How to Measure Axis Rotation in Bowling Ball?

So what is axis rotation in bowling? It is another important factor that many bowlers often overlook. Are axis tilt and axis rotation the same? Of course not! Don’t worry, if you don’t know much about axis rotation. There are so many bowlers who have been bowling for a while and still confuse axis rotation with axis tilt. Hence, today, I will solely focus on the axis rotation in bowling, why and how is it related to your bowling ball and its motion. It’s understandable if you have tons of questions on your mind. I am here to clarify things as much as I can. So why don’t you just stay tuned?

What is axis rotation in bowling?

When a bowling ball is in action, it revolves based on two planes. One is vertical, and the other one is, of course, horizontal. So which one indicates the Axis Rotation? Keep this short note in mind— Axis Rotation = Horizontal

Simply put, axis rotation is the side roll of a bowling ball. It is the horizontal measure of the angle of your bowling ball’s revolutions as it rolls down the lane. When you release your ball, you also apply some side rolls to the ball. Without knowing your axis rotation, you cannot know your axis tilt.

When your bowling ball has the maximum axis rotation, it means it has the most side rotation you can put on your bowling ball. The maximum axis rotation can get as close to 90º as possible. And what about medium axis rotation? Well, what’s the half of 90°? Yes, the 45º of rotation is basically the average side rotation of a bowling ball. Because less hook is sometimes a lot handy. This is why minimum axis rotation is used by bowlers to make the ball travel more end over end.

How to measure axis rotation bowling?

Based on how the ball is released, the axis rotation is determined. It is the release position of the fingers that dictates the amount of axis rotation. So how do you measure your axis rotation? Let me give you a detailed description.

Step 1

First, grab your bowling ball and throw it down the lane a few times. Make sure you throw it on the oiliest part of the lane. This will help you have an oil track all around your bowling ball.

Step 2

Now, grab a grease pencil and what you gotta do is trace that visible oil track all around your bowling ball’s surface. Naturally, the track will be a lot wider than a pencil mark. So you have to trace the track line that is the closest to the thumb and finger holes. After that, you will have your ball’s track for the initial rotation on the bowling lane.

Step 3

After tracing and marking the initial track (aka the rotation), place your bowling ball on a ball cup placed on a table. Make sure the track line is aligned horizontally with the table.

Step 4

Once the ball is placed on the cup, grab a flexible measuring tape (the one that is used by tailors). Using that tape, measure the distance from a side of the ball’s track and take the tape over the top of the ball and bring it to the other side of the ball’s track. Grab your pencil again and mark the middle point of the distance you just measured from the two sides of the track.

Step 5

Now, all you gotta do is rotate your bowling ball a little, a quarter-turn to be precise, while it is still on the cup. Keep the track horizontal while you do that. Now, repeat step 4 once again. And what to do next? Just mark the point where the two lines intersect using a piece of tape. You can also use your grease pencil and draw a bold round dot. What does this dot indicate? It is your bowling ball’s axis point of rotation.

Now based on this, you can easily know your bowling ball’s axis tilt. If the track circumference is 27 inches, your ball has a 0° tilt. The lower the length of the track gets, the more axis tilts it will have.  The semi-roller track will have some tilt, and the spinner track will have the most axis tilt.

How do you find the axis rotation of a bowling ball?

Besides following the abovementioned process, there’s another easy way you can have an idea about your axis rotation.

When you bowl, notice your finger motion carefully. Are your fingers making a 6:00 o’clock position when the ball gets out of the hand? This is when you know your axis rotation is 0° which is the minimum. With low to minimum axis rotation, you will have no opportunity to hook your ball. Doesn’t matter how much your ball speed is, what is your rev rate, or the kind of lane condition, your ball will roll straight without making any curved motion down the lane. Due to the least axis rotation, your ball is gonna give you immediate forward rolls, exactly like a vehicle wheel going straight in a north-to-south direction.

So what if your fingers make a 3:00 o’clock position? This will indicate that the rotation of your bowling hand is in a counter-clockwise direction. And what will the axis rotation be? Approximately, 90°. A bowling ball with this amount of axis rotation will have an amazing angle of hook while encountering friction. If you compare the motion with a car’s wheels, imagine the car going straight but the steering wheel is also turned. As a result, the tires are rolling angled to the left.

The 3:00 o’clock position is applicable for right-handed bowlers. For left-handed bowlers, the fingers will exit the bowling ball at a 9:00 o’clock position. This is because their bowling hand rotates in a clockwise direction. For them, the ball will roll straight like a car’s wheels but they will be directed to the right angle.

How to change axis rotation bowling?

So how to change axis rotation on command? Well, you need axis rotation to create that side spin for your ball. Based on how much side spin you have, you can know how strong your bowling ball is gonna come off of the friction. Some of you are having trouble with your ball spinning too hard while others are having a hard time spinning their balls. Either it’s spinning too much or it’s not providing any hook whatsoever. So here’s how you change axis rotation in bowling.

Grab your ball and insert your bowling fingers into drilled holes. Position your ball in a way that the thumb hole is at the top and your finger holes are at the bottom. Now, I would like you to imagine the clock and its number position. At the top of a clock, you see the number 12, so pretend the thumb hole is aligned with 12 o’clock. Your finger holes at 6 o’clock. On the right side the 3 o’clock, and on the left side the 9 o’clock.

So do you want to add more spin to your ball for a better hook? You have to increase your axis rotation. And to do that, you have to move your bowling hand horizontally toward the imaginary 9 o’clock position (which is basically a 90° rotation). If that’s too high, you can go in between which is a 10 or 11 o’clock angle, or in between to create a 45° angle. The more your axis rotation will be close to 90°, the higher your axis rotation will be. So what if you think your ball is creating too much angle when hooking? Just move your hand closer to the 10 or 11 o’clock angle. This should do the trick.

What is the best axis rotation in bowling?

The best angle for axis rotation in bowling is hard to specify. Each bowler is comfortable using some certain degree of angles. The highest you can go is 90° and the lowest is 0°. For most bowlers, the 45° axis rotation works best for creating tremendous hooks and flawless ball motion. However, based on the lane condition and number of pins, you need to adjust your axis rotation to create desired ball motion. When you need more hook, your axis rotation should be closer to 90°, and when you need your ball to go straight, bring the angle closer to 0° axis rotation.

Conclusion

That’s it for today, friends! I believe now you can understand what axis rotation in bowling is. I’ve included the information you need to acknowledge axis rotation in bowling better. Do you have any further questions? Why don’t you leave a comment? Don’t worry, I will get back to you shortly and assist you as much as I can. Hit me up if you also need further instructions to increase or decrease your axis rotation in bowling. I will be happy to help. Till then, keep on practicing. With observation and time, you will be able to understand the axis rotation of bowling even better. Good luck and see you later, my mates.