That is A GOOD description of the game.

I have a question since we are at this subject.
I have seen some players playing the 1 or 5 board.
When they step on the push-step (the step before slide), they step with 10-15 degree angle. I have in mind Page, Ciminelli.
Well in other words "put their butt on the side"
I am a left handed bowler so it is easier for me to compare to other left handed bowlers.
I guess they do it to create more room for the ball, but I am not sure. On the other hand I see Duke who doesn't do this.

Is there some improvement of body motion to angle-step or it is just bowler preferences ?

I love it out there for the very reasons Bowlcoach55 said. The shot is not always going to be there, but on most nights I'll play the 6-7 board. And Coach is right if you tug it to the inside, the ball will usually hold. Get it outside into the dry and the ball will come back real nice. Its a fun place to play for me, no one else is usually out there. They are playing 10-12 and pushing oil my way.

Just a note about my experience yesterday:

I was playing limp-wristed straight down the first arrow, curving perfectly into the pocket. A perfect down-and-in shot. The next game, (because I get bored) I moved to the second arrow and threw exactly the same, also straight down the board. Over, under, all over the place, but never a strike. 6th frame, I moved back to first arrow and resumed hitting.

Bottom line - the invisible opponent. You have to experiment each time you bowl, find where the line is, and what type of release and/or equipment, and then play that line/release/equipment to get your best results.

I've found a strong liking for the first arrow, and enjoy watching the pros playing that line (Barnes, Belmonte, WRWJ)

Does anyone have a recommendation in regards to a ball and layout for playing first arrow? I was thinking a Storm Natural might be able to keep me out there all night unless it carries down too much oil, figure it wouldn't dry out a line like resin does to me right now.

No clue on what kind of layout would fit that type of line or if that is dependent on individual factors.

You should really play what the lane gives you, not try and find a way to play a specific line. If you're bowling on a house shot, the only people who can play outside of about 7 are people with very little hand.

As an example, if I tried to play up first arrow with anything other than a plastic ball on a house shot, the ball would either end up in the gutter at 50 feet or roll out at 20 feet. On the other hand, I love to play up or outside first arrow on something like the Cheetah.

Don't try and force a line. Play the line because that's where the shot is.

I love the twig, but I never get to see the shot. THS encourages swing. Maybe I'll look for a PBA shot. I played a used Cheetah once....was major fun:)

People like me, for instance. hehe. If I play any farther inside than about 12, it's a recipe for disaster.

Just posted my first video to YouTube. Unfortunately, they're doing site maintenance right now, so I can't link to it yet. I tell you, from this to buying a defective FireWire cable, someone up there doesn't want me to do this.


That's a problem I'd like to have. I can't do those things w/my Freeze, and as best I can understand it has a fairly aggressive layout bc my Pro Shop knows I have no hand.