Expert: Chip Aki - 4/3/2006

Question
On a mixed league we have a 200+ avg bowler that instead of rolling the ball, will lob the ball past the arrows. He uses a 14lb ball and throws extremly hard. The bowling alley dosnt like it because of possible damage to the lanes. Is there a rule on this because whats to stop anyone from throwing a 8lb ball all the way down the lane. This has been a heated debate between alot of us bowlers. The arrows are a good 12 to 15ft down the lane

Answer
There is not a rule concerning ball loft.  We have synthetics here, but do not allow lofting the ball.  We have had bowlers that have done this in the past, but in order for them to continue to bowl here, they were required to attend bowling classes to learn proper technique.
It would be up to the proprietor to set rules for lofting.
It irritates me to no end when people loft the ball, and on wood lanes, it can do sever damage.

Good luck,
Chip