Has this simple game called Bowling progressed in technology so far that most people no longer understand it? With these advancements, have people strayed away from the game? Do people look at bowling as too simple? I think it is a mixture of all of these things that plays a big part of why (competitive) bowling is declining year over year. To make my point we are going to look at just 2 (there are anywhere from 100-150 different types of named oil patterns) different types of oil patterns, and how those affect which ball to use and your mental approach to each. To wrap it all up, I will share how I feel about the direction bowling has taken with these advancements.

Let's start with lane patterns. There are so many types of patterns these days, and all it takes is a mechanic at the bowling center to input some numbers into the machine and Wha Lah, a pattern is put down. Almost all bowling leagues use a pattern called a “House Shot”. Most of the time this will look like a Christmas tree or a Top Hat if we could actually see the oil. These patterns will have a higher volume of oil in the middle and very little oil the closer you get to the gutters. House shot patterns will allow you to miss your mark and still get to the pocket. I have listed a House Shot Pattern below to give you an understanding of what it looks like.

Now each center will have their own version of this House Shot pattern and will not usually tell you what it is or looks like. I believe if they post the patterns they put out for their league members, it will only benefit everyone. Then you won’t have bowlers asking, “Well what type of shot are we looking at tonight!?” Again by doing this, the bowlers can see the numbers and what the pattern looks like while they bowl on it. Now even though the machine puts the same pattern out on each lane, each lane will play differently due to the Topography of the lane.

Which brings me to my next point. How many bowlers do we know that go to different centers and then complain about how they are not scoring and the lanes are not the same? Happens a lot right!? Well even though a bowling center will put their House Shot out, it may be set up slightly different compared to other Centers. The lanes you are bowling on could also be different. Which would cause different reactions. Also anytime you have weather change, that will affect the pattern and oil as well. The warmer it is, the faster the oil moves/disappears. Then when it is colder, the slower the oil moves/disappears.

The next type of pattern is called a “Sport Shot”. These are primarily used in either sport shot leagues or tournaments. Sport Shots are a lot flatter of a pattern. The oil is spread pretty evenly across the lane. There will still be more oil in the middle part of the lane but it is a very minimal difference. These types of shots will require much more accuracy and consistency. Below I have listed a Sport Pattern that is used at some tournaments.

Next we have bowling balls. Since there are so many to pick from, how do you know what would work for you? Well it really depends on your style of bowling. If you like to throw it hard and straight, then a Plastic/Spare Balls would work for you. If you are the occasional once a week league bowler and do not bowl tournaments, then entry to mid-performance bowling balls would work for you. These types of bowling balls work well on house shots due to the natural length you get from the bowling ball. This helps retain energy for the pins. If you are a big time tournament bowler, then you would need an arsenal that covers all areas. Starting from spare balls, all the way up to High Performance equipment.

To help you decide on a bowling ball, the local pro shop operator should have a good understanding of how you throw the ball by watching you bowl a game. From there he/she should be able to provide a couple options on what to select from to fit your style. He/She should also be able to help you with how to drill the bowling ball by either deciding on maximum hook from a ball or simple basic label drilling. Do not let them tell you one ball and say go with it. Each company makes good equipment. You should have the final say on what ball you want to throw. The pro shop is there to help guide you in the right direction.

How do you decide on what ball to use on certain nights or patterns? When bowling league night on a typical house shot, any type of ball will work, you will have to figure out where you need to stand. On House Shots, if your bowling ball is hooking too much, move left. By doing this, you will catch more oil on the way down. Now if your bowling ball is not hooking or making it back to the head pin, move right. This will allow you to play in the dryer part of the house shot to allow the ball to hook for you. These moves are for Right Handed bowlers, if you are left handed, simply flip it around.

When bowling on Sport Shots, playing the right part of the lane matters the most. Here you can take the magic number of 31 and apply that on to Sport Shots. For Example, you are bowling on a 43ft Sport Shot, take 43 minus 31 equals 12. 12 board will be where you want to try to exit the pattern. Now depending on your bowling style, Crankers may need to stand further left and swing it towards 12 board. To where as Stokers or players with less revs may need to play straight up 12 board. Once your in the right area, now you can decide on which ball would work best. Usually it is carry issues, then make a ball change appropriately. If you are leaving 7 and 10 pins, the ball is going too long. If you are leaving 4 and 9 pins, the ball is hooking too soon. Make your adjustments to help with strikes.

I feel that the simplicity of lane play has surpassed the casual bowler. This game is not about throwing the ball straight and hard like the old days. It is about finding the right part of the lane to play with the right ball. It is about hitting the pocket with the right entry angle. There are reasons why you strike and do not strike. Once you understand those reasons, then you can make the adjustments to correct them. Try to understand what type of shot you are bowling on, then aligned to your style of play to that pattern. I don't know about you, but to me the game is not easier today, technology has pushed bowling into a much more technical sport, and that is a good thing. We need good coaching for beginners, good pro shops to direct bowlers to the right ball, and a supportive atmosphere for competitive bowling to get back to where it should be. Do not be afraid to ask questions about this game. Knowledge is power! The more you know, the more your game will only improve.As always enjoy the game of bowling and remember to Practice Practice Practice!