Strike and Spares
Cleaning out the mail bag This week’s column is once again coming to you from Nebraska. I am still in my hometown taking care of some family business. As I mentioned last week I am out of contact with most of my sources so this column like last week’s will reflect more research on our sport rather than the personal stories. It is my hope that these few informational columns will increase everyone’s knowledge of the sport.
A few things popped up on the e-mail that I would like to acknowledge before I get to far into my ramblings.
Joe Gudac of Gudac Bowling Lanes sent over a few scores that I would like to pass on. On Tuesday Oct. 26, Vince DeCarlo rolled an 825 series in the Brownsville Classic League on games of 279, 289, 257. This was Vince’ second 800 series. Vince currently holds the house record for Gudac Lanes with an 837-rolled last year. Carolyn Matis of Fairbank Bowling Center also sent information about a 300 bowler. Alan Scabis bowled a 300 in the Tuesday night Men’s League at Fairbank Bowling Center. Hopefully when I return I will have an opportunity to talk with those who have posted notable scores in the last several weeks.
In doing some research for this column and talking with a few bowlers I realized how little I know about bowling balls and how they match up with various bowling styles. The tool of the sport is given close attention by those who are true purest. However for those of us who are casual bowlers well, it is just a ball isn’t it? Read on.
The old saying of, “you are only as good as your tools,” comes out in every sport. In such an individualized sport as bowling the ball becomes even more important element. Rather than getting into all of the different bowling balls available it may be of use to you to understand your style in order to match it to the proper ball.
What type of bowler are you? Stroker, tweener or cranker? I found these descriptions to be helpful in understanding the different styles. These are terms that maybe familiar to some but they are worth explaining.
The first step in determining your style is to understand the number of revolutions your ball makes as it travels down the lane.
To count your revolutions, simply place two pieces of 1″ white bowler’s tape, side by side, between thumb and finger holes. This will create a large white square that will be easily traced and counted after the ball is thrown. Start counting the balls revolutions from the minute it leaves your hand until the ball hits the head pin. Ideally this should be done on an oily lane to get a true representation of your rev count.
A stroker is one who typically plays a more direct line. Bowlers that fit this description tend to be more accurate and usually you find them scoring well in the difficult conditions. Strokers tend to need the right drilling layout to aid in scoring their highest games. Strokers tend to have 9 countable revs or less.
Tweeners are medium hook players. It is not unusual for Tweeners to swing the ball out 3 to 10 boards or more. Tweeners usually have 10 to 14 countable revs.
Finally crankers create the largest margin of error while still being able to strike. Crankers are more the power bowlers, which sometimes mean less accuracy leading to inconsistent scoring and larger splits. Crankers are really spinning the ball with 15 or more revs.
This week, I will pick up from here with what ball types match up with the various styles and also discuss other factors such as carry down, ball speeds and lane conditions and how all of these influence ball selection.
Contact Brien Casey at brianwcasey@hotmail.com