Versatility Drills: Playing 4 Different Zones

Finding the breakpoint down lane and observing how your ball rolls through the pins tells the story of your shot. The goal is to play the optimal line to achieve the best entry angle into the pocket. If you’re not playing the best line for the shot you are competing on, it is your decision on how to adjust.

There are a lot of decisions a bowler has to process after gathering all of that information. In this premium video, Scott Pohl, owner of On Track Pro Shop, demonstrates two different approaches to playing each arrow or zone on the lane.

When working on this in your training session, the goal is to strike constantly while playing each arrow or zone. This will be different for each player, depending on your style and the lane conditions you are bowling on.

4 Zones with Ball Changes

1st arrow or zone 1 Hailey Triske used a weaker bowling ball with her faster speed and normal release.

2nd arrow or zone 2: Triske used her benchmark ball with her normal speed and normal release. She also moved left with her feet and eyes from the previous shot.

3rd arrow or zone 3: Trikse used her benchmark ball with her slower speed and normal release. She also moved left with her feet and eyes from the previous shot.

4th arrow or zone 4: Triske used a weaker ball with her normal speed and she increased her axis rotation.

4 Zones With the Same Ball

1st arrow or zone 1 Pohl used his benchmark ball with his faster speed and minimum axis rotation.

2nd arrow or zone 2: Pohl used his benchmark ball with his normal speed and normal release.

3rd arrow or zone 3: Pohl used his benchmark ball with his slower speed and normal release.

4th arrow or zone 4: Pohl used his benchmark ball with his normal speed and more axis rotation.

As you can see, there are many different ways to get to the pocket. Training each of them will prepare you for success at your next competition.

Check out “When Should I Use Surface on My Bowling Ball” and “Lane Surface: Wood, Synthetic and Ball Choice” for more factors that influence bowling ball motion.