Overview

• A collaborative study from Princeton, MIT, and other institutions has developed a model using six differential equations to pinpoint optimal bowling ball trajectories for strikes.
• The model incorporates physical factors like lane oil patterns, ball asymmetries, and friction variations, offering unprecedented precision over traditional statistical methods.
• A 'miss-room' calculation accounts for human inaccuracies, helping bowlers refine their targeting strategies with a greater margin for error.
• The tool is expected to benefit players, coaches, equipment manufacturers, and tournament designers by enabling data-driven improvements in performance and design.
• Published in AIP Advances on April 15, 2025, the research highlights the application of classical mathematics in modern sports analytics, marking a significant innovation in bowling dynamics.