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Fact: As soon as the oil dressing is applied to a lane it begins to evaporate.
How fast the dressing evaporates depends upon how much the lane is being used,
overhead lighting, the porosity of the wood, the type of dressing (lane oil),
outside climate, temperature of the bowling center and many other factors.
Lane conditioning is important because the amount of oil on the lane determines
how your ball will react during a shot.
Have you ever noticed during a game that even though you are doing everything
correctly, you are consistently missing to the right or left of the head pin?
The reason was probably because there was more or less "dressing" (lane oil) on
the lane than the last time you bowled.
Another important factor: The amount of oil is not the only consideration when
bowling. Where the oil is located (lane oil pattern) is also important. The
condition of the lane itself is also a factor. If it has been some time since
the lanes were refinished, areas have probably become old and worn. All these
factors play a role on what your ball does once it leaves your fingers.
What do you need to have in order to "adjust to lane conditions" properly?
#1 You must have an accurate AND consistent armswing
#2 Your armswing is timed properly with your feet movements
#3 The release has been mastered and is the same every time
#4 You walk straight to the foul line without drifting more than a board or two
right or left
If you have mastered the above list, it is now time to think about adjusting to
lane conditions to improve your average!
Lane Condition Basics
There are 3 basic types of lane conditions: oily (aka "heavy"), medium and
dry. While practicing you should take a look at the lanes. Do you see
patches of oil/shine or dull worn sections? Check your ball when it comes back.
Is there a telltale oily ring around it, or is it fairly dry? If you are bowling
in a PBA Pattern or Sport league, which pattern is it? Most bowling centers will
post a lane graph to give a road map to their bowlers to learn the best way to
the pocket. If you don't see a posted graph, just ask and find out what type of
shot is on the lanes. This will help you learn what to look for when your ball
rolls down the lane.
Lane conditions affect the performance of the ball on the lane. This is
why it is essential to understand the patterns and learn how to adjust. If the
lanes are dry, your ball will "dig in" more when it hooks. In other words more
of the sideways spin of the ball will be translated into hooking power.
The normal start for bowlers is to "hit your mark" or "play" around the 2nd
arrow. When bowling on Dry conditions: If you are right-handed, your ball
will probably hook too far to the left. If you are left-handed, your ball will
hook too far to the right. If the lanes are Oily however, your ball will
skid and slide more, and there will be little (if any) hook. This is because the
ball cannot get the traction to hook. There is greater friction between the ball
and the lane. If you are right handed your ball will probably miss to the right.
If you are left handed your ball will miss to the left.
Adjusting to lane conditions is referred to as "dialed in". In competition, the
game often goes to the person who recognizes what's happening out on the lane
and gets dialed-in first.
Two Basic Guidelines for Dialing-In to Lane Conditions
#1 Move in the Direction of the Error
#2 Go With the Flow
1.If your ball consistently misses to the right, move to the right in the
stance. If your ball misses tot the left, move to the left. How far should you
move? That depends upon how far your shots are off. If you are missing seven
boards to the left, move over seven boards, then make fine adjustments form
there to get dialed-in precisely. Aim for the same target out on the lane. Just
move to the right or left in the stance. This means that you will be opening or
closing your shoulders in relation to the lane. For right handed bowlers, open
your shoulders when you adjust to the left, and close your shoulders when you
adjust to the right. For left handed bowlers, close your shoulders when you
adjust to the left, and open your shoulders when you adjust to the right.
Remember! Even though you are moving to the right or left ...still walk straight
to the foul line! Check your feet position in the stance and at the foul line to
make sure you are not drifting.
2. Going with the flow means to take full advantage of whatever lane conditions
is present. This means:
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