Author Topic: Reading oil patterns (Read 8675 times)

jaydee · « **on:** July 17, 2011, 11:59:11 PM »

Just wondering if you're heading into a tournament and you know what the spec sheet is on the pattern, but haven't played it before, how do you go about determining what ball to throw for a first shot, and where you're going to throw it? And can you predict how it will break down, or play in later shifts?

I know length obviously, but what's the difference (in play) for forward oil, reverse oil, buff, boards crossed, etc?

For example, how would you compare the 2011 USBC Open pattern to the 2011 USBC Youth Open pattern? All I can really tell is that the Youth pattern has a longer pattern, but less total volume. While the Open has mostly forward oil (23.95 mL) and little reverse (3.4 mL), the Youth pattern has about the same amount of forward and reverse (~12mL forware, ~10.4mL reverse). I imagine the youth pattern is much easier for the youngsters, but how could you tell that by looking at the spec sheets?

Youth pattern:

http://usbcongress.http.internapcdn.net/usbcongress/bowl/tournaments/pdfs/usbcyouthopenchamp/2011/2011YouthOpenPattern.pdf

Open pattern:

http://usbcongress.http.internapcdn.net/usbcongress/bowl/tournaments/pdfs/usbcopenchamp/2011-usbc-oc-pattern.pdf

ImBackInTheGame · « **Reply #1 on:** July 18, 2011, 08:22:29 AM »

I really don't know, but as for the first shot, I think people take their "benchmark" ball, and adjust or change balls from there during warm-ups. Knowing the pattern is only part of the equation. Every lane surface is different and will affect the reaction of your equipment.

hhhbs1 · « **Reply #2 on:** July 18, 2011, 08:48:16 AM »

Using the graphs you can tell a few things that are different. The easiest one is the length of the patterns. Youth is 44ft and the Adult is 41ft. The next thing is if you look at the track zone ratio you will see that there is a big diference there. The youth one on the right side is at about a 5 to 1 ratio. Compared to a 2.8 to 1 on the adult one. This normally means the youth pattern should have more room for error. What I find interesting is the youth pattern the right and left sides are different. The left side ratio is a little less.

The youth pattern I would probably start off 15 to 10 or so and see what reaction i get. On the adult one I played about 10 -8 starting out. There is really no way to know how the pattern will break down. A lot of that has to do with the lane surface, what equipment and lines everyone is playing.

Edited by hhhbs1 on 7/18/2011 at 8:51 AM

jaydee · « **Reply #3 on:** July 18, 2011, 11:48:53 AM »

I missed the part about the zones. Good to know.

What about the forward application, reverse application? Is there a difference in how the ball rolls through more more forward/more reverse/even distrobution? Does it effect how the oil carries down?

dizzyfugu · « **Reply #4 on:** July 19, 2011, 12:59:12 AM »

The oil pattern graph is IMHO helpful for a starting guesstimate. Length and overall volume are some indicators for how long the pattern might last, the ration tells you something about how much "bumper" area to expect. The lower the ratio, the straighter you should IMO basically start, with less swing.

Forward and reverse oil can also tell you something about the transition area at the pattern's end. Forward oil will create a smooth end, where the ball gradually gets hold but where the pattern might also dissipate quickly (ending in over/under issues). If the pattern ends in reverse oil, the oil edge is more defined and there's more oil volume to be expected there - some carrydown can be expected.

This is not written in concrete, but you get vague indicators about what to expect and maybe where to start and with which ball. If the plan actually works must be tested in preparation shots - personally, I try to use the weakest ball that yields a good overall reaction, so that I can gradually adjust my line and release from a safe starting point.

DizzyFugu - Reporting from Germany
2010/11 Benrather BC Club Champion
Confused by bowling? Check out BR.com's vault of wisdom: the unofficial FAQ section

batbowler · « **Reply #5 on:** July 19, 2011, 08:06:29 AM »

The ratio at the track area is closer to a house shot ratio. A sport shot ratio is 3:1 or less and the challenge shot is around 3.1:1 to around 4.9: 1 and a house shot is around 5:1 ratio. If you subtract 31' from the pattern length it will give you an area for the ball to exit the pattern. You have to take in consideration as stated before as to where others are playing and what equipment they are using! If everybody is playing the pattern in similar zones/areas you can break them down together, but if everybody is playing them differently they can be a nightmare. The track area on most lane surfaces will break down the fastest cause of that's where everybody plays them normally and it's usually more worn! On the fresh condition you can use a more aggressive ball with surface to break down the shot to create area. Always try to break down the pattern right of where you want to play so you create more room to the right or left if left handed. Doing this will create more of the look of a house shot and helps create more comfort to allow for miss to the right. Just my $.02, Bruce

Train a child up in the way they should go and when they are old they will do some "Damn Good Bowling", be a "DV8" and not turn from it, besides bowling starts with a Big B!

The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer and not of Brunswick Corporation.

Bruce Campbell
USBC Bronze Certified Coach
IBPSIA Certified Technician
Originator of the -35deg x 25 leverage drilling!

http://www.damngoodbowling.com/catalog

http://www.brunswickbowling.com/products
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ccrider · « **Reply #6 on:** July 20, 2011, 06:20:29 AM »

Interesting. If I had to guess I would say that most good bowlers do not miss right often.

makpa · « **Reply #7 on:** July 20, 2011, 02:05:51 PM »

according to Jeff Mark AKA bowling doctor.

One of the first thing a pro should learn is to miss left not right. Look for the shim/hold and not the hook.

When you play on sport shots you dont look for hook but hold.

ccrider · « **Reply #8 on:** July 20, 2011, 04:36:06 PM »

Yup. I have a friend that has bowled the tour. He can play straight up the two board and never throw it into the gutter. If he misses, its inside and not by much.

makpa wrote on 7/20/2011 2:05 PM:
according to Jeff Mark AKA bowling doctor.

One of the first thing a pro should learn is to miss left not right. Look for the shim/hold and not the hook.

When you play on sport shots you dont look for hook but hold.

Those that can do. Those that can't complain. Pimpin ain't easy, but it's mandatory.

Most things we like, we don't need. Most things we need, we don't like. Don't confuse your likes with your needs.

Author Topic: Reading oil patterns (Read 8675 times)

jaydee

Reading oil patterns

ImBackInTheGame

Re: Reading oil patterns

hhhbs1

Re: Reading oil patterns

jaydee

Re: Reading oil patterns

dizzyfugu

Re: Reading oil patterns

batbowler

Re: Reading oil patterns

ccrider

Re: Reading oil patterns

makpa

Re: Reading oil patterns

ccrider

Re: Reading oil patterns