Analyzing The Lane In Four Shots

Perry is just coming back to the game after a two decade hiatus. Two weeks ago, we spent some time after an event discussing many aspects of the "new" sport of bowling. He is so interested that he kept asking question after question looking for hints about how he can get back into the sport. He wants to be as effective as he was 20 years ago. It was kind of frustrating to have the night end, but, we had to leave because they closed the bowling center on us.

I never asked what he averaged back in the 80's, but, he is currently a 175+ average in a couple of leagues just a few short months after coming back. He has the smoothness of a polished veteran. Coupled with his attitude and thirst for knowledge, I suspect he will be in the 200's in a very short time.

So how can I ignore it when he asks me to write an article about lining up quickly before league starts. Well, Perry, here's the "Choc-List" for lining up during league practice: (This technique is from the USBC Bronze Coaching Certification Seminar.)

1) On your 1st practice ball, aim for the 7-pin (right-handers) or the 10-pin (left-handers). Your target is between the 2nd and 3rd arrows. If your ball stays to the inside of the lane, you know there is oil across the middle; if your ball hooks to the gutter, it is dry across the middle.

2) On your 2nd practice ball, aim for the 10-pin (right-handers) or the 7-pin (left-handers). Your target is between the 3rd and 4th arrows. Again, as in the 2nd practice ball, if your ball hooks back, the right side is dry and if it doesn't, it is oily.

3) On your 3rd shot, line up for the 2-pin (right-handers) or 3-pin (left-handers) using the 2nd Arrow (10-board) track. If the shot misses to the gutter side, the 2nd arrow track is either dry or worn; if the ball stays to the inside of the pin, then the back end is oily.

4) On your 4th and subsequent shots, utilize all the knowledge you have gained from the previous three shots to "dial in" to the pocket. The simplest scenario is dry conditions on the left side and right side of the lanes or oily on both sides.

In four practice shots, you have determined what the lane conditions are across pretty much the entire lane and you can make your moves accordingly for strikes and spares. Now, it's just a matter of the carry.

A Hui Hou! (See You Later!)