after every 6 - 9 games you have bowled.
