BILLY "O"'S JOURNAL

Motor City Classic

November 1, 2006 – Cheetah Pattern

During the practice session the night before, I had a difficult time finding the correct ball.  Most of the balls I used wouldn’t allow me to play the gutter.  It was somewhat frustrating.

During the first block of round 64 I began to struggle trying to play up 10.  I made good shots but I got into trouble with a couple splits. 

During the second game I decided to go out to the gutter but couldn’t get a ball to react soon enough to hit the pocket.  Then in the 9^th frame I decided to throw my Black Widow with the pin over the middle finger.  Bingo!!  That ball read the lanes perfectly!

After that lights out!

During the 2^nd block I started with my Black Widow.  That ball went too long.  I stuck with if for the first game and I finished the 1^st game with 187.  The next pair was on the other side of the house.  Those lanes were tighter so I slowed my ball down but the ball would hook through the nose.  So, I moved closer to the gutter then the ball continued to hook through the nose.  I finished the 2^nd game with 152.

The third game I decided to go to my No Mercy with the number one drilling and swing to the gutter.  Bingo, Lights Out!!!  I went 215 over for the last 5 games.

Overall, I’m not disappointed in how I threw the ball.  However, I have to make better decisions on the fresh.

Next week is the Shark pattern, my toughest pattern.  I don’t have a game plan, yet however, I have been practicing some different hand positions and slowing my arm swing down.  Because of the long oil (44 feet) I have to be softer with my hand, that’s not so easy for me.  To be successful out here I’ve learned that you have to be versatile. 

Check back next week!!