The Dragon is a 47-foot pattern in the PBA Animal series, one of the longest the series offers. The oil carries far down the lane, so the ball goes long and the pocket plays tight. It is a demanding pattern that rewards accuracy and speed control.
On a pattern this long, play straighter and keep the ball in front of you. Big swings get held out, so control beats power and spares matter.
| Length | 47 feet |
|---|---|
| Pattern type | PBA Animal (Sport) |
| Difficulty | Hard |
| Best played | Straight, up the boards |
| Official sheet | PBA (link below) |
A long pattern rewards a straight game. Play up the boards, keep the ball in front of you, and make small moves. Your roll holds the pocket where big hooks struggle. Control your speed.
Play a tighter angle and let the ball save its motion for the back end. Be patient and chase the oil inward in small steps as the pattern breaks down.
Get the ball down a long lane first. A big hook needs speed and a clean midlane read so it does not roll out short. Play more direct, then open up as a path wears in.
A long sport pattern plays hard. The breakpoint is deep, the pocket is tight, and the ball wants to go long. Spare shooting and control are the keys.
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 Dragon pattern is 47 feet long.
It is a PBA sport pattern, so it plays tougher than a house shot. At 47 feet it rewards accuracy and a controlled ball motion.
Play straighter and up the boards, control your speed, and keep the ball in front of you.
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