For weeks now, I have been reporting of problems at our House. Bowlers have been complaining. No one is happy. Well today, a friend knew I was home and asked if I would practice with him. I did.

While there, the General Manager walked by. I decided to ask what is wrong with the shot in this house? The Asst Mgr won't tell us. So, maybe I could get some satisfaction. Here is what he said.

The House decided to put down a reversed block pattern. It is 41 feet in length, with an additional 5 feet on the outside 10 boards. In itself, this is tough. He also admitted that they just figured out that the lane machine outside spray nozzles were malfunctioning, and spraying additional oil on the outside. This made a flood outside of 10 all the way down the lane. Dry in the middle back 19 feet so stronger balls cross over.. It is an impossible shot.

He said they just figured it out, but have to order replacement parts for the machine. It should be fixed by next week.

I am glad I found that out. I tested it. Went to a weaker ball, my Storm Shift. Stood at 30 out to 12 at the break, and there it was. This is a line I normally shy away from, but now realize it is the only shot for me in this house.

I sub tonight, I will see if I can carry this shot on that line. Then, hopefully, back to a decent shot by next week.

A reverse block in itself is terrible enough, then add in the malfunction and ouch. At least now you know what is going on.

Yikes, what a nightmare to bowl on. Glad to hear there may be light at the end of the tunnel, Dennis.

What kind of place do you bowl in where they put down a reverse block on purpose for league?

Well I have never heard of that, I always wondered what an oil pattern like that would be like. Well, now I know, lol. Its good they are getting it fixed though.

Glad to hear that Dennis. Hopefully now everything will get straightened out.

Glad you found someone in that center that would explain what was going on with the shot. Reverse block that one hella of house shot!

There are several positive things that may come out of this:

1. your nose may stop bleeding when you have to move your feet left of 20.

2. You will get to keep your deflated nonsanctioned sport average for handicap tournaments.

3. Finding someone you can trust to tell you the truth about the lanes.

I just hope it didn't cost you too much to get them to put down the reverse block.

Also don't be surprised that playing that far inside will be how you are supposed to play the lanes even after they get the machine fixed, remember he said the sprayers were going nuts on the outside 10 boards, that doesn't change where you are playing the lanes standing 30 and going out to 12 at the break, so get used to it.

I am taking something positive away from all of this. I DID read the lanes properly. I identified the outside corners as slick. I found the line at the 12 board. I changed to a less aggressive ball. But, this took me 3 weeks to do.

I didn't however, move to a line that worked, and still have trouble on the 30 board out. The farthest I would move is about 24, and that, as I saw, resulted in diving shots. But, I would fight that line instead of keep moving more left.

Now, I have to fight the arm control as I move farther left. I have a hesitancy to pull from there. I don't trust that shot.

It does give me more knowledge to quiet the perturbed and agitated bowlers in the league.

Dennis,
Good luck next week. Reverse block is tough but machine laying down extra oil out there made it impossible. Keep us posted on how you do.
GL
Russ