Well I figured I better let you all know how things are out here in gloomy Indiana.
Viper Pattern - 37 ft.
I usually attack this pattern by keeping my angles fairly straight and attempt to stay outside of 15 board the whole time. I started off ok using a Big Bully, label drill playing around 7 or 8 out to 3 or 4.
Big Bully
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/jonlouisb2/detail?.dir=caa5re2&.dnm=be0fre2.jpgTransition and some carry down forced me to use a ball with a bit more backend but still a smoother type reaction. I went with an Action drilled 4 1/2 x 3 1/2 slightly polished.
Action
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/jonlouisb2/detail?.dir=caa5re2&.dnm=fa77re2.jpg&.src=phThe Action lasted me a couple games, playing about 12 to 5, until the ball wouldn't push through the front part of the lane. I switched to the Jinx, drilled 5 1/2 x 4 , gave me the push I wanted with a strong backend. The layout helped by keeping the ball from over-reacting off the dry.
Jinx
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/jonlouisb2/detail?.dir=caa5re2&.dnm=468dre2.jpg&.src=phThe Jinx gave me an amazing reaction, playing around 15 to 7, and I actually capitalized on it, shooting plus 124 the last two games to end up at plus 137.
Overall the scoring pace was lower than last year, which isn't bad. I'll keep you all posted each day as to what balls I used and hopefully I'll stay towards the top.
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Jon Brandon
Columbia Regional Staff 04-06
2003 PBA West Region Rookie of the Year
"You don't score, until you score......"