Bowling ball technology has evolved greatly since the 1960s, giving bowlers more accuracy than ever on all kinds of lane conditions. One key component in this evolution has been advances in the drilling of bowling ball finger holes. More than ever, bowling ball drilling technicians at pro shops are paying heed to the physics of the bowling ball and how hole configuration maximizes a ball’s striking potential.
History
Bowling made its first technological leap in the 1960s with the advent of plastic bowling balls. The hard cover stocks of these balls make them extremely durable and good for bowling straight down the lane. Little attention was paid to how these balls were drilled because of their simple cores. Cover stock technology advanced between the 1970s and 1990s as urethane and resin covers were created to increase a ball’s hooking potential. Along with these advances, cores took on complex shapes that weighted balls differently.
Effects
The type of cover stock on a ball and the core composition greatly changes how the finger holes need to be drilled. All bowling balls have a slightly off center of gravity due to how the ball is cast in its mold. Some balls emphasize this aspect to increase the number of revolutions the ball can take down the lane. Resin and urethane cover stock materials also increase the spin of a ball. Drilling holes in the ball removes weight from that area of the ball, thus increasing or counterbalancing the ball’s weight distribution.
Considerations
Before drilling a bowling ball, you must consider a number of factors, including the center of gravity, the positive axis point and your bowling style. The positive axis point is the horizontal line the ball rotates around down the lane. The closer the positive axis point is to zero, in relation to the foul line when the ball is released, the greater the forward motion will be. Where the holes are drilled should take this into account, as the hole placement emphasizes a straight or hook bowling style.
Size
Finger span is typically measured using a special tool or an adjustable ball. You place your thumb in the thumb hole and then lay your middle and ring fingers on the measuring device to determine your span. Once the measurement is taken, the center of the hole is determined by whether or not you will be inserting your fingers to the traditional depth of the second knuckle or to somewhere closer to the fingertips.
Technique and Training
Pro shops typically use a standing drill press setup specifically designed for bowling balls. This setup allows the ball to be completely stabilized while drilling and to accurately change the pitch of the holes in the ball. It is possible to drill your own bowling balls at home, but most bowling ball companies advise obtaining professional assistance. These professionals are trained by companies such as Kegel and Powerhouse, and are best suited to custom-fit a ball.
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