Sport patterns can be very challenging due to the extra oil toward the outside of the lane and the smaller margin for error. Longer oil can be difficult for bowlers with lower rev rates, or those who are used to playing open angles toward the gutter.
When faced with longer oil, here are a few tips to help you find good ball reaction and stay in the pocket:
- Keep your angles straighter on fresh. Use a breakpoint closer to the headpin and farther downlane.
- Use stronger balls that are drilled to finish strong, not roll early. Sand the balls to create enough friction in the midlane.
- Be prepared to adjust quickly. The prevalence of stronger, sanded balls will dry out the pattern faster than what you normally see on house shots or shorter oil.