Two-Handed Bowling: Ball Selection for Short Pattern

In this Premium Video, Scott Pohl, owner of On Track Pro Shop, walks through the four different bowling balls that Jackson Hellen chose to use when bowling on Radium.

Pitch Black

When bowling on a short pattern there will be a lot of hook on the lane. Sometimes the right ball choice is a urethane ball. We’re going to have Pitch Black out there. It has urethane coverstock and provides a very smooth, controllable motion front to back and the layout is pretty weak as well.

Idle

You might say to yourself that an Idle is a little bit of a stronger ball, is that really a good idea for Radium Jackson has a weaker layout on this Idle, it’s actually pin down. It blends that oil out front-to-back as the lanes transition.

Wolverine

With more play on the lanes, we’re going to see some differences between the Idle and a shiny, reactive Wolverine. Once again, we have a pin down layout that helps when bowling on Radium. It will help blend out the wet-dry front-to-back on the lane and even a little bit side-to-side.

IQ Emerald

Well, last but not least, there’s an IQ Emerald, which stores a little bit more energy in the front part of the lane, saving it for the back part of the lane. Choosing the correct ball for this pattern is crucially important.

Equally as important is having versatility in your game to make adjustments outside of ball choice, these adjustments will keep you in the pocket for a longer period of time.
Check out our three part series on how to become a more versatile bowler:

Becoming a More Versatile Bowler: Part 1
Becoming a More Versatile Bowler: Part 2
Becoming a More Versatile Bowler: Part 3