The Two-Hand Layout System (2LS): A Complete Guide for Two-Handed Bowlers
The Two-Hand Layout System, commonly called 2LS, is a bowling ball layout system designed for two-handed and no-thumb bowlers.
If you bowl without using your thumb, traditional layout systems can feel difficult to apply. The grip is different. The reference point is different. The way the ball leaves your hand is different.
That is where 2LS becomes useful.
Instead of relying mainly on angles, 2LS uses three distance-based measurements to describe the layout. This makes it easier for two-handed bowlers, thumbless bowlers, and pro shop operators to communicate clearly about ball motion.
In this guide, I will explain what the 2LS numbers mean, how each number affects ball reaction, and how to choose a practical starting layout. I bowl primarily in Japan, where lane surfaces, transition, and friction can differ significantly from what bowlers overseas typically encounter — so this guide focuses not only on theory, but also on practical ball reaction.
What Is 2LS?
2LS stands for Two-Hand Layout System.
It is a layout method used for two-handed or no-thumb bowlers. The system describes a layout using three numbers, such as:
5 × 4 × 3.5
Each number represents a distance in inches.
In a typical 2LS layout, the three numbers are usually read as:
- Pin-to-PAP
- Pin-to-COG (Center of Grip)
- PSA-to-PAP (Reference Point-to-PAP)
For example, a 5 × 4 × 3.5 layout means:
- 5 inches from Pin to PAP
- 4 inches from Pin to COG
- 3.5 inches from PSA or reference point to PAP
In 2LS, COG means Center of Grip. Do not confuse it with CG, which usually means Center of Gravity on a bowling ball.
The exact marking process should be done by a knowledgeable pro shop operator, especially if you are not familiar with PAP measurement or layout tools.
For the official marking process, you can also refer to Storm’s 2LS drilling instructions.
However, even if you do not drill your own equipment, understanding the meaning of these numbers is very useful. It helps you explain what kind of ball motion you want.
Why Two-Handed Bowlers Need a Different Layout Approach
Two-handed bowlers often create more rev rate than traditional one-handed bowlers.
That can be a huge advantage, but it also makes ball reaction more sensitive.
A small difference in layout, surface, or lane friction can change the shape of the ball motion. One ball may read too early. Another may skid too far. Another may look powerful but lose energy before hitting the pins.
Traditional layout systems were mainly built around a thumb-in delivery. For no-thumb bowlers, the grip center and release geometry are different.
That does not mean traditional layout systems are useless.
It means that two-handed bowlers need a system that matches how the ball is actually held and released.
2LS is useful because it gives two-handed bowlers a more consistent way to describe layouts.
The Three 2LS Numbers Explained
A 2LS layout is usually written like this:
5 × 4 × 3.5
These numbers should not be treated as magic numbers. They are tools for controlling ball motion.
Let’s break them down.
1. Pin-to-PAP Distance
The first number is the Pin-to-PAP distance.
Example:
5 × 4 × 3.5
In this example, the Pin-to-PAP distance is 5 inches.
This number has a major influence on flare potential and breakpoint shape.
As a general idea:
Shorter Pin-to-PAP distance The ball tends to read earlier and create a smoother breakpoint shape.
Longer Pin-to-PAP distance The ball tends to get farther downlane and create a later, more angular breakpoint shape.
A common reference point is around 3 3/8 inches. Distances shorter or longer than that can change how the core dynamics are used after drilling.
For many two-handed bowlers, a Pin-to-PAP distance around 4.5 to 5.5 inches is often used when they want length and usable backend shape.
But this depends heavily on your speed, rev rate, axis tilt, surface, and lane condition.
2. Pin-to-COG (Center of Grip) Distance
The second number is the Pin-to-COG distance.
Example:
5 × 4 × 3.5
In this example, the Pin-to-COG distance is 4 inches.
This number is very important for two-handed bowlers because it affects the post-drilled dynamics of the ball.
In simple terms:
Shorter Pin-to-COG distance The ball may become weaker overall, smoother, and easier to control.
