Scorpion
Length: 42 feet
A scorpion is dangerous and unpredictable, like this pattern. If you can't find the right groove on the lanes, you'll be stung!
Description: The Scorpion measures 42 feet, and similar to the Viper, can yield a wide variety of strategies depending on the type and condition of the lane surface. However, Scorpion incorporates a larger volume of oil placed further down lane which often demands a more direct line. The scoring pace is normally medium to low for this pattern.
Scoring: All players agree that scoring on this pattern is typically low to medium. Bowlers mostly try to stay clean and hope to roll an occasional double; however, this pattern sometimes yeilds some big scores.
Ball Types: A large majority of the players use medium balls (mild cover with strong drill patterns or strong covers with weak drill patterns) on the Scorpion pattern.
2005-06 averages:
Amateurs: 190.2
Non-exempt Pros: 201.6
Exempt Pros: 215.6
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How the Pros play the Scorpion:
| Straight players (less than 250 revolution rate): |
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| Where to play: Most players start between boards eight and 10.
Adjusting to carry down: Most straight players change to a more aggressive ball and stay in the same part of the lane. Adjusting to lane break down: Change to a weaker ball. |
| Tweener players (250-350 rev rate): |
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| Where to play: Most players agree that the best starting point is in the track area between the second and third arrows.
Adjusting to carry down: About half of the right-handers either switch to a more aggressive ball and move deeper on the lane, while the other half prefers to use the same ball or a weaker ball and move further outside on the lane. Lefthanders tend to move further out and either throw the same ball or change to one that’s more aggressive. Adjusting to lane break down: A large majority of tweeners change to weaker |
| Power players (350 rev rate or more): |
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| Where to play: A vast majority of power players start somewhere in the track area or deeper (i.e. near the third arrow). Power players like this pattern because it tends to play well from a deep inside angle.
Adjusting to carry down: About half of power players switch to a more aggressive ball and move deeper on the lane, while the other half use the same Adjusting to lane break down: Most power players move deeper on the lane with a weaker ball. |