You picked up your
bowling ball, made a shot, and it returned greasy and slippery from the ball return. That
happens because every bowling lane uses synthetic oil, also called lane
conditioner. And no, it’s not sunflower oil from your mom’s pancakes.
In
this article, we explain the basics of bowling oil patterns and how to read
them. You’ll also learn how technicians apply oil to lanes and how professional and house bowling oil patterns differ.
What Is a Bowling Oil Pattern?
A bowling oil pattern shows the exact way technicians apply oil to a lane.
Oil patterns can vary, creating different lane conditions each time.
Some alleys may even use different bowling oil patterns on each
lane. These variations make the game more challenging by changing conditions
on demand.
A standard bowling lane measures 60 feet, but technicians do not oil the entire surface. There is always a dry section where the bowling
ball hooks toward the pins.
Technicians oil most of the lane, applying heavier oil in the middle and lighter oil on the outside. This oil
distribution helps the bowling ball react and hook toward the pocket.
How Do Technicians Apply Oil to a Bowling Lane?
Back in the day, technicians applied oil to lanes with a spray and a broom to
create bowling oil patterns. The process was long and required skill from the
bowling technician.
Today, modern lane machines create oil
patterns much faster and more precisely.
Applying oil to a bowling
lane serves two purposes. It creates varied playing conditions and also
protects the lane surface during each shot.
Without proper oiling,
the lane surface would wear down quickly.
Bowling Oil Machines
Today, every bowling alley uses a bowling oil machine, also called a lane
machine. It cleans the lane and then applies oil to create bowling oil
patterns.
First, cleaner heads spray the lane surface. A mixture of
stripper chemical and water breaks down old oil and dirt. At the same time, a
cloth roll collects larger debris.
A vacuum then removes the fluid
and waste. During this process, the lane machine travels the full 60 feet of
the lane. After cleaning, it applies fresh oil in the programmed pattern.
Technicians no longer need sprays or brooms. Everything happens with the push of a
button. The alley technician programs the machine, choosing how much oil to
apply and where, depending on the desired bowling oil patterns.
What Oil Do Bowling Alleys Use on Lanes?
Manufacturers create bowling lane conditioners specifically for the sport of bowling.
These conditioners combine high-quality oils with additives for consistent
lane performance.
They come in different viscosities and surface
densities to create varied lane conditions depending on each alley’s needs.
Lane
conditioners must hold their structure when applied and also protect the lane,
pins, and bowling balls. They are also non-toxic and safe for human health, so
bowlers can enjoy their pizza without worry.
Bowling Oil Pattern Types
Bowling oil patterns can be classified in several ways. The most common method
is by their length. Bowlers usually group patterns as short (35 feet or less), medium (between 36-42 feet), or
long (43 feet or more).
The length of the oil pattern influences the timing of the
bowling ball's hook, with shorter patterns causing an earlier hook.
House Bowling Oil Patterns
Most bowling alleys use special lane patterns called house bowling oil
patterns. These patterns make scoring easier for casual bowlers.
A
house pattern guides the ball toward the pocket by placing more oil in the
middle and less on the sides. Rolling the ball in the middle keeps it
straighter for longer. Rolling it toward the outside allows it to curve back
to the middle.
In short, house bowling oil patterns give bowlers
more margin for error and help them hit the pocket more often.
Professional Bowling Oil patterns
Organizers design professional bowling oil patterns to be more challenging than house patterns. They make hitting the pocket consistently much harder.
On sport patterns, technicians spread the oil more evenly across the lane. Unlike house
bowling oil patterns, there is no built-in guide to help your ball. If you
miss your target, the ball can easily hook into the gutter.
How To Read Bowling Oil Patterns?
Knowing how to read bowling oil patterns is crucial for success. It helps you
understand how to play each lane.
There are thousands of different
bowling oil patterns. The Kegel library alone lists over 1,000 options.
Mastering them all is impossible, but building a solid foundation is essential
for effective gameplay.
Understanding Bowling Oil Sheet
Lane pattern sheets display bowling oil patterns. At first glance, they
may look complex and highly technical.
For beginner and
intermediate bowlers, two main components matter most. Look at “Oil Pattern
Distance” and “Volume Oil Total” listed at the top. These numbers help you
choose the right bowling ball and predict where it will hook at the
breakpoint.
Breakpoint and Exit Point
Every bowling oil pattern includes a breakpoint. The breakpoint is the spot
where the bowling ball reaches its widest point from the pocket before
changing direction toward the pins.
The breakpoint usually appears
a few feet past the exit point. The exit point is where the oil pattern
distance ends on the lane.
The Rule of 31
The rule of 31 is nothing new in bowling sport. Many professionals apply it at the highest levels.
How does
it work? Standing in the same spot will not work on every oil pattern length.
Instead, you must know which board your exit point should be on. That gives
you the best breakpoint for hitting the pocket.
To use the Rule of
31, subtract 31 from the oil pattern distance on the lane sheet. The result
shows the board where your ball should exit the oil.
For example,
if the pattern measures 42 feet, subtracting 31 gives 11. Your ball should
exit at the 11th board. While this rule works best for medium bowling oil
patterns, it also applies to short and long ones.
How to Read Bowling Lane Condition Changes?
As bowling oil patterns transition, bowlers must adjust to stay in the pocket and keep scoring. Adjustments may include changing stance, target, ball choice, speed, or loft.
Starting with a stronger ball on a fresh oil pattern creates a smoother hook spot. This gives valuable insight for later
adjustments in ball selection, release, or speed. Always monitor how your ball
reacts at the breakpoint and adjust when needed.
As lanes break
down, switch to a weaker ball with less surface or a polished finish. This
prevents early hook and helps the ball skid farther down the lane.
Final Thoughts on Bowling Oil Patterns
Understanding bowling oil patterns is crucial for improving your game. Reading
the lanes and knowing how oil patterns work leads to more success.
Whether
you are a seasoned pro or a beginner, these insights help you adjust to
different lane conditions. Use what you learn about bowling oil patterns to
build confidence, make smart choices, and knock down more pins.
FAQ
What Is the Purpose of Applying Oil to a Bowling Lane?
The application of oil serves a dual purpose—creating varied sport conditions and acting as a protective measure for the lane surface during the bowling ball's journey.
How Are Oil Patterns On Bowling Lanes Created In Modern Times?
Bowling alleys use bowling oil machines, also called lane machines, are used in modern bowling alleys. These machines efficiently clean the lane using a specific cleaner and then apply oil according to a programmed pattern, eliminating the need for sprays or brooms.
What Kind of Oil Do Bowling Lanes Use, and Why Is It Important?
Manufacturers craft bowling lane conditioners for the sport, combining high-quality oils with additives. These conditioners maintain structure, protect the lane, pins, and bowling balls, and remain non-toxic and safe for bowlers.
How Can Bowlers Read and Interpret Bowling Oil Patterns?
Bowlers can interpret oil patterns by studying pattern sheets that highlight key components such as oil pattern distance and total oil volume. Bowlers must recognize the breakpoint and exit point to place shots strategically.
What Is the Significance of the "Rule of 31" In Bowling?
Bowlers use the "Rule of 31" to determine the exit point based on oil pattern distance. By subtracting 31 from the pattern distance, bowlers can approximate the board where the ball should exit the oil, aiding in strategic shot placement.
