Sport bowling
Sport Bowling is any form of bowling using complex oil patterns to reduce the advantage given by modern bowling balls. Sport Bowling was created by the United States Bowling Congress, the governing body of the sport of bowling, to offer players the opportunity to bowl on exactly the same lane conditions and oil patterns that professional bowlers face on the PBA Tour. Sport Bowling originally referred to leagues, known as PBA Experience Leagues, which are offered in conjunction with the Professional Bowlers Association. However, the term is now used to refer to any bowling event which incorporates a sport shot or pattern.
The difference in sport bowling versus traditional bowling leagues is in the way the oil pattern is laid down on the bowling lane. In a traditional pattern, the majority of the oil is applied to the center of the lane. The outsides are left dry which creates more friction and hook. The oil in the center of the lane creates hold. Therefore, a typical house pattern is very wide open and it is easy to get to the pocket. With the introduction of sport bowling' original five oil patterns, the oil ratio applied between the outside and inside parts of the lane was drastically reduced. Once the specifications for creating sport patterns was understood, many more were created and included in both league and tournament play.
Original PBA Experience Patterns
The Chameleon is a 39-foot, strip-style pattern that challenges players to adjust their game and attack from different angles in order to score well.
The Cheetah, at 35 feet, is the shortest of the PBA patterns. Cheetah plays extremely close to the channel and requires a smooth reaction off the break point.
The 41-foot Scorpion, with a larger volume of oil down the lane, tends to play in the track and calls for straight angles with an aggressive ball.
The longest and possibly most difficult pattern is the Shark. At 43 feet, the key to success is slower ball speed, keeping the break point as close to the head pin as possible.
Like its namesake, the 37-foot Viper comes at bowlers quickly from all angles. Bowlers will want to start as far outside as possible and make adjustments to maintain control of the pocket as the pattern breaks down.
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