Bowling term: Track Zone

Question
When I'm looking at oil pattern lubrication and see the term "track zone" what does that mean?  Where it is exactly on the lane, if we talk about feet and board numbers?

Answer
Hello Yacov, First off, feet and board numbers are general terms here. This area is not specific. It varies from pattern to pattern. Consider the following information in the context of an area from the 20 board to the 1 board. This is for a left or a right handed bowler.

When conditioner is applied, it is applied on the outside area of the lane. The recommended width of the outside zone of the lane is approximately 7 boards wide. This is the 1 board through the 7th board normally...

The zone "between" the outside of the lane and the center of the lane is
called the track zone. This would generally be the 8th board throught the 12th board, however this is not always the case in every bowling center or lane pattern.

The initial width of the track zone should be at least three boards but not more than 5 boards.

The track zone is a dynamic zone in that it changes as a result of bowling. The more bowling ?the wider the track zone becomes and the more the track zone conditioner is depleted.

The track zone is the zone of the lane that sees the heaviest volume of play. More balls
travel through this zone that any other zone of the lane.

The width of the center zone of the lane is approximately 7 boards
wide. This would include the area from the 20 board to the 13 board. Again, this is not always the case in every bowling center or lane pattern. However it is simple to understand.

All bowling lane conditioner patterns have an 搊utside?and a 揷enter?to the
pattern. Again the track zone is an area 3 to 5 boards between them.

Thank for your question Yacov!!!!

-Coach Gary Oatis
Las Vegas, NV. USA
www.TrueBowlerAdjustments.com