Tournament oil patterns vary in oil distance and oil volume. Having the right ball in your hand with the ability to manipulate your release, launch angle, and ball speed will help you “match up” to what you’re up against on the lane.

If you have access to the lane sheet for the condition you are bowling on, check out “How to Read a Bowling Lane Sheet” to get a better understanding of what that sheet is telling you.

Also, take a look at “Next Level Lane Play: Understanding Rule of 31 and Ball Motion” to help make better decisions on ball choice and targeting while you are in the thinking box, not the playing box.

Launch angle and balance arm
The direction of the bowling ball, once it leaves your hand towards the break point, is the definition of bowling’s launch angle.

When you set up in your stance to play the lanes straighter, your shoulders need to be square to your target and your swing will also need to be in line with the target.

When you post your shot, your shoulders should be in the same position you started in when you set up on the approach.

A key component to achieving this while your feet are in motion on the approach is to have your balance arm (non-bowling arm) remain to your side. This will keep your shoulders closed when trying to play the lanes straighter.

When you are attempting to open the lane (throw the bowling ball out and have it hook back into the pocket) you need your shoulders to open up as well.

To increase your shoulder angle in your stance to match the launch angle you are trying to achieve you’ll need to open up your stance.

Throughout your approach keep your balance arm directly in front of you. This will help your shoulders remain open through the entirety of your approach while keeping your arm swing free and straight, allowing you to achieve your desired launch angle.