There's no right & wrong answer here. It's what works for you the bowler. If scuffing it helps it to grip the lane & ride the rail w/out it falling off, then that's what he needs to do. Some guys like to have the 2 or 3 board hook. Since I use a Storm viz~a~ball, I didn't scuff it. I'm letting it track up & it's doing great. If I miss a touch right at the 10 or 6-10, w/my normal release, I know it will hold & maybe break back a board to get the spare. I wear a glove w/wrist support so I really don't want to change my releases for spares, just my lines. JMO.