How can I prepare?

[v33dubfox]

Hi bowlers!

I've subscribed to a small regional tournament here. My "problem" is that I don't know the oil pattern used until the morning of the tournament. All I know is that there will be 8 patterns and someone will make the draw. I know that there will be some PBA Tour patterns and some European Tour patterns.

I have never played on any other patterns that THS, so I need some help to "read the lanes".

Thanks a lot!

[noeymc]

i think it should read your ball not the lanes cuz ur ball is going to react different on different oils so just watch ur bowling ball make ur adjustments

[scottymoney]

Another good idea would be to start a notebook for all the patterns. Research each pattern and takes notes on how to attack it. If they tell you the pattern when you get there you can then look at your notes and get a feel for what the lanes "should" be like and possible starting positions and aiming spots for yourself.

[JerseyJim]

The most important thing to know is the length of the pattern. There are a few articles around that will tell you that the length of the pattern - 31 would give you the exit point that you should aim for at the end of the pattern, and that this will give you the best chance of hitting the pocket. Joe Slowinski published a number of articles in BTM on using the "Quiet Eye" and 3 point targeting. Here is the collection from his site. http://bowlingknowledge.info/index.p...d=24&Itemid=64

[Tampabaybob]

V33.... Heres a link for all of the oil patterns currently being used......http://wiki.bowlingchat.net/wiki/ind...attern_Library

This will at least show you what it looks like and then do some research on-line and you'll find out the best way to play each one. Some of these patterns are "VERY DIFFICULT". Don't be dismayed if you have trouble shooting well on some of these patterns, just keep in mind they were designed to keep the scores low.

Good Luck in the tournament, and let us know how you did and what the pattern was like for you.

Bob

[DanielMareina]

I find the key to bowling well on a condition that you can't prepare for is to bring surface changing supplies. I bring a 500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 grit abralon pad, storm extra shine, reacta scuff, and ball cleaner. This way I can bring the balls that I trust the most, and adjust the surface to match the volume and length. If it is long and heavy, I hit one ball with 500 grit to throw during practice. That ball will be used to burn a hook spot, and then you can switch to a ball that will play off that dry. If the pattern is low volume or short, I make sure I have a couple pearlised or polished options for when it dries up. It will take some practice to make sure you put a good surface on your equipment, and you have to make sure not to adjust them after practice is over. Disqualifications aren't going to help any

[Tampabaybob]

Good advice, however, many of these bowlers are new, and may not understand that this has to be accomplished "BEFORE" competition. With some of the new polishes, they are approved for use during competion, but you can't sand, change the surface of the ball while you're bowling. Just need to make that point.

Bob

[DanielMareina]

I said "you have to make sure not to adjust them after practice is over. Disqualifications aren't going to help any ". I thought that was pretty clear

[Tampabaybob]

Sorry didn't catch that.

Bob

[AZBowla]

Do you have a smartphone? If so, go to the tourney, find out what pattern it is, then go to the bathroom or outside for a smoke and google it. Yes, I'm evil...

Also , Bob makes an excellent point - some of these patterns are designed to keep the scores low. I'm reminded of the old joke where two guys come across a bear in the woods and one of them tightens up his sneakers. His friend says "Why are you doing that? You can't outrun a bear." The guy calmly replies "I don't have to outrun the bear. I just have to outrun you!" Same thing applies here, you don't have to beat the pattern - just the other players.