Bowler's Reference
 Targeting Techniques

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Targeting Techniques

Targeting starts with understanding the lane conditions.  Research has shown that targeting only the dots or arrows is inadequate, and highlights the need to consider more advanced targeting techniques.  As the lanes dry out the commonly used areas where the ball travels along the heads and pines, scores suffer, and bowlers unfamiliar with how to adjust their target and the length of their targets encounter conditions that negatively impact their ability to score.

Advanced level bowlers select targets that maximize their ability to enter the pocket at an optimum angle.  Selecting targets that maximize their margin of error is based on the oil pattern, the length of the pattern, and the volume of oil.

Lane Oil Pattern

This subject is covered in more detail in other sections, but for this discussion, it is to your advantage to have information concerning the oil pattern and volume of oil on the lanes.  More professional bowling centers publish this information.  You might need to ask desk staff or the lane maintenance staff. The information you seek is:

  1. The conditioner pattern
  2. The volume of oil
  3. The length of the pattern

Targeting Rules

Whether you personally research targeting or rely the research of those who have studied the subject, you will learn that ball reaction varies depending on the distance targeted.  Ball reaction changes depending on the distance of your target.

  1. The more distant your target, the straighter the ball will travel.  Conversely, the closer your target, the more the ball will arc.

More advanced bowlers vary the length of their target when adjusting for lane condition transitions.  USBC research suggests consideration of using the "Rule of 31".

  1. The longer the lane pattern, the deeper the ball's exit point as it leaves the oil.
    USBC research has determined that subtracting 31 from the total length of the pattern indicates the board where the exit point is located.  For example, if the oil pattern is 37 ft long, the exit point is the 6 board.  If the pattern is 40 ft long, the exit point is the 9 board.

Of course, the depth of conditioner affects ball reaction and the distance to your target as well as does the length of the pattern, so using this rule is an approximation, but a great place to start.

  1. The heavier the lane conditioner, the closer your target should be.  Conversely, the lighter the lane conditioner, the more distant your target should be.

Summary

Determine the length of the lane conditioner pattern, and subtract 31 to determine your break point.

The longer, flatter or heavier the pattern, or the harder the lane surface, the closer the target should be, and the more inside (toward the center of the lane) the breakpoint should be..

The shorter, thinner or lighter the pattern, the more distant the target should be, and the more outside (toward the channel) the breakpoint should be.

Your starting position depends on your ball speed, ball rev rate, and axis tilt.  Your hips and shoulders should be perpendicular to your target, and your feet and ball swing parallel to the target.

The push-away of the ball should be directly toward the target, and you should maintain eye contact on the target throughout the approach and release of the ball.

As the lane transitions, right-handers will move left, and left-handers will move right to maintain oil conditions near to consistent.  Use simple adjustments.  If you miss the pocket to the right, then move right with your feet.  Conversely, if you miss to the left of the pocket, then move left with your feet.  Maintain your target until the back-end, and then adjust your alignment to your target, break point and release point.

Selecting a Target

The best advice is to identify a set of targets during practice.  Whether you target the dots, arrows, board, pins, or any other place on the lane you need to focus on your target until you are comfortable and prepared before starting your approach.  Once you are in your stance, focus on your intended target for a couple of seconds until your internal focus tension relaxes.

Once you're set up and ready to go, focus your eyes on your target and block out all external distractions.  Don't think about the mechanics of your physical game, just bowl reflexively and react to the target as you release the ball.

If you use a 3-point targeting system, line up your shot using the distant focal point for a couple of seconds, and then back to your closer target for a second, then deliver the bowling ball.

Whether you target the dots, arrows, a board, pins, or any other place on the lane you need to focus on your target until you are comfortable and prepared to begin your approach.  Once you are in your stance, you should focus on your intended target for a couple of seconds until your internal focus tension relaxes.

If you use a 3-point targeting system, line up your shot using the distant focal point for a couple of seconds, and then back to your closer target for a second, then deliver the bowling ball.

Once you're set up and ready to go, focus your eyes on your target and block out all external distractions.  Don't think about the mechanics of your physical game, just bowl reflexively and react to the target as you release the ball.

How to Use Targeting Guides in Bowling

There are three major ways of targeting in bowling, pin bowling, spot bowling, area bowling and three-point targeting.

When you’re a beginner, it’s most likely you will be looking at the pins when you throw the ball. After all, they are your ultimate target so it makes sense to look at them when you’re making your shot.

This is known as pin bowling, and although it can be effective, there are actually better ways to do it.  Instead of looking all the way down at the pins, you should keep your focus closer to you.

Spot bowling is the preferred method, and this means aiming at the target arrows spread across the lane about 15 feet down from the foul line. If you aim your ball according to these seven arrows, you will have a much better chance of consistently hitting your target.

The reasoning behind this makes sense if you think about it. The pins are 60 feet away from you, while the arrows are much closer to you.

It is much easier to hit a target that’s closer rather than farther, and if you can hit the right arrow, your ball will most likely continue down that path and hit the right pin.

Area bowling is High-level players experiment when practicing to find out what works best for them. They will practice using targets and then switch to using just an area. When the lanes are conducive to scoring they may just target an area on the lane. When bowling on a USBC Sport Bowling condition such as at the USBC Masters where accuracy becomes a premium, players will use targets since hitting the pocket and leaving easier spares is very important.

Quality is rarely found by accident; it is always the result of
high intention, sincere effort, intelligent choice of direction and skillful execution;
it represents the wise choice of many alternatives.

 

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