PBA Chameleon Pattern | VenergyBowling.com | Official Verve! Bowling Website

Chameleon

Length: 39 feet

Chameleons change color to outsmart their enemies. To excel on this pattern, bowlers must be versatile in many styles of play.

Description: Chameleon measures 39 feet and resembles a "retro" approach to pattern design. Oil is placed in "strips" and requires the player to play in a specific zone on the lane, as compared to a "multiple angles" condition. The scoring pace for this pattern can range from low to high, depending on the condition of the surface.

Scoring: Players of all style agree that this pattern generally is low to medium scoring. Bowlers mostly try to stay clean and hope to roll an occasional double; however, this pattern sometimes yields some big scores.

Ball Types: All style of players agree that medium balls (mild cover with strong drill patterns or strong covers with weak drill patterns) work best to start on the Chameleon pattern.

2005-06 averages:
Amateurs: 193.1
Non-exempt Pros: 202.8
Exempt Pros: 217.4

How the Pros play the Chameleon:

Straight players (less than 250 revolution rate):
Where to play: Straighter players start out between the channel and first arrow if the surface will allow. If that does not work well, they usually end up in the track area (boards 8-12) of the lane. Adjusting to carry down: Most players change to more aggressive balls and stay in the same area, use more aggressive equipment and move slightly deeper or change to weaker equipment and move further outside on the lane. Adjusting to lane break down: Because this pattern allows bowlers to play many different angles, adjusting to break down often is determined by the lane surface and the other bowlers on your pair of lanes. If you are playing the track area or deeper, consider moving to the outside portion of the lane. If you are already playing out, changing to a weaker ball and/or moving deeper are the best options.

Straight players (less than 250 revolution rate):

Where to play: Straighter players start out between the channel and first arrow if the surface will allow. If that does not work well, they usually end up in the track area (boards 8-12) of the lane.

Adjusting to carry down: Most players change to more aggressive balls and stay in the same area, use more aggressive equipment and move slightly deeper or change to weaker equipment and move further outside on the lane.

Adjusting to lane break down: Because this pattern allows bowlers to play many different angles, adjusting to break down often is determined by the lane surface and the other bowlers on your pair of lanes. If you are playing the track area or deeper, consider moving to the outside portion of the lane. If you are already playing out, changing to a weaker ball and/or moving deeper are the best options.

Tweener players (250-350 rev rate):
Where to play: Most right-handers begin somewhere between the fifth and 12th boards and move deeper once the lanes break down. Left-handers all start close to the first arrow (boards four to six). Adjusting to carry down: Most players either change to more aggressive balls and stay in the same area, use more aggressive equipment and move slightly deeper or change to weaker equipment and move further outside on the lane. Adjusting to lane break down: Some tweeners stay in the same area, but most moved deeper on the lane. A majority of the bowlers change to a weaker ball, but some stayed with the same equipment or even switched to more aggressive balls to achieve better pin carry.

Tweener players (250-350 rev rate):

Where to play: Most right-handers begin somewhere between the fifth and 12th boards and move deeper once the lanes break down. Left-handers all start close to the first arrow (boards four to six).

Adjusting to carry down: Most players either change to more aggressive balls and stay in the same area, use more aggressive equipment and move slightly deeper or change to weaker equipment and move further outside on the lane.

Adjusting to lane break down: Some tweeners stay in the same area, but most moved deeper on the lane. A majority of the bowlers change to a weaker ball, but some stayed with the same equipment or even switched to more aggressive balls to achieve better pin carry.

Power players (350 rev rate or more):
Where to play: Most power players start in the track area or deeper. However, this pattern does allow for many different angles. Several bowlers recommend being openminded when looking for the best place to play. Adjusting to carry down: Due to the nature of this pattern, there is no consistent adjustment among the high-rev professionals. Responses vary dramatically. What does this tell you? The lane surface at your center and how the other bowlers on your pair are playing the pattern will dictate how you should adjust. Don’t be afraid to try different lines and watch successful bowlers with similar styles to yours. Adjusting to lane break down: A majority of the players move deeper on the lane and/or change to weaker ball.

Power players (350 rev rate or more):

Where to play: Most power players start in the track area or deeper. However, this pattern does allow for many different angles. Several bowlers recommend being openminded when looking for the best place to play.

Adjusting to carry down: Due to the nature of this pattern, there is no consistent adjustment among the high-rev professionals. Responses vary dramatically. What does this tell you? The lane surface at your center and how the other bowlers on your pair are playing the pattern will dictate how you should adjust. Don’t be afraid to try different lines and watch successful bowlers with similar styles to yours.

Adjusting to lane break down: A majority of the players move deeper on the lane and/or change to weaker ball.