win a ball from Bowling.com

Author Topic: Advantages of shorter vs. longer spans?  (Read 2878 times)

dougb

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1551
Advantages of shorter vs. longer spans?
« on: April 06, 2010, 02:42:00 AM »
I have a few balls I just picked up drilled with a longer (1/8 ") span and I'm trying to decide on a uniform span for all my equipment.

I read the BR FAQs on spans and this is what is says:

Span:
+ Span = More loft, more axis rotation
- Span = Less loft, less axis rotation

My question is: what is the advantage/disadvantage of more loft and axis rotation?

Thanks

 

Martman

  • Jr. Member
  • **
  • Posts: 18
Re: Advantages of shorter vs. longer spans?
« Reply #1 on: April 06, 2010, 12:48:30 PM »
More loft and axis rotation can mean more of a hook down the lane.  However, you should be careful in making span adjustments just for the heck of it.

One should keep into consideration the type of lanes one bowls in, as well as the conditions (oil patterns, etc)

More importantly, a lot of drillers have been advocating a more relaxed span (shorter spans) for typical league bowlers to avoid excessive force on their fingers which leads to injuries.

Years ago, the fad for bowlers was to go to extreme finger tip spans.  Some 'newer' spans can be considered to be a semi-fingertip setup today.

This is where a good coach - someone who will be familiar with your throwing style as well as your typical conditions is invaluable.

dougb

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1551
Re: Advantages of shorter vs. longer spans?
« Reply #2 on: April 06, 2010, 02:00:49 PM »
Thanks.  I will ask my driller to watch me again and make recommendations.  I tend to like more forward roll because my slower speed.  Too much rotation and I tend to come up high in the pocket, even with adjustments.