Bowling has captivated over 45 million enthusiasts across the United States, with prestigious national tournaments distributing substantial cash prizes. To enhance their likelihood of achieving strikes, bowlers typically rely on their instincts and extensive practice. A group of physicists has introduced a mathematical model aimed at improving predictions of bowling ball trajectories, as detailed in a recent study published in the journal AIP Advances. This innovative model incorporates variables such as the composition and application patterns of oil on bowling lanes, along with the inherent asymmetries of bowling balls and differences among players.
The research team comprises individuals with a strong passion for bowling. Three of the authors regularly participate in the sport, while the fourth, Curtis Hooper from Longborough University in the UK, serves as a coach for Team England at the European Youth Championships. Hooper has been exploring the physics of bowling for several years, conducting analyses including the 2017 Weber Cup and developing mathematical models for lane conditioners and oil patterns in bowling.
The intricate calculations involved in their research stem from the multitude of factors impacting a ball’s trajectory post-release. A key consideration is the thin layer of oil applied to bowling lanes, which Hooper has noted can vary significantly in volume and distribution across different bowling alleys. This variation, combined with inconsistencies in the application process, leads to an uneven friction surface affecting ball performance.
The researchers observe that previous studies have primarily depended on statistical analyses of empirical data, such as a 2018 report by the US Bowling Congress that analyzed data from 37 bowlers. (Hooper’s 2017 analysis of the Weber Cup also utilized ball-tracking data.) A 2009 study identified that the most effective point for the ball to contact the headpin is approximately 6 centimeters off-center, with an optimal entry angle of around 6 degrees. However, this method is limited in its ability to accommodate player variability. Notably, no bowler consistently achieves perfect accuracy, and according to Hooper and his colleagues, while elite professionals may be able to launch the ball within 0.1 degrees of the ideal angle, even this minute divergence can lead to significant differences in the ball’s position down the lane.
