How to Measure Your Bowling Ball Speed in Bowling

Bowling is a game of precision and skill, where the smallest details can significantly affect the outcome. One crucial aspect that can dramatically influence your performance is the speed at which you throw your bowling ball – your ball speed. Understanding how to measure your ball speed can give you an edge, allowing you to make necessary adjustments to your technique for improved results. So, let’s explore how you can calculate your bowling ball speed.

Step 1: Understanding Ball Speed

Ball speed in bowling refers to the velocity at which your bowling ball travels down the lane. It is typically measured in miles per hour (mph). The speed at which you deliver your throw can impact the ball’s hook potential and pin action.

Step 2: Using Built-In Technology

Most modern bowling centers have scoring systems equipped with technology that automatically measures ball speed. These systems calculate the time it takes for your ball to travel from the foul line to a certain point down the lane, allowing them to display the speed on the scoring monitors.

This built-in technology provides an easy and convenient way to measure your ball speed. However, it’s important to note that these measurements are not always 100% accurate and may vary slightly between different bowling centers.

Step 3: Manual Calculation

If your local bowling center does not have this feature or if you want to verify its accuracy, you can manually calculate your ball speed. Here’s how:

Firstly, you’ll need a stopwatch and a friend to assist you. The idea is to measure the time it takes for your ball to travel from the foul line to the head pin. The distance from the foul line to the head pin is 60 feet.

Once you release your ball, have your friend start the stopwatch. They should stop it as soon as the ball hits the pins. Let’s say, for instance, it took 2.5 seconds.

Step 4: Calculating the Ball Speed

Now that you have the time it took for your ball to travel 60 feet, you can calculate the speed. Speed is calculated by dividing the distance traveled by the time it took to travel that distance.

However, since bowling speed is typically measured in miles per hour, and our measurements are in feet and seconds, we’ll need to convert our units. There are 5280 feet in a mile and 3600 seconds in an hour. So, your calculation should look like this:

(60 feet / 2.5 seconds) x (1 mile / 5280 feet) x (3600 seconds / 1 hour) = approximately 16.36 mph.

This is your ball speed!

Final Thoughts

Understanding your ball speed is critical for improving your bowling game. It allows you to control your throws better, choose the right ball, and develop strategies that align with your bowling style. Keep in mind that there’s no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ speed – it’s all about what works best for you. Keep practicing, refining your technique, and most importantly, enjoy the game. Happy Bowling!