Shark
Length: 44 feet
This pattern forces bowlers to play deep inside the center of the lanes, like sharks that troll the depths of the ocean.
Description: Shark is the longest of the five patterns, measuring 44 feet of oil. Typical to the length and design, professionals will migrate more towards the center of the lane as the ball normally will not hook back to the pocket if it strays too far outside near the gutter. This pattern usually requires extreme inside angles to get to the pocket after five or six games. The scoring pace is normally high for this pattern.
Scoring: All styles of players believe that the Shark patterin is medium to high scoring.
Ball Types: A majority of players prefer aggresive balls and the balance choose medium balls when playing the Shark pattern.
2005-06 averages:
Amateurs: 183.8
Non-exempt Pros: 195.2
Exempt Pros: 210.5
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How the Pros play the Shark:
| Straight players (less than 250 revolution rate): |
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| Where to play: Straight players agree that the best place to start is around the second arrow.
Adjusting to carry down: Straight players agree that the best way to attack carry down on the Shark is to move further out on the lane and either use the same ball or change to a more aggressive ball. Adjusting to lane break down: Right-handers tend to move in and either stay with the same ball or change to a weaker ball. Left-handers stay in the same area and change to a weaker ball. |
| Tweener players (250-350 rev rate): |
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| Where to play: The unanimous choice for tweeners is to start somewhere near the third arrow (15th board) and then gradually move deeper inside on the lane.
Adjusting to carry down: A majority of tweeners change to a more aggressive ball and move deeper on the lane. Adjusting to lane break down: All players agree that you must move inside on this pattern, but opinions vary on ball choice. A small majority believe that changing to a weaker ball is the answer but others think the same or a more aggressive ball work best for them. |
| Power players (350 rev rate or more): |
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| Where to play: Most power players indicate they start around the fourth arrow (board 20). The furthest right any power players said they start is third arrow (board 15). All agree that once the Shark pattern begins to break down, you must move deeper inside on the lane.
Adjusting to carry down: Most power players highlight that they change to a weaker ball and move deeper on the lane. Adjusting to lane break down: Most players change to a weaker ball and every power player moves deeper on the lane. |