Longer Pin-to-COG distance The ball may become stronger overall, create more front-to-back motion, and push you to play a deeper line on the lane.
This number is especially important for high-rev players.
If the layout is too strong, the ball may read too early and lose energy. If it is too weak, the ball may not recover enough downlane.
For two-handed bowlers, stronger is not always better.
A layout that creates a slightly smoother and more readable motion can often score better than a layout that simply hooks more.
3. PSA-to-PAP (Reference Point-to-PAP) Distance
The third number controls the relationship between the PSA or layout reference point and the bowler’s PAP.
Example:
5 × 4 × 3.5
In this example, the PSA-to-PAP or Reference Point-to-PAP distance is 3.5 inches.
This number affects how quickly the ball transitions from skid to hook to roll.
A shorter third number can make the ball respond more quickly.
A longer third number can create a smoother and more controlled transition.
For asymmetric bowling balls, the PSA is marked more clearly because the ball has a defined mass bias.
For symmetric bowling balls, the concept is different. There is no obvious marked PSA in the same way as an asymmetric core. Because of that, the reference point should be handled carefully using the proper 2LS instructions or by a pro shop operator.
For symmetric cores, the reference point is commonly drawn 6 3/4 inches from the pin through the center of gravity, following the 2LS marking process.
This is one reason I do not recommend treating 2LS numbers as simple “copy and paste” numbers.
The same layout number can look and react differently depending on the ball, core type, PAP, and drilling method.
Example 2LS Layouts
The following examples are general starting points. They are not rules.
Your PAP, ball speed, rev rate, axis tilt, ball surface, and lane condition all matter.
| Layout | General Reaction | Good For |
|---|---|---|
| 5 × 4 × 3.5 | Balanced benchmark motion | First 2LS layout, medium conditions |
| 5.5 × 5 × 2 | Cleaner through the front, angular downlane | Burn, friction, older lane surfaces |
| 4.5 × 3 × 4.5 | Earlier midlane read, smoother shape | Speed-dominant players, medium-long oil |
| 4 × 4 × 5 | Stronger overall motion | Transition, over/under conditions |
| 3.5 × 4 × 6.5 | Early and strong rolling motion | Fresh, flatter, higher-volume patterns |
If you are new to 2LS, I would not start with the most aggressive option.
For many bowlers, a benchmark layout around 5 × 4 × 3.5 is easier to understand because it gives you a readable reaction. From there, you can adjust future balls based on what you want to change.
How to Choose Your First 2LS Layout
If this is your first 2LS ball, do not choose a layout only because it looks strong on paper.
Start by asking one question:
What do I need this ball to do?
That question is more useful than asking which layout hooks the most.
If You Want a Benchmark Ball
Choose a layout that gives you a readable shape.
A benchmark ball should not be too early, too sharp, or too weak. It should help you understand the lane.
A good starting point is:
5 × 4 × 3.5
This type of layout can give a good balance of length, midlane read, and backend motion.
For many two-handed bowlers, this is easier to use than an extremely strong layout.
If Your Ball Hooks Too Early
If your ball reads the lane too early, you may need more length or a cleaner reaction.
Possible adjustments include:
- Increase the Pin-to-PAP distance
- Use a cleaner coverstock
- Use less surface
- Choose a weaker or smoother layout
- Move your eyes farther downlane
However, do not blame the layout immediately.
Surface and coverstock usually affect ball motion more than layout. If the ball is too early, changing surface may be the first thing to check.
If Your Ball Skids Too Far and Jumps Late
If your ball skids too far in oil and jumps too hard off friction, you may need a smoother transition.
Possible adjustments include:
- Use a layout with earlier midlane read
- Use a stronger surface
- Reduce the sharpness of the backend shape
- Move your launch angle
- Change to a ball with a smoother cover/core combination
For high-rev two-handed bowlers, a big backend move can look impressive but become hard to repeat.
The goal is not maximum hook.
The goal is usable motion.
