Two-Handed Bowling: Early in the Block Medium Pattern Lane Transition
Scott PohlDescription
In a previous video, Jackson Hellen has a great look during practice time with his idol. All the preparation up to this point included reading Autobahns lane sheet, selecting the bowling balls Hellen plans to use, altering their coverstocks, and selecting which ball to start the block with.
In this premium video, Scott Pohl, owner of On Track Pro Shop, explains what Hellen is going through as competition starts and the lanes begin to transition.
Idle
Jackson used the Idle for quite a while during this competition on Autobahn. He was throwing good shots and then the transition happened. He watched the Idle lag and not make the corner at the breakpoint and it came up light leaving the two-pin.
We have some decisions to make now. First things first, make the most comfortable decision for you. Jackson’s choices are to use that same ball, slow it down a little bit, and let the ball shape a little bit more on the backend; or he can switch to a little bit more aggressive bowling ball and possibly move more inside with the line.
Rocket Ship
When Jackson changed balls to the Rocket Ship, he moved a little bit further in with his feet and at the arrows. This gave him a little bit more swing area to shape the lane, especially on the backend. It has a consistent controllable reaction while keeping in mind that in the not so distant future he will probably see another transition.
Fortunately, we put the right finish on this ball’s coverstock, 3000 grit. It held up for a long time in this block. If we would have put it at 2000 grit, it might have hooked a little bit too early and he might have just had to keep that ball in his bag.
Let’s say we brought it to a 4000 grit finish. It likely would have skidded too far and would not have had enough energy to make the turn back to the pocket. Remember, 75% of a bowling ball’s motion on the lane is provided by its coverstock.