As promised, here is the first edition of Pro Shop 401. This is an advanced subject covering tour oil patterns, the slight changes you may have not noticed since the fall, and why some bowlers adjust and some don't. Your text book will be Brunswick's tour reps website, www.brunswickinsiders.com. This very unique bowling website is devoted to some of the most current technical information available, usually as it is discovered. The webmaster, Rick Benoit, has been with the big 'B' close to ten years and has seen as many changes as the computer software has seen in the same amount of time. Lane surfaces, lane oils, ball covers, ball cores, lane dressing machines have been changed at least twice in the last five years. Keeping up with all that can be a full time 411 infusion all by itself. What he does on the site is give an overall view of a tournament lane surface, oil pattern, and what he refers to as 'angles.' That's his term for a bowlers' optimum entry angle (combining rev rate, axis tilt and overall speed) to the pocket using his natural game. With that being said, certain types of ball rolls on certain oil patterns have a bigger margin of error than others. Many variables also contribute to a given player's success during a tourney week like who is bowling on each pair ahead of him, a pattern may break down giving him a wide open or a horrible 'look' to and at the breakpoint. The challenge is to give a player who does not 'match up' very well that week at least a chance to perform better.

     With tongue in cheek, I will now say if you need to put the paper down for a moment or two, that's OK. Not everyone gets this data all at once, even some of the pros on tour. I'll bet though, the over/under number for my eight regular readers who do get this is five and a half.

     Some players will get to a tourney knowing they will do very well no matter what. How is this possible, you ask? If they know characteristics of both oil pattern and lane surface and how oil transitions (or movement) during a round of games, they could almost put it on autopilot. That combination may fit into a player's wheelhouse. Ask Brian Himmler, one of the last players on tour to successfully defend a PBA title. Both times featured an oil pattern at Hawthorn Lanes which bigger hook ball players could score higher than straighter line players. It's not like everyone gave up or anything like that, but he made adjustments at a much easier pace than others. As evidenced again by his win last month at Medford, Himmler's only hiccup appeared to be on the show's title match. The oil pattern transition was effecting both players, but he got the pins when he needed them. But Benoit states that Himmler's natural style fit very well on the Shark oil pattern to a point even an occasional errant shot would strike. Look up the 'TV Day' page from the Medford tourney and you will find some interesting reading and see why today's game is much more complicated and different than you might have ever thought before. Don't worry if you have to read it more than a few times. It's just the way the game is played at the highest level right now.

     In the tour's match play format era, even such fine details as who is bowling whom is a factor. Certain players break down certain patterns in a specific pattern, which can open up or shut down the chance of his opponent to score well or struggle to carry. Since there are only two on a pair during each match play round, some bowlers have even gone as far as throwing an extremely dull ball in practice against a bowler with a diametrically opposite style. This can only be seen as a defensive move at best. Not very nice mind you, but it does happen but thankfully not every day.

     Benoit also states some pros haven't accepted the fact there are more variables involved these days. This group continues to do one of two things. First, they continue to struggle and fight, and grind and struggle. The second option is to step back and reexamine options, both with the sheer physical act of rolling a ball and the thought process behind that action. Keeping in mind these are the best of the best and have gotten this far doing what comes naturally. Changing that at this time in this forum may be one of the toughest things an athlete has to do to not only survive, but thrive. That alone can separate era stars verses all timers. Certain styles were more successful in certain areas due to the playing environment. Big hook players did better in the late 70's, straighter players were better in the early 90's, full roller styles ruled the early 50's are some examples. Once those eras change, those players fade into the woodwork. The all time greats change enough to adapt to do well, but to win. Not only is the 'A' game great, but his 'B,' "C,' and 'D' games can also beat everyone else's 'A' game when needed. So what does this really mean? It's fun to see who can make the adjustments and go to the next level. During this transition, you may see something you may not want to miss and better yet will want to remember.

     Finally, I would like congratulate the Elgin Bowling Association Hall of Fame Class of 2006. Five bowlers, including couple of long time local bowlers Michael Blank and David Palojarvi are being inducted with Midwest PBA Champion Walt Schaub and ABC Doubles Champion Bob Udseth. The fifth bowler, also being inducted in the performance category, is concluding his ninth year as a columnist of 'Just Paying Attention' in the Will County Sportsman.

     You know, I'll bet it's still not enough to guest on Don Ladas' Wednesday morning radio show. And no, I'm not going to wear that Sox cap he makes all the other guests wear.