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Bowling Ball Axis Rotation
Axis Rotation Characteristics
Characteristic0 degrees90 degrees
Hook PotentialMinimumMaximum
Ball ControlMaximumMinimum
Ball SkidMinimumMaximum
Axis rotation is the angle on the horizontal plane the bowling ball is rotating around. This is also knows as the positive axis point (PAP). If the PAP is facing the gutter, for example, it is considered zero degrees axis rotation. If the PAP is facing the foul line, it is considered 90 degrees axis rotation.

To calculate your axis rotation you will first need to mark the positive axis point of your bowling ball with a contrasting piece of tape. Then, take a shot and have a person or a camera watch to see what direction the tape is pointing at your release. If the tape wobbles off your hand, then you do not have the exact PAP and should adjust the tape. If you do not see the tape, you might have the tape on the wrong side of the ball on the negative axis point.

0 Degrees 45 Degrees 90 Degrees

Video of three releases with different axis rotation.
Click an image to view...
low rotation

medium rotation

high rotation
video