Bowling Ball Calibration

[Neil Brady <teufel@pop.erols.com>]

Poster: Neil Brady <teufel@pop.erols.com>

Since now one else seems to have the information immediately to hand, I'll
step up and fill the gap.  The following is from "The New SCA Fighters
Handboke."  The article is by Lord Peter van Doorn (Vance VanDoren, Ph.D.)
and is a reprint from the TI, I believe.



		Frederich Von Teufel

***********************************************


A Blow Calibration Exercise

	This exercise is designed especially for new fighters who do not have
experienced trainers to teach them how to calibrate their blows.  Veteran
SCA fighters may wish to use this exercise as a way of comparing their
blows to the Known World Standard.
	Erect a narrow pole between 46 and 58 inches tall.  Draw three circles on
the ground around the base of the pole, using the table below to determine
the appropriate radius for each circle.  Balance a bowling ball on the top
of the pole, then strike the ball with a level blow and observe the point
where the ball first strikes the ground.
	According to a survey of over 600 fighters from throughout the Known
World, 80% of all fighters would agree that a "good" killing blow with a
single handed sword should deliver the ball to a point somewhere between
the inner and outer circles.  The center circle corresponds to an "average"
killing blow.  "Light", "low average", "high average", and "heavy" blows
are indicated by the other areas shown in the chart below.
	Note: the blow must land squarely on the center of the ball, and the ball
must be driven straight off the pole.  If the sword glances off the ball or
drives the ball either upward or downward, the results will not be
accurate, and the blow should be repeated.


Weight	
  of			Pole Height
Bowling		 in inches
 Ball		46	49	52	55	58

   8		37	38	39	40	41
   8		56	58	60	62	63
   8		76	79	81	83	85
  10		30	30	31	32	33
  10		45	47	48	49	51
  10		61	63	65	67	68
  12		25	25	26	27	28
  12		38	39	40	41	42
  12		51	52	54	55	57
  14		21	22	22	23	24
  14		32	33	34	35	36
  14		43	45	46	48	49
  16		18	19	20	20	21
  16		28	29	30	31	32
  16		38	39	40	42	43

	*The top line for each weight of bowling ball represents the distance from
the pole where the first radius should be marked.
	*The second line for each weight of bowling ball represents the distance
from the pole where the second radius should be marked.
	*The bottom line for each weight of bowling ball represents the distance
from the pole where the third radius should be marked.

	Thus, for a 14 pound bowling ball and a 58 inch pole, the inner circle
would be marked at 24 inches, the center circle would be marked at 36
inches, and the outer circle would be marked at 49 inches.  For a 16 pound
ball, the three circle would be marked at 21 inches, 32 inches, and 43
inches respectively.
	When struck properly, a bowling ball that lands between the pole and the
inner circle would be considered "light."  If it lands between the inner
circle and the middle circle, it would be considered "low average."  If it
lands between the middle circle and the outer circle it would be considered
"high average."  Any landing outside the outer circle is considered "heavy."



	<So ends the Lesson>
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