Adjust From Bowling Pair To Pair
bowlingball.com; Originally Posted: 10/1/14; Updated: 4/11/21
If you are a tournament bowler, you are challenged to adjust from bowling pair to pair as quickly as possible.
Adjusting quickly to each new pair of lanes when you move after each game is the difference between having a successful event and one not so successful.
Additionally, it is surprising how many bowlers do not like bowling on the end pairs of lanes and prefer pairs near the middle of the house.
In reality, end pairs can be well matched pairs where each lane plays about the same.
Because end pairs get less use during open play times, the amount of linage is less than pairs located in the middle of the bowling center.
Because end pairs offer some psychological challenge to many bowlers, try to overcome these fears and believe that you can adjust easily and score well on end pairs of lanes.
When changing pairs during a tournament, it is important to make a good shot each of the first two frames so you can read the lanes and make sensible adjustments, if needed, in following frames.
If you bowl a good game and then move to a new pair, try and calm yourself so you make tension free shots during the first frames on the new pair.
Pay attention closely to your ball reaction in the mid-lane and watch your ball carefully travel down each lane.
Making a good adjustment is a matter of basing your trust in your ability to deliver a good shot and then make the adjustment needed to hit the pocket giving yourself a chance to strike.
You might observe a noticeable variation in how the lanes react as you cross pairs in competition.
There are various reasons why each lane can react differently than other lanes, than other pairs of lanes.
Although the lane machines are set to apply the same oil pattern on each lane, there could be variations in the surfaces of each lane causing skid distance variations due to excessive friction caused by lane surface wear from excessive linage.
Temperature and humidity can cause end pairs to vary your ball reaction compared to pairs near the center of the house.
In many cases, there are not double entry doors at the side entrances to given bowling centers and the lanes, therefore, can be directly exposed to dirt, sand, or moisture from the doors opening and closing frequently by center patrons during your competitive sessions.
High humidity causes a greater amount of lane surface friction than does low humidity. High friction produces less skid distance than does low surface friction.
Since the game largely has become one of friction match-ups between the lane surface and your bowling ball surfaces, it is critical you watch your ball react in the mid-lane when moving to new pairs during competition.
It can be helpful too watching other players with whom you are familiar with their games to see if the pair you are moving to hooks more or less than the pair you are finishing on.
Another factor is to trust your judgement if you made acceptable shots the first frames of a new pair of lanes.
Try to avoid adjusting to poor shots but rather make an adjustment based off of good shots whenever possible.
Adjusting successfully to each pair you bowl on requires concentration, full focus on making good shots, and watching your ball roll the entire distance of the lane so you can assess the overall motion and implement an adjustment from your bag of tricks so you hit the pocket as often as possible.
Make good shots, adjust bowling from pair to pair as needed, and enjoy the benefit of a successful competition.
