Ball return moved further back?

[NewToBowling]

This was brought up at another forum I visit but how many people would like the ball return moved further back?

I would although I understand it just isn't going to happen.

In the old days people never really played that far left. Now we regularly see people bowling in front of the ball return and using a condensed 2-3 step approach.

[1VegasBowler]

I wouldn't mind seeing it moved back some, but like you said, it ain't happenin' anytime soon..lol

In the old days, Mark Roth was notorious for kicking the return on his release. I though he might break a few with the kick he had...lol

[foreverincamo]

The real old returns went the length of the approach but rarely got in the way. If I were to build a new center, the ball return would be completely off the approach.

[baker]

I'm sure I'm in the minority here, but I like having the ball returns where they are. It adds an element of interest and challenge to the sport as well as strategy for longer format tournaments. Being able to play in front of the ball return is a different skill set that I think helps add that additional level of separation between pros/top amateurs and the typical house bowler.

To me its almost like a flop shot in golf. When you see a pro golfer put it close with a well executed flop shot you know they are on another level. That shot is a tool most don't have and even fewer can execute consistently when it counts. In a tournament when everyone is forced left there are only going to be a select few that can make that move in front of the ball return and keep striking. It's impressive and takes a lot of work to get good at it.

[chip82901]

Recessed returns are few and far between. I've only bowled a few houses where they are recessed back about an extra foot. For one, it's insanely expensive to do for an already established house. If its a new house being built, its not too bad

[Tony]

I'm fine with the returns staying right where they are, they are part of the field of play, and therefore part of the current game.