Two-Handed Bowling: Laydown and Loft

Loft

When bowling on a low oil volume pattern, also referred to as dryer lane conditions, loft is an option two-handed bowlers frequently use to their advantage over traditional bowlers. Loft eliminates early hook and saves the bowling ball’s energy for the backend of the lane. In theory, this shortens whatever oil pattern you are playing on.

Because two-handed bowlers have a higher rev rate, they generally play farther left than traditional right-handed bowlers. Utilizing loft allows two-handed bowlers to continue to move left when traditional bowlers may not be able because of their lower rev rate.

How to loft

In order to loft the ball, your hands need to release the ball higher than your normal release.

Keeping up with your ball speed is important because as soon as the ball hits the friction down lane, it will turn sharply.

When to use loft

You need to evaluate your bowling ball’s motion front-to-back, not side-to-side when deciding to make an adjustment. If you are not able to control the breakpoint because your ball is hooking too early, loft is an option for you.

If your ball is sliding too far, laying the bowling ball down closer to the foul line will enable the ball to pick up earlier and give you a smoother backend reaction into the pocket.

Check out our lane play and two-handed bowling library for more great instruction.