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dfxm12 3 days ago

The calculations involved in such research are very complicated because there are so many variables that can affect a ball's trajectory after being thrown. Case in point: the thin layer of oil that is applied to bowling lanes, which Hooper found can vary widely in volume and shape among different venues, plus the lack of uniformity in applying the layer, which creates an uneven friction surface.

FWIW, pro bowling events will use one of several predetermined oil patterns. The bowlers will know the pattern in advance & practice for a few frames to get a feel for it. Part of the game is knowing how the oil shifts from the balls rolling over it throughout the course of the round and making adjustments. My buddy was recruited to play on our high school team precisely because he was a lefty in a league where there were relatively few others and thus his ball would be less affected by these variables. https://www.pba.com/player-resources/oil-patterns

Even for fun leagues will probably have someone prepare the lanes ahead of time with a certain pattern and let the bowlers know.