You always hear a number of opinions on what one should do when faced with conditions that don't necessarily fit the A game one has for their bowling style. I was reading the tips a number of pros and coaches give in the latest issue of BTM and one that struck me as conflicting would be from Mark Estes who stated: "when you are in competition, try not to go too far outside of yourself. What I mean is, let's say you throw the ball straight and that it is a hooking condition and you decide that you want to hook the ball. It is really difficult to do this when it is not your natural game."

My A game is a down and in shot. There have been times when I've been in tournaments where the best carry will be from 25 to 12 at the breakpoint, and that if I stay with my down and in game, I may hit the pocket but not consistently carry due to the angle I'm coming in at versus the wider hook of another bowler.

I guess my query would be: Would you rather work on a style and use modifications based on hand releases, ball speed, equipment changes or do you think it's better to develop a B game (and possibly a C game) if you were to bowl in a number of different leagues/ tournaments through the years?

Matt

While playing different lines displays versatility that is not showing a “B” game.

Having a “B” game (or “C” or “D”) to me involves fairly major changes in the way you release the ball. Major changes of axis of rotation and tilt.  

I don’t feel the normal league and tournament bowler bowls enough games to get proficient “B” games. Unless ones “A” game is really a small niche shot having the versatility of playing all the lines, with some small release changes will be enough.

In general in tournaments if you can’t play your “A” game you probably are not going to be able to place high in the tournament and your “B” game will not get there either.

I believe in having a good all round “A” game and the versatility to play different lines is most important. Most bowlers I see playing with “B” games haven’t perfected their “A” game and would be better served working on their “A” game.

My a game is definatly the straighter the better but when I need to I can move and play deep. You need to practice more than just your A game. You need to teach your self to play deep, straight up and all that.
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Zack Pelton
Bowl To Win!!!

Bob,

  I clearly understand your point about no a/b game definitions and I somewhat agree with your analogy. Indeed if you are not capable and ready to perform those differences with high effeicency at at moment you are lacking.

  However, it is much easy to teach bowlers how to square up (hips/shoulders breakpoint) and move right... and call it the "a" game.... and to open up move left to send it and call it the "b" game.

  I dont see the definition of A/B game so much as a proficiency (which is your strongest or most reliable style) but more of an understanding of the differences between the styles used to create those events.

MSC2471,
  Clearly if you dont have it all you will be locked out more often than you could be. You should develop as many tools as you can to the point of profiecency.
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