Expert: - 7/15/2008

Question
Currently I do not bowl in a league but am subbing in hopes of doing one in the Fall - just missed signups. I am a stroker that typically stands on the 3rd mark from the left and bowls at the 2nd arrow. But on these slooppy patterns with seemingly no sides I have a tough time getting anything to hit the pocket. A typical shot at first will roll right over the 2nd arrow and seemingly roll straigh into the 3-6 pocket. The adjustment I typically will make is eight moving left and through basically a modified straight ball or moving right and trying to attack the pocket from that side. Do either one of these options work better than the other?

I currently practice 2-3x a week and rotate between 3 different centers near my home and office. Two of the three have heavy sloppy oil that seems to go from gutter to gutter while one is dry as a bone 10 boards on each side. Its a pain in the neck but I think it is making me a better bowler.

Right now, I dont want to try and solve the problem by buying a bunch of new stuff and would rather try to solve it through movement on the lane or changes in my delivery. Just cant afford to be buying balls every season or every year.

Current equipment (all 15lb, fingertip): Backyard Bully, X-Factor (thinking of sanding it down), White Dot

Answer
Doug,
The third mark from the left is the 25th board from the right gutter (making sure I understand your set-up), do you walk straight? You are right handed, correct? Where do you slide at the foul line?  When you make moves, have you tried smaller adjustments when you practice? Let me know how hard you throw the ball? Firmer ball speed will accentuate the slickness or volume of the oil used.

Actually, the center with the dry outside boards allows your ball to recover easier. The pattern is considered easier to bowl on because free hook, utilizing the friction, steers the ball (demands less from you).

Your equipment is pretty smooth. Have you ever adjusted the surface of your bowling balls to get your shots to roll a little earlier?

Adjust your shots by targeting closer to the foul line. If you target the arrows, look closer at the dots about 6 feet out on the lane. If you target the dots, look closer to the dots ON the foul line. By getting the ball off your hand sooner, it will allow the ball to roll earlier. Besides, closer targets are easier to hit.

Practice where you struggle most. Your practice should help you hone your skill sets, so rolling on tougher, more demanding conditions will require better shots and errant shots are more obvious. Hitting your target with a consistent release, helps you control the lane, rather than needing to find mistake room on an easier condition.