How to Bowl on Kegel Alcatraz Oil Pattern?

It’s pretty obvious that Kegel has named the Alcatraz oil pattern based on the Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary. Now, can you recall the 1962 Alcatraz Escape? Good! Because just like the penitentiary, the Kegel Alcatraz oil pattern is inescapable, but surely not impossible. This Landmark pattern clearly doesn’t make bowling easy, but that doesn’t mean you won’t have fun bowling on it. One must appreciate its unique features. Yes, you will be extra cautious because the pattern will make you face the challenge of your lifetime. So how do you play this pattern if you are soon going to face it in a game? Well, I am always here to help you gladly. So stay tuned!

Oil Pattern Specifications

How to bowl on the Alcatraz oil pattern?

You know the basics! First, you gotta go with the standard rule of 31. So, according to the formula, Pattern Length (PL) – 31 = the number of the board where you can expect your ball’s breakpoint. So, 38 – 31 = 7. So board number 7 is a nice starting point to play this pattern. You can opt for the 8 board as well. Since Alcatraz doesn’t run too long and is going to play a bit flat, don’t move too far from the 9 board.

To understand this Kegel sports bowling pattern better, have a look at the official pattern sheet. The overhead graph will immediately show you that the Alcatraz pattern is a lot slicker in the middle than the outside. That explains why you can’t move too inside. So be alert for your moves, my friends! The best way to overcome this matter is your control over the ball. Remain consistent and keep controlling your bowling ball mistake-free.

Because you will have some restrictions on playing inside, your bowling ball won’t roll straight. Whether you are a righty or a lefty, you are likely to create stronger curves with your balls on the lane. Ensuring excellent control of your ball’s motion and accuracy in target hitting. Do you want to achieve perfection? Then know that practice is the key. If you have completely botched your shot on your first throw on this pattern, keep rolling your ball on different boards and what matches your strategy and bowling equipment.

Let’s focus on the volume of the Alcatraz pattern, shall we? From the look of it, it seems the pattern isn’t going to break down easily. However, once you notice some changes in lane condition, try any of these options — 1. Move 1 or 2 (highest) boards to the outside. Or, 2. Switch your bowling ball. Using a high-polished pearl bowling ball should do the trick. Also, you are not going to see longer skids down the lane because Alcatraz is quite short as a sports pattern.

Now, what about my fellow right-handers? Keep your bowling ball to the right as long as you can. But don’t get too used to it! Being careless is not an option for playing Alcatraz. Look out for your ball speed and your rev rate. Don’t let it get out of order. Another important factor— Do not ever think about hitting the ball too hard on the lane as it will go right into the gutter. Speed-dominant bowlers don’t like this pattern for this reason alone. Thankfully, that isn’t a problem for other bowlers. As long as you can maintain accuracy and stay consistent, you are good to go.

What are the challenges you will face while playing on this pattern?

If you don’t play the Alcatraz pattern right, it will be the cruelest pattern of all time. Indeed, this oil pattern is going to be a bit tricky, which is unusual for other Kegel Landmark patterns. I have seen many top-ranked bowlers messing up their game for not playing this pattern right. So if you interact with challenges you have never come across before, do not back off.

While bowling on the Alcatraz oil pattern, you will feel the push of playing neutrally. In other words, you can’t move too far inside because the length is too short to allow that. The pattern will also prevent you to play from too far outside because technically, it’s not that short. That’s the problem with a medium-length sports pattern. You won’t get a lot of room for errors. Hence, many bowlers often claim Alcatraz as “way too restricted”. You can’t survive if you are not on point. Missed your target by a board? Sorry mates, get ready to face the consequences.

Are you a left-hander bowler? Then try your level best not to play from the inside. If you think there’s no more oil on the outside, try moving only 1-2 boards. That should help. Optionally, you can just use a pearl bowling ball with a high-polished surface. For right-handers the scenario is different. Power-dominant and speed-dominant bowlers always need to be extra cautious. So basically, their room for error isn’t broad. If you move a bit towards the right, your bowling ball is going to break farther on the outside and you will end up with a terrible outcome. 

Which bowling ball is best for this pattern?

The controversy behind the Alcatraz oil pattern has been going on since its creation. While some say you can save the day using urethane bowling ball, others say it will do you no good. But let’s not get involved in this argument, shall we? Speaking from my personal experience, I believe, any stronger bowling ball is the Alcatraz pattern’s worst enemy. If you have been bowling for a while, you would know that stronger balls are difficult to control which is completely the opposite of what you need. Don’t think that a strong ball might help you open your angles. No! This is Alcatraz you’re dealing with! So don’t pack a beast-like ball on the day of your bowling competition.

If you think a weaker bowling ball will get you through, you’re right! Roll your weak ball close to the second arrow and make sure it doesn’t go any far from the 8 or 9 board. The best weak or mid-strength bowling balls are urethanes. A good benchmark ball for the Alcatraz oil pattern is the Hammer Black Urethane. I would choose this ball over anything. If you’re planning to play with a solid reactive ball, the Hammer Web Tour is definitely an excellent choice.

Achieving great accuracy is up to a bowler. However, a good bowling ball can ensure an impressive controllable backend. Here are some of my top picks— Radical Conspiracy, Motiv Tribal, Ebonite Aero, Motiv Venom Shock, Roto Grip MVP, Motiv Primal Rage, Snap Lock, Motiv Raptor Talon, etc.

Conclusion

There are plenty of escape routes if you play the Alcatraz pattern right. Although it’s very common for players to complain about this pattern, know that with the right skills, strategies, and finesse nothing will stop you from fulfilling your goal. The Alcatraz oil pattern is terrific. Hope this article was helpful and you can consider this a basic guideline. No, it is not a complete tutorial. For that, you will need thorough practice. So get yourself prepared for your big day. If you are well-practiced, you will be unstoppable. Good luck, fellas!  

Jess Pinelli

Passionate Bowler and Bowling Enthusiast

Jess Pinelli is a dedicated bowling enthusiast with a deep love for the sport that spans over 6 years. With numerous strikes, spares, and a few gutter balls under hes belt, he has honed his skills on lanes across the country. Pinelli’s journey in the world of bowling has been a remarkable one, from casual weekend games with friends to competitive league play and even a few local tournaments.

Driven by her passion for the game, Pinelli decided to channel her expertise and knowledge into the digital realm, becoming a prolific author on this bowling website. She’s your go-to source for everything bowling-related, from mastering the perfect hook to choosing the right bowling ball and even navigating the world of bowling etiquette.

When she’s not busy writing informative articles or reviewing the latest bowling gear, you’ll likely find Pinellis at her favorite local bowling alley, helping newcomers improve their game or enjoying some friendly competition with fellow bowlers. She firmly believes that bowling is not just a game but a community, and she’s committed to fostering that sense of camaraderie both online and offline.