| The sides of the
Cheetah pattern are being pushed sideways by the field because
only a select few on the PBA tour have a rev rate that will
allow them to play up the lane. There is a lot of discussion
about how different the lanes play on the opposite sides of the
lane.
There is no doubt the ball comes off the gutter more
consistently on the left side of the lane. How much of
that is because of the pattern I am not sure but it doesn't take
long before right handers trying to curve it see their ball over
push.
There is a lot of oil being applied in the first 15 feet of
the lane without much lateral taper to the pattern. Obviously
there are more right handers than there are left handers and the
greater majority of right handers have high rev rates. The
higher rev rates and angle preferences will transition the two
sides of the lane totally different. When somebody says that the
two sides of the lane are not fair it would be hard to argue
with them.
There is no real answer because as soon as the lanes are run
differently to allow for the different transition
characteristics you will hear that is unfair as well. Fairness
is not an issue, controlling and understanding transition is the
most important issue. Once the bowlers get to the match-play
rounds The rest of the field will not be as big of an issue.
That being said a fan watching will recognize a difference
and I am not interested in picking a side to debate. The bowlers
looking to play hook on the right are struggling while the right
handers closing down their angles and playing the hold are
finding plenty of mistake room.
So let it be known that I know the difference is obvious but
that is a subject for another time and place right now the
important thing is to maximize the opportunities given on either
side of the lane.
Straighter is greater this week and I think the match-play
rounds have proven that out. |
