The movement of a bowling ball occurs as a direct result of:
1) the amount of rotation put on the ball by the bowler,
2) speed of the ball,
3) and the amount of oil (not wax) on the surface of the lane.

Typically, the more revolutions placed on a bowling ball equates to more hook. More speed gives less opportunity for hook. More oil provides for less friction and less hook.

So, motion is not about acceleration, its about rotation.

Now, you might be thinking, if you rotate a sphere why would that make it move? The answer is, the weight of the ball is not evenly distributed. A bowling ball consists of several layers (mainly, the Coverstock and the Core). The Coverstock is what you see, and what comes in direct contact with the lane. The Core is the dense internal weight block that contains roughly 70% of the weight of the entire ball. The shape of this weight block (in combination with the type of coverstock) is what determines how sharply the ball will hook.

Coverstocks are typically either Pealized (chrome looking) or Solid (dull looking). They can also be polished (shiny) or sanded (dull/sanded). The more pearlized the coverstock the longer the ball delays before it gains traction on the lane, thus the longer the ball delays before it starts to hook. Similarly, polishing the coverstock provides this type of reaction. These types of coverstocks provide for a sharp breaking motion (think of how a hockey stick is shaped). Conversly, the more solid the coverstock the sooner the ball grabs the lane giving a more even reaction, more like an arc. Sanding the coverstock allows for this type of reaction.

Cores are typically either Asymmetrical or Symmetrical. Asymmetrical cores are shaped in such a way (asymmetrical) that the weight of the weight block is unbalanced. Rotation, combined with unbalanced weight provides for a very sharp, “snappy” reaction. Typically, these balls are meant to get far down the lane before they start to hook. Symmetrical cores balance weight in a symmetrical design providing for an even reaction. Different cores match up better for different bowlers. A bowler with a lot of speed and a lot of revolutions would typically want something with a symmetrical core. Conversely, a bowler with very little speed and very little revolutions would typically want something with an asymmetrical core. A bowler with a lot of speed and very few revolutions would also want something with an asymmetrical core.

Different coverstocks match up better on different oil patterns (how the oil is laid on the lanes). For instance, if there is a large quantity of oil on the lanes, you would want something that grabs traction early. Therefore you would go for a bowling ball that is dull. Conversely, if there is very little oil on the lane, a pearlized ball would be a good choice.

Advanced bowlers that carry many different bowling balls typically vary their cores and coverstocks to be versatile. Pearlized coverstocks can be sanded, similarly solid balls can be polished. These combinations aid bowlers in matching up with different oil patterns. These work best for advanced bowlers who know exactly what they want their ball to do when it gets down the lane.

There is more that goes into ball reaction, like how the ball is drilled or how the ball rotates down the lane. But for now, this is a pretty complete description of why a ball moves down the lane.

Michael

The surface of the bowling lane is either wood sealed with a hard urethane finish, or a synthetic composite material. The slick material put on the lane is not wax, it is a light viscosity oil, similar to a mineral oil (like a massage oil).

The reference to Newton’s law is correct… after delivery there is no more force being applied to counter act the effects of friction.

Additionally, only a portion of the lane has the oil applied to the surface; usually the first 2/3 of the lane (Approx. 40ft. of the 60 ft. lane).

Another fact to point out is that most bowling ball shells are designed to create friction with the lane. Friction enhances traction, and traction created roll. Most bowlers desire to throw a hook, so most ball companies build balls, even house balls to create friction (either through surface porosity, or chemical composition).

So, a little root cause analysis can pinpoint why the ball encounters negative acceleration when traveling down the bowling lane.
The ball landing on the lane upon delivery is probably the greatest occurrence of friction during the ball’s travel. Also, once the ball clears the oiled portion of the lane, it generally transitions from sliding to rolling. This is caused by friction and causes a slow down.

This is probably not an ABC sanctioned tournament, else he would come in with no handicap.