Notes on the Patented Reverse Spin

There is rampant speculation as to the origins of the spin but no one can say for certain how or when it came to be. Recollections of the chief rollers have proven to be both hazy and unreliable – most likely due to the copious amounts of alcohol consumed during a typical night at the lanes. Most agree, however, that the birth of the patented reverse spin occurred in the early days at Cedarvale Lanes when it was discovered that bowler Try (since renamed Fat) had a unique style of throwing.

Late one contest, or early depending on whose version of events you prefer, one of the other rollers, whose identity is still much in dispute, called out “Your ball is spinning in the wrong direction, dude!” and, in fact, it was. (for the non-bowling casual readers of this blog, it should be explained that typically when a right-hander rolls, the ball will spin in a manner which will cause it to cross the lane from right to left. Many pro bowlers in fact develop a style of purposely spinning the ball in this way. They will send the ball rolling down the right side of the lane, perilously close to falling into the gutter, only to see it spin across the lane for a masterful strike.)

When Try would send his balls down the lanes, however, a curious thing would happen. The rock would spin in the opposite, or reverse, direction. It would start out straight and then slowly move left to right across the lane. At first it was a mere curiosity, something to joke about. But soon, it became apparent that try as Try might try, he could not prevent his balls from spinning in this reverse manner. It remains lost in the fog of rolling lore which bowler decided the reverse spin was patented, but the name has since stuck.

A detailed physical and statistical analysis of Try’s rolling style has yet to yield any explanation as to what causes the spin. Try, who has since become Fat, has attempted to utilize the patented reverse spin to his advantage. He has adjusted his aim, his throwing style, he meticulously plans his outfit; he bowls with his cell phone in the opposite pocket. Thus far, however, the patented reverse spin has yet to bring Fat either of the coveted bowling trophies he has so desperately sought all these many years.

And that, my friends, is the saga of the patented reverse spin. Patent pending.