Bowling Glossary
Lane
The flat area where you roll the ball towards the pins. It is 42 inches wide and 62 feet, 10 3/4 inches long.
Lane Machine
A machine that puts oil patterns down on the lanes. Also strips the lane's oil off the lane.
Late Ten
When the ten pin falls down just after all of the other pins.
Late Timing
Caused by carrying the ball too long before getting it into the swing. This applies to all bowlers no matter the style. Power players also have problems with late timing even though they tend to get the ball into swing earlier than strokers.
Lateral Pitch
The pitch of all holes that is perpendicular the length of the span. Also called left or right pitch.
Leave
The pins that a bowler leaves standing on the first ball.
Length
Length is something you need a certain amount of when playing any line. It is the amount of skid before the ball starts moving towards the pocket. Without enough length the ball is too hard to control and with too much the ball won't move on the back end and drive into the pocket. The length can be controlled by changing the surface of the ball, either polishing or sanding it. Also, it can be changed by using a different ball speed and wrist position.
Leverage
Generally good balance and staying low by bending the knee increase the ability to create leverage. Also a cupped or strong wrist position is necessary.
Leverage Drilling
A ball layout that creates the most flare in a ball and overall hook potential. The top of the weight block or pin and the cg are located 3-3/8" from the bowler's positive axis point. The ball usually has and extra hole to get the positive static weight back to legal.
Leverage Point
located 3 3/8" from the bowler's positive axis point. Which is half of the distance between 90 degrees around the ball. One quarter around is 6 3/4. Half way is 13 1/2.
Lift
The quick upward motion with your fingers at release that causes the ball to rotate and hook. The quicker this action through the ball the more revs you get.
Line
The path of the ball that the bowler selects to the pocket. Can change often over time and from pair to pair. Even if it's the best one.
Lined Up
The best way to play a given lane pattern. Gives the bowler room for error.
Loft
The air time the ball has between release and when it hits the lane. A certain amount is good and is sometimes adjusted as a strategic technique.
Long Oil
An oil pattern that covers a long distance than normal. 50 feet is definitely long oil.
Loop The Ball
To curve the ball a large amount in a big arching shape.
Lose The Ball
Dropping the ball on to the lane without generating much if any lift.
Lose The Shot
When you are lined up and hitting the pocket and then stop because of changing lane conditions.
Lost
When you cannot find the correct and best way to play the lanes. A lot of bowlers call it fishing.
Love Tap
When you get some love from the bowling gods and get a strike or spare by having a pin very slightly touch and knock another over pin.
Low At The Line
The main objective of many good bowlers, because it generates power in the shot. A good knee bend is a basic fundamental of bowling. Few bowlers do well without it.
