Bowlers Journal International - March 2008 - (Page 49)

WITH THOMAS MADRECKI STRATEGY SESSION HOW TO PLAY THE USBC OPEN PATTERN Two accomplished bowlers who have been there/done that offer tips on what line to play and what equipment to bring to the Albuquerque Convention Center. UPON LEARNING THAT JEAN-FRANcois Champollion — the French scholar who deciphered Egyptian hieroglyphics — was unavailable to translate the 2008 USBC Open Championships’ oil pattern, Bowlers Journal International did the next best thing: We went out and got some truly qualified individuals to “break down” the pattern that is being used this year at the Albuquerque Convention Center. That’s why 2004 Open Singles and All-Events champion John Janawicz, who serves Kegel as international technical delegate and pattern specialist when he’s not bowling for Team USA, joined 1983 Masters champion and former Team USA coach Mike Lastowski in the roundtable discussion that follows. How would you guys suggest playing the lanes? Mike Lastowski: The pattern is 40 feet long; therefore, an approximate 5-degree entry angle would be achieved if the ball exited the oil near board 9. John Janawicz: My opinion is between 7 and 11, depending on your ball speed and rev rate. So, I take it you recommend a straighter line of attack, at least on the fresh? J.J.: In general, you are going to be safer that way. Some of the guys with higher rev-rates can only go so straight — but straighter angles, or at least straighter for that given person, would be better. For Doubles and Singles, though, you are pretty much at the mercy of the people in front of you. And why should we go straight? J.J.: Straighter angles through the front of the lane are usually better because, when transition takes place, it will affect your ball less. Anything you can do to improve your chances while going straight up the lane? M.L.: Use dull, sanded, high-flaring balls, rolled parallel to the channel on knocked out? M.L.: After the sanded balls begin to over-hook/hook too soon, do not move inside too quickly! Instead, use a ball with a smoother surface, which will not absorb oil as quickly. This will allow you to play the track created by the highly absorbent balls and still leave a small "wall" of lane conditioner to the inside of your playing area. COURTESY UNITED STATES BOWLING CONGRESS Speaking of switching balls, what kind of equipment should I bring? J.J.: You are definitely looking at your benchmark — smoother in terms of shape — and you probably want something that is earlier and smoother on the back, and then something like a pearl, longer with a strong arc. Three different shapes. Also, don’t be afraid to drill a ball at one of the booths. Bill Calhoon in the Ebonite booth drilled me up the ball that I used to win the Singles and AllEvents titles in 2004. No matter which ball company you prefer, all of the booths have qualified drilling technicians and, most importantly, they are there everyday, so they have seen many people play on the lanes and have some of the best insight on what types of balls/drillings/surfaces are working best. If that ball gives you a good ball On this chart, red represents forward oil, green represents reaction that none of your other reverse oil, dark blue represents combined oil, and light bowling balls do, it will pay for blue represents the buff area. For detailed information, itself at the tournament. including oil volumes in the various areas, visit bowl.com. approximately boards 5 and 6. This will "punch a hole" in the lane condition and create a sort of ball track that will allow balls to hook and finish. Yeah, we’ve heard that before. What do you do, though, after the pattern is Any special thoughts in advance on surfaces or drillings? J.J.: On the fresh, you need control off the end of the pattern, and a little bit of surface will help the ball burn off a bit of energy. A 1000 or 2000 Abralon pad is a good starting point for most players. bowlers journal international 49 MARCH 2008 http://bowl.com

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Bowlers Journal International - March 2008 Contents Leading Off Letters Bowlitically Incorrect Par Bowling The Coach Calendar Inside Line Tournaments The Truth Be Bowled Pro Bowling Back On Track Weber Tales Spares Do Matter Cover Story Up Close USBC Women's Time Capsule Flashback Strategy Session Guest Column Regional Roundup Team USA Trials Military Salute Global Guide No Holes Barred Marketplace Bowling Summit Museum Update Hall Marks Advertisers' Index Rememberance Classified Advertising Intelligencer Business Calendar Business People Strikes Me

Bowlers Journal International - March 2008

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