Expert: Susie Minshew - 2/26/2010

Question
are the modern pro bowlers using a breakpoint management system for targeting and reading the lanes or some other method? and if they do could expound on it a bit how to use it? thnaks

Answer
There's no other way to bowl and be effective. The breakpoint is the point where the ball changes direction. It's dictated by the oil distance down the lane, your rev rate, rotation, and speed. One of the No Matter Whats is that you watch your ball all the way down the lane, never looking at the pins until you smash them.

When you move your feet or eyes, you are changing the angle you are using to get to the breakpoint. How you get there will dictate whether you carry or not. If you miss it early, late, left, or right, you will get to the pocket differently each time. That makes for a 10 pin, 4 pin, strike, 6 pin, strike, 10 pin, etc game. You feel like you're close and you are. But until you are sure where the ball is changing direction, you can't be consistent.

To summarize, you must know where the breakpoint is. The way to know that is to watch your ball all the way down the lane. No way around it, LD. This is the best way to discover the breakpoint and use it effectively.

Besides, if you watch the ball all the down the lane, you'll get to see all those great shots you're making!

By the way, the best way to get information about this and other higher concepts about bowling is to subscribe to Bowling This Month. It's the best magazine for the inquisitive student of the game. 800-282-7043

Susie