Bowling Ball Track Flare Video

A modern bowling ball can be drilled in such a way that the internal weight block is in a position of instability and causes the axis of rotation to migrate, to "flare", across the ball on it's way down the lane. You can read more about oil tracks, or watch the flare as it happens.

This video clip will take a few minutes to load: when it does you'll see the ball skid through the heads, flare up onto a second axis then roll into the pins on another axis. Compare this video to the "soccer-ball" clip, which shows a single axis (no track flare) or watch the release which creates this high flaring ball. There are links to other video clips at the bottom of this page.

What to look for...

When you understand what's going on you can make much more sense of what might, at first, appear to be a confused blur. Try to look only at the white dots placed on the ball, play the video in slow-motion until you can see the pattern...

1. In the first second, just after release and as as the ball skids through the heads, you'll see a steady piece of tape: the ball is rotating around the bowlers initial axis (the PAP, Positive Axis point)
2. After this, the axis will start to move, migrate, from the PAP towards the grip line and you'll see the second Axis settle down (if only briefly)
3. Finally, the ball will move off that axis immediately prior to rolling into the pocket for a perfect strike. Notice, at this point, that the ball has flared so much it is almost rolling over it's initial axis (first tape).

View videos of the Spares left when the ball doesn't strike, various Releases, the Approach or click on these pictures to see other Ball Motion videos.

If you need help seeing the video or want more information see my Bowling Video FAQ/Tips page which includes information on how to save these clips to your own PC.

Thanks to Ryan Press for making this clip possible.

Contact Information