Not always, it depends on the pattern(at least it should) and/or the lane topography. I bowl a PBA league year round and two PBA leagues in the Summer.
The year round league patterns play completely different from each other. Cheetah and Viper requires you to play more outside, while the longer patterns like Shark and Scorpion are generally inside shots. Chameleon offers an option to play to your personal strengths, but don't get too comfortable in any one spot as the shot will go away fast. Some of the named patterns have a combination of these characteristics. Earl Anthony seems to hold up well, but the punishment for missing outside is brutal. Dick Weber plays similar to Chameleon for me, but the transition isn't near as harsh and fast.
The summer only league is an entirely different matter though, it seems that everything tends to play more toward the middle of the lane. I suspect that it is because the lanes do not get stripped for the PBA league, but I can't prove that.
Try not to get caught up in trying to use a certain strategy just because that is how the pattern is "supposed to play". For example, Shark is long and tends to play inside, so everyone wants to use their biggest oil soaking sponge. That can make the pattern unplayable fast as the oil volume on Shark is actually less than Cheetah, but that oil is spread over a much larger area, hence it will dry out in the middle and you can find yourself with the fabled reverse block.
The best advise I can give you is simple and easy to follow. Watch where the higher scores are coming from and play in the same area. You will be amazed at how well that works.
Seems like the best shot in this type of league is playing inside instead of out. Less adjustments... Outside 12 you arent coming back
