What Is the Hardest Bowling Pattern? Breaking Down the Oil Challenge

Understanding Oil Patterns: Why They Matter So Much

In bowling, the oil pattern on the lane can make or break your game. It's not just a shiny surface — it controls ball movement, affects hook potential, and determines how much room for error you really have.

Casual bowlers might never notice it, but competitive players? They know oil patterns inside out. Especially the tough ones.

So when people ask, “What is the hardest bowling pattern?” — well, there's a reason that question gets serious respect in the bowling community.

I once tried a PBA pattern without knowing. Threw my usual curve shot. It just skidded straight into the gutter. Humbling moment, not gonna lie.

What Makes a Bowling Pattern "Hard"?

Ratio, Length, and Shape

There are a few key factors that affect difficulty:

• Ratio: House shots typically have a high ratio (like 8:1 or more), meaning the middle is heavily oiled and the outside is dry — helps guide the ball back to the pocket.
  Sport shots (the hard ones) have low ratios — usually 2:1 or 3:1 — which means no forgiveness.

• Length: Short patterns (32–36 feet) and long patterns (over 43 feet) both present major challenges. Why? Because you have to adjust everything — speed, angle, ball choice. Mid-length patterns are usually more manageable.

• Shape and volume: Flat patterns or those with sharp drop-offs create chaos. Add in high oil volume? You’re fighting every frame.

The PBA Patterns: Where Things Get Brutal

The US Open Pattern – A True Nightmare

Arguably the hardest bowling pattern is the one used at the US Open.

• It’s often flat across the lane — meaning the oil is applied almost equally everywhere.

• Ratio is around 1.3:1 or worse.

• Length can vary (usually 40-42 feet), but that doesn't make it easier.

On a flat pattern, your margin for error is basically zero. Miss your mark by half a board? You're staring at a split or worse.

Pros who average 220+ on house shots struggle to hit 180 on this pattern. That should tell you something.

PBA Shark Pattern – Long and Slippery

Named for its long length and tricky backend motion, the PBA Shark is another monster.

• Usually 44–45 feet

• Heavy oil volume

• Forces bowlers inside, which increases risk and requires extreme accuracy

The ball won’t hook unless you're throwing with elite revs and speed control. One wrong move and you’re high through the nose or sailing into the 2-4-10.

Other Tough Ones: Scorpion, Chameleon, Badger

Each of these PBA patterns has its own personality:

• Scorpion: Medium-long, punishes those who don’t control the backend

• Chameleon: Changes shape as you bowl on it (hence the name)

• Badger: 52 feet! Yes, really. That length limits hook potential dramatically

These aren’t just hard. They’re mentally exhausting.

Why Bowlers Dread These Patterns (and Also Love Them)

It's a Skill Test, Not Just Muscle Memory

Hard bowling patterns force you to:

• Read the lane like a pro

• Adjust mid-game

• Control your emotions (seriously, one bad frame can spiral quick)

Practice Doesn’t Guarantee Mastery

Even elite bowlers don’t "master" the US Open pattern. They manage it. It becomes a mental game as much as a physical one.

I watched a local semi-pro bowl a 129 on the Shark pattern. He came off the lane sweating like he just ran 10k. Said it felt like a final exam with no study guide.

Final Answer: The US Open Pattern Takes the Crown

So, what is the hardest bowling pattern?

Hands down: the US Open flat pattern.

Its extreme flatness, low error margin, and mental pressure make it a beast — even for seasoned pros. But hey, that’s also why it’s respected. If you can score on it? You’ve earned some serious bragging rights.

Whether you're a weekend bowler or chasing PBA dreams, knowing these patterns (and respecting them) is part of leveling up your game. Because on sport shots, you don't just bowl — you survive.

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.