This is the 6th professional oil pattern being discussed. The PBA Badger Pattern is the longest of the patterns at a whopping 52 feet, leaving only 10 feet for the ball the roll into the desired 1-3 pocket (1-2 for the lefty's).
Here are some pointers on how to play this pattern: 1. You need to keep the breakpoint (the point at which the ball begins to hook) closer to the pocket because of the higher volume of oil, so use a tighter line, meaning to play a more direct line into the pocket. Try laying the ball down around the 15th board to start and it can hook that last 2 1/2 boards to come into the pocket. 2. Speed control is important, so don't throw the ball too fast or your ball will skid into the pocket. Remember, to get a strike the ball needs to be in it's rolling phase on board 17 1/2 for best results! 3. If your ball hooks too early, the power will fade out by the time it hits the pocket and you won't get much pin action. 4. Play more in line with the pocket area on these longer oil patterns when it's fresh, then you can start making adjustments as the pattern begins to break down. 5. Accuracy is important to scoring well. If you miss the mark by more than a board, you may end up with a split or not coming up into the pocket area at all. 6. Focus on being consistent with hitting your target, especially early on. 7. A stronger ball is going to hook too early. It's better to use a weaker or lesser hooking ball if you have one in your bag, to conserve the balls' energy and get a better entry angle into the pocket since there's only about 8" of dry lane. Good luck and have fun practicing this one if you get a chance. Remember to take notes in your notebook as your'e playing on it, so you can refer to them if you get another chance to play on this pattern. Join me back here again in TWO WEEKS (but on Jan 3, because I'll be on the road traveling) when I'll be discussing Why the Strike May Not Be Carrying for you. Good Luck and High Scoring!! HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY!!!
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AuthorHello!! My name is Joanie. Although I'm not a professional bowler, I have loved the sport for more than 45 years, averaged over 200 for several seasons, and learned quite a bit with research and experience. Archives
February 2023
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