Expert: Warren Friedl, Pro Shop Owner/Operator, - 5/5/2009

Question
does a person throw a ball harder playing the outside part of the lane than the inside part of the lane in order to hold their propective angle of entry into the lane also do you need more speed on the ball to play outside than inside shots on lanes.

Answer
Paul,
Consistency is the key to scoring well from any angle.

Most Typical House Shots (THS) feature more friction out (less oil the closer you get to the gutter on each side of the lane).

If there is more friction a ball wants to start hooking quicker. So, some players throw harder if/when playing out. Unfortunately, the change in speed isn't necessarily consistent. But the friction helps steer the ball and no real penalty is realized.

Your question suggests that speed is an asset when playing out. I'd agree speed is an asset (consistent speed). But, easy lane conditions don't penalize a bad shot (inconsistent speed) if thrown into the drier part of the lane.

But if the easier (adult bumper bowling) lane conditions that you find in many of America's bowling centers didn't feature dry (drier) boards near the gutter, many bowlers would better understand the need for consistency.

Thanks for the question.