Category: Lane Conditions
Type: Tip
LANE OIL AND HIGH SCORES: ARE THEY RELATED
Q. I have been reading about the problems of high scores because of how the lanes are oiled. Why do the lanes have to be oiled why not just clean them?
A. The lanes have to be oiled to protect the surface. Bowling balls create friction on the lane because they are not just rolling but also spinning. Without lubrication (oil) you could not keep the ball on the lane it would hook into the gutter immediately. The surface of the lane would also burn up from the heat caused by the friction.
The problem with oiling that you are referring to is that in some cases the centers are using the oiling pattern to help the ball go to the pocket. Putting a lot of oil in the center of the lane and leaving the outside boards more lightly oiled can help to guide the ball to the pocket. The ABC is looking into various solutions to the problem. This next season they are going to introduce sport bowling. If your league votes for the sport bowling condition you will get a more difficult flat oil shot.
Submitted by: Bob Korth
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