If You Are Speed-Dominant
If your speed is higher than your rev rate, you may need the ball to read earlier.
You may prefer a layout that creates more midlane traction and stronger overall motion.
But be careful.
If you make the layout too aggressive, the ball may burn energy too soon and hit weak at the pocket.
A good layout should help the ball read the lane without making it quit.
If You Are Rev-Dominant
If your rev rate is higher than your ball speed, you may not need the strongest layout.
Many rev-dominant two-handed bowlers already create enough hook.
The bigger challenge is often controlling when the ball hooks.
You may need:
- Cleaner coverstock
- Smoother layout
- Less surface
- Weaker backend response
- Better energy retention
For rev-dominant players, controlling the shape is usually more important than creating more hook.
Common 2LS Mistakes
Here are the mistakes I see most often.
Mistake 1: Copying Someone Else’s Layout
A layout number is not universal.
The same 5 × 4 × 3.5 layout can produce a different hole position and different reaction depending on your PAP.
If your PAP is different, your ball is not really the same as someone else’s ball.
This is why copying a professional bowler’s layout without knowing your own PAP can be misleading.
Mistake 2: Thinking Stronger Is Always Better
Many two-handed bowlers want a strong layout because they want big hook.
But big hook does not always mean good carry.
If the ball uses too much energy before it reaches the pins, it may deflect, leave weak 10 pins, or become unpredictable.
A smoother layout can sometimes strike more because it saves energy better.
Mistake 3: Ignoring Surface
Layout matters, but surface matters a lot.
A layout change may create a difference, but surface can completely change how early or late the ball reads.
If your ball reaction is wrong, check surface before blaming the layout.
For example:
- Too early — Try a cleaner surface or a weaker ball.
- Too long and sharp — Try more surface or a smoother ball.
- Weak hit — Check whether the ball is losing energy too early.
Mistake 4: Using 2LS Without Measuring PAP
PAP is the foundation of layout accuracy.
If your PAP is guessed incorrectly, the layout number may not mean what you think it means.
For two-handed bowlers, PAP can also be affected by release style, axis tilt, track location, and fit.
If possible, ask a pro shop operator to measure your PAP from your actual shot.
Video can also help, but direct measurement is better.
2LS and Japanese Bowling Conditions
I bowl mainly in Japan, and I think this is where 2LS becomes interesting.
Japanese bowling centers can vary a lot.
Some centers are modern and clean. Others have older lane surfaces, worn track areas, or faster transition. For two-handed bowlers, this can make ball reaction very sensitive.
In these situations, I often prefer a layout that gives me control rather than maximum hook.
If the lane has sharp friction, I do not always want the ball to jump harder. I want it to read the lane in a way I can repeat.
That is why I often think about 2LS like this:
- Do I need the ball to read earlier?
- Do I need it to save more energy?
- Do I need a smoother breakpoint?
- Do I need less overall response?
This way of thinking is more useful than simply asking, “Which layout hooks the most?”
My Practical Recommendation
If you are a two-handed bowler trying 2LS for the first time, I recommend this approach.
Start with one benchmark layout.
Use it on a ball you understand.
Watch when the ball starts to read the lane.
Watch how it changes direction.
Watch how it goes through the pins.
Then adjust your next layout based on what you actually saw.
For example:
- If the ball is too early, go cleaner or weaker.
- If the ball is too long, add earlier read.
- If the ball jumps too hard, smooth out the transition.
- If the ball hits weak, check energy retention.
This process will teach you more than copying random layout numbers online.
Final Thoughts
2LS is not a magic formula.
It is a communication tool.
It helps two-handed and no-thumb bowlers describe layout choices more clearly. It helps you talk with your pro shop operator. It helps you compare one ball to another. And it helps you understand why two bowling balls may react differently even when they look similar.
For two-handed bowlers, the most important point is this:
Do not chase hook only.
Chase usable ball motion.
A good 2LS layout should match your release, your ball, and the lane condition you actually bowl on.
If you understand the three numbers, you can make better choices and build a more useful arsenal.
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