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Author Topic: Left side of the lane vs the right  (Read 7905 times)

ITZPS

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Left side of the lane vs the right
« on: August 25, 2015, 05:21:23 PM »
I post this with a bit of trepidation . . and a lot of disclaimers.  In the video I'm going to link below, I discuss the differences between the left and right side of the lane.  First of all, it's a bit tongue in cheek, I'm not dead serious, and I hope you can pick up on that, although there are some honest observations in there.  Second of all, I'm sure I missed some things.  Third, SOME of the things I'm talking about are from MY experience, it's not a blind or non-objective blanket judgment about everything.  So if we can please keep the responses light and casual and avoid any mudslinging, that would be appreciated. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iRs1BiFRkeA
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Steven

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Re: Left side of the lane vs the right
« Reply #1 on: August 25, 2015, 05:51:38 PM »
You're a brave man to touch this subject.  :) 
 
I've never bowled "lefty", so all I can go by is what I see watching left handers bowl. To your main point in the video, there are advantages and disadvantages to both. That's why I try to drown out chatter related to the left vs. right argument.
 
However, I do find a recent interview of Mike Scroggins (lefty) to be very interesting after he recently won a PBA50 event. He said he prefers to make adjustments with equipment rather than moving left or right on the lane. Wow. It's almost never possible to camp out from the right, and a reason I believe a skilled lefty will usually have an advantage over a similarly skilled righty.
 
Regardless, this a debate that will rage on forever in the bowling world, and I try not to get too caught up in it.     

milorafferty

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Re: Left side of the lane vs the right
« Reply #2 on: August 25, 2015, 06:14:41 PM »
Lefty's are cheaters...  :o ;D
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ITZPS

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Re: Left side of the lane vs the right
« Reply #3 on: August 25, 2015, 06:57:32 PM »
Actually being fairly decent on both sides and being able to FEEL the difference turns out to be quite a bit different from how it looks.  I know exactly why Scroggy doesn't want to move, moving equals problems.  Transition on the left side for whatever reason is an absolute nightmare.  Lefties don't move because they don't know how, they know enough to know they don't want to mess with it.  But it's still bowling, and while I do think it's tougher on the left side, skilled lefties are always going to be tough to beat on anything. 
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Steven

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Re: Left side of the lane vs the right
« Reply #4 on: August 25, 2015, 08:04:57 PM »
Actually being fairly decent on both sides and being able to FEEL the difference turns out to be quite a bit different from how it looks.  I know exactly why Scroggy doesn't want to move, moving equals problems.  Transition on the left side for whatever reason is an absolute nightmare.  Lefties don't move because they don't know how, they know enough to know they don't want to mess with it.  But it's still bowling, and while I do think it's tougher on the left side, skilled lefties are always going to be tough to beat on anything.

Exactly. I'd rather not move too, for the same reasons. The difference being is that on the right, I don't have a choice. Transition becomes so extreme, no amount of equipment change is going to allow me to stay in the same place. Conversely, a skilled lefty can usually pull it off. That's why the better ones can be tough to beat.

LookingForALeftyWall

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Re: Left side of the lane vs the right
« Reply #5 on: August 26, 2015, 09:12:26 AM »
It's about time a righty got the left side right.  Good job!
Transition on the left side for whatever reason is an absolute nightmare.  Lefties don't move because they don't know how, they know enough to know they don't want to mess with it.  But it's still bowling, and while I do think it's tougher on the left side, skilled lefties are always going to be tough to beat on anything. 

First off - good job on the video!

I've been bowling the last 4 seasons with another lefty who uses really aggressive equipment and it was a challenge learning the different nuances of transition.  Some nights, I don't have to move or ball down and other nights I move 10 boards and ball way down.  Some nights it's a 2 and 1 and other nights it's 4 and 0.  There's not much rhyme or reason but there is a lot of truth in breakpoint management (or shortening the lane) on the left.

mtgruen

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Re: Left side of the lane vs the right
« Reply #6 on: August 26, 2015, 12:20:22 PM »
Very impressive and honest analysis. Actually, it's the first time I've ever heard anything close to an objective analysis of the left side of the lane.  I would say the other issue that changes the dynamics on the left is that we usually can't manipulate our shot.  We don't move because typically there is only one way to get to the hole and if carry is bad from that angle, you're out of luck. I think that's why Scroggins talks about changing equipment instead of line.

txbowler

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Re: Left side of the lane vs the right
« Reply #7 on: August 26, 2015, 12:41:58 PM »
On Scroggins, there is another article from him where he says that on tour, most if not all lefties must play the 5 to the gutter to succeed.  Why you ask?  Because on most of the patterns, the righties are moving left as the lane transitions throughout the block, and by the end of burn squads, there is no head oil for the lefties to use except outside 5.  When you see the righties lofting the channel looking for oil, the lefties will not find any moving right.

