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.

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".

2. 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.

3. 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.