Many people around the world enjoy the sport of bowling. Why? It has many different forms of styles and techniques, which makes it enjoyable as well as competitive. Now on to our topic. There are two main approaches to bowling – high-track bowling and low-track bowling.
The main difference between low-track and high-track bowling is the axis tilt. High-track bowlers have a low axis tilt, while low-track bowlers sport a high axis tilt.
Basically, Both styles define the bowler’s approach to the game. As a result, they can also influence a player’s overall performance and success on the lanes.
So, let’s check it out further.
What is High-Track Bowling?
Identification
You need to analyze your approach if you are so unsure about your tracking level. Ok, sounds easy. How do I do it?
To figure out whether you have perfected the high-track bowler style, you can do a quick experiment with the bowling ball.
Take a good look at any oil rings on your ball. Now, notice how far they are from the thumb and finger holes. If that distance is approximately 1 to 1.5 inches, you’re in the high-track zone!
Take this as a rule of thumb: if your initial axis tilt is below 12 degrees, then you’re up there with the high-track bowlers.
Problem
The problem here is that high-track bowlers sometimes face a challenge. It comes up when they are selecting a layout for their bowling ball.
What does that mean? As a high-track enthusiast, you should not randomly choose a layout that is not in line with your style. Why? Because it causes the oil ring to move towards the thumb and finger holes.
What will happen is that your ball will cruise over these holes during its roll. Trust us, this situation does not play well for your bowling game. It can definitely throw you off your game.
Solution
There is a very simple solution for this. It’s called the High Track Layout. Take your ball to a nearby pro shop. There, they will position the pin cleverly between your ring finger and middle finger.
Additionally, they will also shift the center of gravity about 2 inches to the right from the centerline of the grip. If you ask them, they will drill a balance hole about 1 inch below the axis point. Wow.
By now, you should get it. By using this layout, you are essentially avoiding the oil ring chaos. Now, your ball’s journey down the lane will become smoother, more controlled, and way less challenging. And… your game will improve.
Moving on… It’s important to know that when it comes to tracking in bowling, there are two things to consider: track diameter and position. A high track indicates that your axis tilt is on the lower side.
However, if your track is way more than a 12-degree tilt, then your PAP (Principal Axis Point) will stretch out further. This little shift moves the pin a tad bit away from the axis. When this happens, a change in layout is often very necessary.
Do you know what the great thing about perfecting the high-track bowler style is?
You’ll be treated to some seriously robust backend snaps. What does that mean for you? If you’re trying to aim for a bowling experience with class and spin, then the high-track approach has your back.
Reasons behind high-track bowling
If a bowler has his track super close to the thumb hole, then they might accidentally clip the edge. This is when high-track ball motion comes in handy.
However, it is essential to know that this type of motion might not allow you to achieve the result that you want. So, what happens is that you then will try to work the pitch, but to no avail.
When a professional checks their style, he may realize that their track is off just by a fraction (1/4 inch). Moreover, their dominant hand remains on the outside of the bowling ball and follows through.
So, if the hand is kept under and behind the ball for a bit longer, then the release is stronger. And guess what happens then? Their track moves about an inch away from the holes. This small act can change their entire game. It lowers their track and reduces the axis rotation.
But know the best part?
It lets their thumb exit the thumb hole more smoothly during releases. This allows for smoother ball throws. And guess what? It will result in a big grin on the bowler’s face!
What is Low-Track Bowling?
Identification
Low-track bowling is different from its high-track counterpart.
Here’s a tip for you about bowling. When we talk about tracking, it is the track diameter that matters and not just the track’s position.
So, for players adopting low-track bowling, your track diameter becomes smaller. That means a very big gap is present between the oil ring and the holes. You’re going to have an initial axis with a tilt that exceeds 18 degrees.
That’s why they are called low-track bowlers. Long story short. If you’re all about smoother rolls with a bit more predictability and accuracy, the low-track style might just be your ace in the hole.
Pros of low-track bowling
Seasoned and professional bowlers both know how the axis tilt affects a ball’s journey down the lane.
During high-track layouts, bowling balls typically use up their energy rapidly. This is because the balls have a low axis tilt, and they hit a dry lane, which causes them to lose energy instantly.
But, the opposite is true for bowlers with a low track. A ball with a high axis tilt holds onto its energy longer as it rolls down the lane. This is what is happening during the low-track layout.
Here’s the thing. Performance is consistent for low-track bowlers. Why? Because there is a gentler reaction on the lane. As their style often involves higher rotation, it allows them to smoothly guide the ball into a hook.
If you’re a low-track bowler, you can easily create a powerful pin action on the lane. This is in spite of the backend strength being not as intense. You should go for low-track bowling if you don’t like an aggressive breakpoint.
So, if you want a smoother and more controlled approach with a strong impact, then low track is the way to go.
Difference Between High-Track and Low-Track Bowling
There are several differences between high and low-track bowling. Let’s put it all together and check them out.
- The main difference between low-track and high-track bowling is the axis tilt. High-track bowlers have a low axis tilt, while low-track bowlers sport a high axis tilt.
- High-track bowlers have a snappier and rather forceful backend action. On the contrary, low-track bowlers have a milder breakpoint reaction. The approach is smoother and more consistent as compared to high-track bowlers.
- The bowling balls in high-track bowling are tailored with a high-track layout. On the other hand, low-track bowlers choose a low-track layout when getting their balls drilled.
- As a high-track bowler, you can quickly adapt and tweak your style according to lane conditions. However, low-track bowlers are unable to make such changes because of consistency.
- The ball consistently revs over the same area during low-track bowling. But this is not the case in high-track bowling, where the ball behaves differently. Why is that? It is because of how high-track balls roll. The ball rolls aggressively and with less friction. This means that there is less oil pickup from the lane. On the other hand, for low-track bowlers, the ball clings to excessive oil since there is a lot more friction than in high-track bowling.
Conclusion
You might get a little lost between defining high-track vs. low-track bowling. Of course, the term ‘track’ makes it all a bit confusing, but don’t worry.
We’ve tried to simplify it as much as possible. One simple trick to remember is that if your ball isn’t reacting as you expect, don’t take it to mean that you’ve become a high-track bowler.
There could be so many reasons behind it. The smart move would be to connect with a bowling alley coach in person. They will suggest solutions that are specific to your needs.
Once you put it all together, you’ll be on track to improving your game with more success. Isn’t that the bottom line?!