Hey guys,

as you guys know, i'm a big fan of the PBA Strike Pass sessions, and I have discussed in different threads of how players are using the practice time to manipulate the lane patterns to work for their own game.

I tried it the past two week during league on our house shot by throwing the plastic ball up the 3rd arrow for about 5 minutes on each lane (we get 15 mins practice, about 4 on a pair). I then moved right near the 2nd arrow, and started to play the lanes 8 at the arrows, and the letting the breakpoint to be about 2, while having some moderate speed and low axis tilt. I love to play this area, as I feel that my carry percentage is higher there compared to playing the track (for me). After I had burned the heads at the area I started off playing, I went around the ball, and began to continue with the good results I have been experiencing. By the 3rd frame of the 3rd game, this area that I was playing, despite all of the speed and axis tilt adjustments, was completely unplayable.

I then used the same ball (Brunswick Inferno), broke the wrist, and came up straight up behind the ball... up the 3rd arrow where I have been throwing a plastic ball during practice.... and it worked perfectly, as I was successful in carrying down the oil with my plastic ball to create hold so I can play up the 3rd arrow.

I know that there are several elements that can allow me to do this in the past 2-3 weeks like the type of player and type of equipment the people on my pair are using, but is this strategy truly necessary? I know I am still in youth leagues now, but I am wondering that when I bowl in the high-stakes tournaments/leagues later in my career if it is really necessary to do this to win.

Also, at the same time, discuss what you feel about the manipulation of any lane pattern both on tour and at home.

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-Jeremy Vitug

In eight months, the tingle you are feeling will begin to burn.