Expert: Russ King - 12/18/2006

Question
I bowl in two quality bowling centers and have about a 215 average. In one bowling alley, when I shoot the 10 pin, I roll the ball over the center arrow while standing with my right foot on the 38th board. But at the other bowling alley, I have to stand on the 35th board and roll the ball over the same arrow. It's the same ball (a plastice spare ball) and I roll it the same way at both places. I don't understand why there is a three-board difference in where I stand. I thought all approaches at every bowling center was the same. Have you ever heard of such a thing? Just curious. Thanks for your time.

Answer
AMF is different than BRUNSWICK lanes. The dots on the approach are different than Brunswick & the arrows also different.
If you only have a 3 board difference, be HAPPY right now!!
I bowl in 3 centers & there are 10 boards difference between them. Each week is different because of inconsistent lane patterns, different shots put down & the weather also has an effect on the shot.I had to find a rubber ball for this spare. In 2 houses, the ball does tricks & a hard rubber is least affected by these strange shots.Plus I have to move my strike shot all night most of the time ending up 20 or more boards away from where I started in the first game.And this town (San Antonio,TX)doesn't even have a scratch league.So, be glad it is only 3 now! It can be 10 in other houses.