The positive axis point, or PAP, is the initial axis of rotation of a bowling ball at the moment it begins to travel down the lane. PAP is different for each bowler because the axis point changes based on each bowler’s style of release. It is important for bowlers to calculate their PAP when having a bowling ball custom made, because knowing a bowler’s PAP allows the custom shop to drill holes or design the ball based on the bowler’s unique grip and release, thereby maximizing the efficiency of each throw.
Step 1
Locate the track in a bowling ball caused by your normal throwing style. The “track” or “track flare” is a marking on the ball that results from the contact between the ball and the lane when the ball rolls down the lane toward the pins. Roll a freshly sanded bowling ball down a lane and note the oil ring left on the surface of the ball by the oil on the lane.
Step 2
Trace the track along the surface of the ball with a crayon of a contrasting color. Mark the area of the track closest to your thumb and the finger holes.
Step 3
Place the ball in a spinner so that the track you marked is an equal distance from the rim of the spinner. A spinner is a machine that spins the bowling ball evenly to allow uniform cleaning, sanding or polishing across the entire surface of the ball. You can buy a spinner from major retailers of bowling supplies or ask to use the machine at your local bowling pro shop.
Step 4
Turn the ball by hand a few times to make sure that the track does not move as the ball spins. Adjust the position of the ball in the spinner if necessary.
Step 5
Turn on the spinner at its lowest speed and press the crayon lightly against the top of the ball as it spins. The center of the dot left by the crayon is your PAP.
Step 6
Measure the distance right or left and up or down from the midpoint between the finger holes and thumbhole to your PAP. These distances are the numerical values of your PAP. For example, if your PAP is 6 inches to the right and 1 inch down from the midpoint between the holes, record your PAP as “6 inches right and 1 inch down.”
Things You'll Need
- Freshly sanded bowling ball
- Crayon
- Measuring tape
- Spinner
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