Bowling on Dry Lanes (Click on the picture to enlarge)
If the lanes are dry, your ball will “dig in” more when it hooks. In other words, more of the sideways spin (revolutions) of the ball will be translated into hooking power.
A dry lane means more hook.
Right-handers - the ball will hook too far to the left.
Left-handers - the ball will hook too far to the right.
Adjustment:
Right-handers - move to the left in your stance and open your shoulders.
Left-handers - move to the right in your stance open your shoulders.
How far you should move depends upon how far your shots are off. A rule-of-thumb is to move over however many boards your shots are off.
Bowling on Oily Lanes (Click on the picture to enlarge)
If the lanes are oily, the ball will skid and slide more, and there will be little (if any) hook. This is because the ball cannot get the traction to hook.
An oily lane means little or no hook.
Right-handers - the ball will miss to the right.
Lefthanders - the ball will miss to the left.
Adjustment:
Right-handers - move to the right in your stance and close your shoulders.
Left-handers - move to the left in your stance and close your shoulders.
How far you should move depends upon how far your shots are off. A rule-of-thumb is to move over however many boards your shots are off.
Bowling on Medium Lanes (Click on the picture to enlarge)
If there is a medium amount of oil on the lane, no adjustment is necessary. Just play your regular game.
A medium lane means just the right amount of hook. No adjustments necessary.
Right-handers - the ball will hit exactly in the pocket (between the #1 and #3 pin).
Lefthanders - the ball will hit exactly in the pocket (between the #1 and #2 pin).
Adjustment: None
Always take full advantage of whatever bowling lane conditions are present. This means:
Play a straighter game when the lanes are oily.