Watching the pins can tell us so much more than we realize. We take the pins for granted and see them only as targets, when most of the time they are one of the most important tools we have at our procession.

We will use an example of one of our recent experiences. The pattern was tough we are not playing an area on the lane we are playing angles. As soon as, a bowler's angles are off it is an indication they are using the wrong ball or physical strategy. Our eyes naturally tell us we want to see the ball change directions and make a strong move through the pins. In painting a picture to the players this week we would tell them that if they could possibly leave the 3-6-10 they needed to consider a ball change. We knew we would be aiming at the 3 pin, but it did not matter if the bowler was standing on 2 or 42. They would be able to move pair to pair better if they were using a ball and physical strategy that allowed them to cut down their angles and feel they were using the three pin as their target (2 pin if you are a lefty).

The oil transitioned down the lane very quickly. The first step was to make sure that happened as fast as it could so transition would not be as drastic and the bowler would be able to use less angle. It was the second transition that caught most bowler's attention, when the heads or mid-lane dried up. Let's say a bowler was lined up focusing on the move the ball made through the pins. Obviously he would be looking for the ball to make a right to left move through the pins (right hander). If a bowler was focused on that he would either be aiming further right and using an area of the lane that was providing friction at the time or a ball and layout option that changed directions late and strong. That sounds good until you start thinking about transition.

Transition feels constant on patterns this flat and moving across the house. Whether it was oil going down lane or the early part of the lane breaking down a ball that changed directions on the lane was only going to see more. A ball and physical strategies that did not change directions would allow the bowler to play angles and not the lane. The first sign of trouble was the 3-6-10. As soon as you left it something was off. The first choice would be to make sure the bowler was still using angles and not an area of the lane. The second thought was the ball. It is way too easy to shoot 160 or less in this environment looking for text book reaction. If your ball choice or layout option allowed the ball to change directions sharply we would guarantee several games of 160 or less. Those are hard games to rebound against in the U.S. Open environment.

We chose to use layout and ball choices that would only see the early friction and allow the ball to stay on line. And since the bowler was playing angles at the three pin misses and transition were not going to be anything dramatic. We chose to use flaring options to create this because of the amount of oil down lane. This is a moving across the house strategy. If the bowlers were not moving across the house and they had more control of how the lanes were transitioning I would opt for different strategies.

Giving a player something to look for and key on during transition allows them to be aware of where they are in their game plan. This week it was when you leave the 3-6-10 check your angles and make sure it is not the ball that is causing it.

We are trying to give you some information that might help you in your environment. If that environment is league the obvious two pins to key on are the 10 pin and 4 pin. If you are leaving a combination of the two it is probably the wrong surface or wrong speed. If it is the flat ten it is probably angle and ball choices. Quite often we see bowlers using too strong of layouts and opening up their angles, which is a guarantee for poor carry. Opt to reduce your angles with higher flaring layouts and if flare is needed because of the oil down lane use a cover that will allow you to use stronger layouts and not use extreme angles. See your knowledgeable local pro shop operator to help you with these decisions; they are not always that easy to see from the foul line.

We hope you find this article of some value as you strive to improve. Be sure to watch the pins they may be telling you more than you realize.