The Bear is a 38-foot pattern in the PBA Animal series, and it has a reputation as one of the trickier short patterns. At 38 feet the ball reads early, but the flat sport shape gives little room, so it can feel like it grabs the lane.
The Bear rewards control over power. Keep your speed up, manage how early the ball turns, and stay accurate, because there is not much area to bail you out.
| Length | 38 feet |
|---|---|
| Pattern type | PBA Animal (Sport) |
| Difficulty | Hard |
| Best played | Controlled, moderate angle |
| Official sheet | PBA (link below) |
A medium sport pattern fits a straight game. Play direct with steady speed, keep the ball in front of you, and stay accurate. You give up less area than a hook player and avoid the big mistakes.
Play a controlled angle and find the breakpoint. There is some room, but it is a sport pattern, so make small moves and keep your motion smooth.
Keep it controlled. Get your breakpoint to the friction, watch your speed, and move in gradually as the pattern transitions. Avoid forcing a big swing.
A medium sport pattern plays demanding but fair. Expect a defined breakpoint and a tighter pocket than a house shot. A controlled, repeatable shot scores.
Bowling Addicts links to the official source so you always get the real sheet. The file opens on the PBA site in a new tab.
Official pattern courtesy of the PBA.
The Bear pattern is 38 feet long.
It is a PBA sport pattern, so it plays tougher than a house shot. At 38 feet it rewards accuracy and a controlled ball motion.
Play a controlled, moderate angle, find the breakpoint, and make small moves as it transitions.
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