Team Lineups

One of the theories I learned back from my junior bowling days was how to set the most powerful lineup using the bowlers you have. Like any sports team, the head coach will study his pool of available talent and line them "just-so" in an attempt to optimize the scoring production.

Here's a quick reminder for beginners about the typical types of bowling leagues as it pertains to number of bowlers on a team: we have a 2-person (Doubles); a 3-person (Trio), a 4-person (Quartet), and 5-person. I once bowled in a 6-person team thing that was for charity but it took forever to bowl.

While I lay out my guidelines based on a 5-person lineup, I think you should be able to transpose them over to the appropriate type of league you are bowling in. For example, the 1st and 5th bowlers transpose over to the 1st and 4th bowlers in a Quarter.

With that, here's the "Choc-List" for setting a powerful team lineup:

1) Your 1st bowler is your spare shooter ("Lead-off). They set the tone for the rest of the team. If they are marking (striking or sparing) the majority of their frames, the bowlers that follow are primed and ready to get their mark.

2) Your 2nd position will be the next steadiest person. Following in the footsteps of the 1st person, they maintain the momentum.

3) The 3rd person is generally the lowest average bowler on the team. We sometimes refer to this position as the "cushion" slot because there are two people above and two people below.

4 Your 4th is your striker. This person just happens to be able to string strikes together regardless of lane conditions, pressure, or any other situation. I have seen many a 4th bowler strike out in the 10th frame and win the game before it gets to the 5th bowler.

5) The 5th bowler ("Anchor") is the person you deem most able to throw strikes under high pressure conditions. This is the person who will perform well when it gets to "crunch time."

If you notice, there was nothing said about averages except for the 3rd person. There is no guideline saying that the highest average bowler should be the "anchor." Take a look at your team, put personal preferences aside, and honestly set your lineup according to my "Choc-List." I believe you'll be surprised in the long term performance.

A Hui Hou! (See You Again!)