It is a normal thing for some bowlers to ride the lane, many do it because they are off balance when they deliver the ball, many ride the shot because they are excited, many ride the shot because they want to intimidate the opponent, some ride the shot because they want to be noticed. I remember someone once that bowled the first 11 strikes in a row being perfectly balanced at the line, then rode the last shot and left 3 pins on the deck for a 297 game, if they only just bowled the last one as the previous 11!!!
There is no general rule as far as I am aware, however this question is relevant to the etiquette of bowling that states that.
RULE 201 BOWLING ETIQUETTE
Bowlers must give consideration at all times to the rights of the other bowler.
1. Prepare to take your turn promptly on the lane. Remember, the player to your right has the right of way.
2. Take your time, but don’t waste time by posing or waiting until everyone else is off the adjacent approaches.
3. Do not step onto your approach until the previous bowler has left.
4. Stay on your own approach at all times. “Riding” balls is permitted as long as the bowler does not move outside of one lane either side of the delivery lane.
5. Step back off the approach after making each delivery.
6. Do not use another player’s ball without permission.
7. The approaches may not be exactly to your liking, but DON’T use chalk, resin or talcum powder to condition them.
Your fellow bowlers may like them as they are.
8. Do not used chalk, resin or talcum powder in the players area.
9. Good bowling requires concentration. When players are ready to bowl, give them the courtesy of making their shot
without any interference, as you will want the same courtesy when it is your turn to bowl.
10. Be ready to bowl, but wait until the pin setting machine has completed its cycle and the sweep-bar is raised.
11. Respect the equipment. Getting the ball out on the lane is good bowling, but “lofting” can damage the lane.
12. Play the game to win, but be a gracious loser if you are on the short end of the count when the game is over.
I have added all the points of etiquette for your information, as this is not normally something that most bowlers are aware of.
So regarding your point, I personally never bowl until all players to the right and left of me have finished their shot, I then get on the approach and prepare to take my delivery.
This is not something everybody else does, but not everyone understands the rules of etiquette, I too have been caught as you have, and we learn from the past!!
Hope this helps.
Regards,
Patrick Birtig
NCAS TBA HP2 Coach
Coach Educator