He struggled at nationals a bit last year with the all lefty teams because they had to move in (like a right hander usually does) and he hadn't done it in years and wasn't prepared.  (ok, no nose bleed jokes).

todvan

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Re: Left side of the lane vs the right
« Reply #8 on: August 26, 2015, 03:19:59 PM »
Good points.  You touched on this, but I am wondering about transition on the left side and if you think it is better to ball down and use the same line vs move inside?

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Azaelv

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Re: Left side of the lane vs the right
« Reply #9 on: August 26, 2015, 03:31:08 PM »
As a lefty, when transition occurs I have 3 options. Tipically I play 8-10th board to 3-5.

1. Move left, 5-7th board and go straight as possible or even more left
2. Different ball, for example I'm using my marvel S, change to my crux pearl so I can keep the same line and just clear the heads and keep my angles correctly (increase speed if necessary)
3. Move 5-6 boards right and keep the same 3-5 as breaking point

This last move I RARELLY use it because it means trouble and the breakpoint gets kinda sensitive, no matter what ball I use my pocket gets smaller (of course it looks pretty), while on the first 2 pocket gets bigger and with little bit more speed you can stay there as long as you want adjusting ball.

I've thrown a couple shots on the right side and the main difference I've notice is that right side of the lane is on fire compared to the left side due to the amount of bowlers that are RH vs LH
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LiverDance

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Re: Left side of the lane vs the right
« Reply #10 on: August 26, 2015, 03:56:09 PM »
Thank you, well played, ITZPS!

todvan

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Re: Left side of the lane vs the right
« Reply #11 on: August 26, 2015, 06:04:01 PM »
Another question on the video about making adjustments.  You mention adjusting 2-0 or 3-0.  I have always thought this meant 2 or 3 boards with your feet and 0 with your target at the arrows...but this adjustment doesn't seem right...is the second number your breakpoint instead?  Any other advice on learning adjustments for the left side?  Thanks!
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ITZPS

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Re: Left side of the lane vs the right
« Reply #12 on: August 26, 2015, 07:13:59 PM »
Yeah, my breakpoint.  I don't really subscribe to the lingo, so I probably am using it wrong.  I throw the ball where it hits the pocket and knocks the pins down.  *Most* people cling too hard to board by board moves and get so caught up in the boards they're hitting they forget that knocking down the pins is what the game is all about. 

Another question on the video about making adjustments.  You mention adjusting 2-0 or 3-0.  I have always thought this meant 2 or 3 boards with your feet and 0 with your target at the arrows...but this adjustment doesn't seem right...is the second number your breakpoint instead?  Any other advice on learning adjustments for the left side?  Thanks!
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ITZPS

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Re: Left side of the lane vs the right
« Reply #13 on: August 26, 2015, 07:17:26 PM »
On sport patterns, like Scroggy mentioned, you definitely want to start as deep as you're going to play and move outside.  Moving inside, even on a house shot is sometimes a crap shoot at best.  The move off the friction is just too strong, so wet/dry is something you want to avoid at all costs.  Obviously wet/dry is a problem on the right side too, but it's easier to manage and not as sharp. 

Good points.  You touched on this, but I am wondering about transition on the left side and if you think it is better to ball down and use the same line vs move inside?
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Dave81644

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Re: Left side of the lane vs the right
« Reply #14 on: August 26, 2015, 08:00:55 PM »
I am finally learning to manage the lane front to back, not side to side as much and it really has helped me understand how to have a soft hand and proper grip pressure
I sometimes try to use something aggressive in practice and at least some frames to try and create a friction spot, it all depends on pattern and volume