Length, breakpoint and ball advice for the Scorpion sport pattern.
| Length | 42 feet |
|---|---|
| Oil volume | 26.73 mL |
| Ratio | 1.87:1 |
| Rule of 31 breakpoint | Board 11 (42 minus 31) |
Sources: FloBowling, "Pattern Breakdown: Analyzing the Six 2021 World Series of Bowling Patterns"; length cross-checked against the PBA Experience pattern list on bowl.com. Oil specs can change from year to year and event to event, so always read the sheet posted for your tournament.
Scorpion is the longest of the classic animal patterns at 42 feet, and it is the one Mike won on. He took the 2009 PBA Scorpion Championship at the first PBA World Series of Bowling.
At 42 feet there is a lot of lane to read before the ball can turn. FloBowling's 2021 breakdown says there are many ways to attack this pattern, that ball choice based on your style is critical, and that the tighter ratio and uneven pair to pair topography make targeting hard. One pro quoted there said it was "pretty slick." Expect the ball to skid farther than it does on a house shot.
Rule of 31 puts the breakpoint near board 11 (42 minus 31). That is a starting point for the exit board, not a promise. Play a smooth, controllable arc and let the ball get down the lane before it turns.
Not sure how the Rule of 31 works? Read the Rule of 31 explained or use the calculator.
Mike's starting point is a sanded solid or a dull, controllable cover (1000 to 2000 Abralon) so the ball reads the long midlane. Skip snappy polished pearls here. Surface numbers are explained in the ball surface guide.
Back to the PBA animal patterns guide. Other patterns: Chameleon, Viper, Cheetah, Shark.
Book a session with a 2009 PBA Scorpion Champion. In person at Strike Force Lanes in Greenfield, or by video from anywhere. See lessons for Indianapolis, Carmel and Fishers, or virtual video lessons.
Text Mike (702) 701-1494The PBA Scorpion pattern is 42 feet long, according to the published pattern lists cited on this page.
The Rule of 31 gives a starting breakpoint of board 11 (42 minus 31). Treat it as a starting point and adjust to the lane.
Yes. Mike coaches sport pattern play in person at Strike Force Lanes in Greenfield, IN, and by video review for bowlers in Indianapolis, Carmel, Fishers and anywhere else.