Not sure if this is a common problem that bowlers deal with from time to time, but so far this season, with few exceptions (my first 700 being one)  I'm all over the place as far as consistency goes.  Meaning I can't hit my mark consistently, therefor my scores are all over the place.  So I'm gonna try some advice the pro shop operator gave me a while back....

At the time, I asked him, if you have two balls that are hitting good (providing you're hitting your mark!!) but you are standing several boards apart, how do you decide which ball to use?  Without hesitation he said, the one that lets me start farthest right, and went on to explain why.  (He's right-handed, btw.)  Made perfect sense and I filed the info away in the back of my brain. 

Fast forward to now.  Using my Roto Grip Theory I usually stand about 8-9 boards left of center and throw out to the second arrow.  If using my Defiant Soul (which is the ball I used when I got my 700) I can move about 2 boards right and still throw at the second arrow.  If I hit my mark, great!!  But I'm not.  Seems like I start by missing outside, then the ball doesn't come back.  So then I let up just a little and  I miss inside.  If I'm lucky it goes Brooklyn.  If not, I get a split.  So yesterday I went to practice and decided to throw one of my older balls, a Storm Special Agent.  With it, I'm standing 3 boards left of center and still throwing at the second arrow.  So it's a much straighter shot.  At least on delivery.  And my consistency was a whole lot better!!!  My first game was a 267.  So to see if that was a fluke I bowled two more games with it.  My second was a 187 and my third was a 223.  I know the scores weren't real consistent, but I was and it's the best "series" I've had in a month or so.   

I know it was just practice, but for now the Special Agent is back in the bag and I'll see what happens Thursday at league. At this point I'm willing to try anything!!   

 

         

I think the league scenario calls for a different strategy than longer formats and/or tournament conditions.  In league, I like to use a ball that lets me stay straighter and further right out of the gate.  My carry is much better when I don't have to hook around the oil.  When the heads go and I have to move in I then go to something stronger.  On tournament patterns, you always have to be aware that you are going to have to move in fairly quick, unless you are on a very short pattern.  The difference is that you have to bring your break point in as you move deeper on the tournament patterns.  I think this is what leads to the straighter is greater sayings.  On house shots it really depends on your style.  If you have the revs you can move in and hook the lane early.  If not you will carry better trying to stay straighter using tame equipment for at least a game or so. 

The biggest myth is that lower rev straighter players need strong equipment to combat their lack of hand.  In reality straighter low rev players can make just as much use of tame equipment as power players, they just use it in different circumstances. 

Also, Knowing if you drift or not, and knowing your "personal number" - how many boards between slide ankle and ball at release point, can be really helpful and easier to adjust when you miss.

It's old school dick ritger teachings, but I still use it today.

To address the drifting issue; yes, I do drift, but how much I'm not sure.  I know it's not as much as it used to be because it was pointed out to me and it's something I've tried to work on.  So I understand what guys are getting at.  Another thing that I may have explained wrong (or not at all) is my lay-down spot.  To be honest, I'm not sure exactly where I lay down the ball.  All I know is that when the ball gets out to the arrows, if it doesn't cross over the top of the second arrow or come within a board or two one way or the other, it's not going to be a very good shot.  And yes, as the ball continues past the arrows, it does get outside the second arrow, usually by about 2-3 boards.  Which would be out to about 7-8 boards.  But if it gets out as far as the fifth board, it's not coming back.  But the bottom line is, something has changed in my mechanics (or something) and what used to work isn't and I'm not able to consistently hit my mark, regardless of where I'm starting.  One thing I've been wondering about, is if it's time to drop down to a 15 pound ball.....     

And yes, lining up where I'm at now definitely puts me (or at least my right hand/arm) more in line with the second arrow, which seems to make for less chance of error in hitting my mark. 

Thanks for the comments, help and suggestions .  As I'm sure you can tell, I'm just a recreational/league bowler, so I apologize if my explanations and terminology are lacking.   League is tonight so I'll see what happens. 

Thanks again!!

Well, call it luck or the right adjustment, but whatever it was, switching balls and going straighter definitely paid off.  Shot a 703 series last night and my highest game ever; a 279!!  Started the second game with two 9/spares then struck out.  During practice (before league) I found my spot, which wasn't too far from where I was when I practiced on Tuesday.  Started at 2 boards left of center (22 boards) and the only adjustment I had to make during the three games was to move back a couple of inches during the third game.  Reason for that was because I was hitting the pocket but leaving solid 10 pins.  And I missed one of them, which was my only open frame of the night.  And hitting my mark was so much easier.  So I guess I know where I'll be playing from now on.  At least until that stops working!!  LOL!!

To address avabob's comments;
"Do you ever make any adjustments to play a track that is either outside or inside 10 board at the arrows."
Yes, I have made adjustments to throw inside the 10 board, but it's been after I've moved a couple of  boards left or just started farther left to try a different shot.  Sometimes I have success with that and sometimes I don't.  Seems like the ball gets into more oil and goes straighter longer then snaps at the end and other times it just keeps sliding.  Kinda like when I get it out to or outside the five board.


The fact that you say the ball doesn't recover when it gets out to 5 also suggests you are playing to far to the right.
As for the ball not coming back when I get it out to the 5 board, I'm not the only one that has problems with that, at least on these lanes.  The only people that seem to have much success with that are the ones that really crank the ball.  I don't know how much of a factor this is, but these are synthetic lanes. And it's the only synthetics I've ever played, so I don't have anything to compare to, other than wood. 

I cant imagine playing any area on a lane for more than about 7 shots in todays environment.
With very few exceptions, I seldom move more than 2-3 boards over the course of three games.   Maybe I should and I'm just not experienced enough to realize it.  Or I wait too long to make a move.  But most of my problems come from my own inconsistencies.  For example, the only two 700's that I've shot (both in the last month!!), I didn't need to move left or right even a half a board.  And each was thrown with a different ball, throwing a different line.   So whether that can be attributed to good lane conditions or luck, I don't know.       

Anyway, thanks again for the comments and suggestions!!