Expert: - 1/3/2008

Question
Hello, my question is a two parter if I may. I ve been out of the game for about 15 years and have just started again this past 14 months to get back into the game. I am currently averaging 205 in my mens league. I have alot of trouble focusing on keeping my eyes down on my spot upon release, it's even worse during competition and just alitte better during practice. Any tips there?..Also I know the equipment has changed alot too..I currently travel with 4 balls..A cheap plastic one for 10 pins, and I have now been trading my "old new" balls that are 16 lbs for 15 lb balls. I throw a twisted fury the first game which I had to scuff with 800 grit to make it hook and then I go to either my roto grip solid horizon or my radical inferno. I don't really understand the sanding concept as to when to scuff and what grit. My comfort zone is around 13 swinging to about 7/8, any tips?..Thanks..John

Answer
You may want to keep your eye on your target until the ball passes over it. How do you know if you hit your target if you look up at the ball path to soon?

If your mechanics are solid, you can watch your target until the ball rolls over it and then look down at your slide foot to see that you executed your approach well (check that your finish point at the foul line is what you intended). Knowing you executed your approach and hit your target, you should be able to peek at the pins to see the strike you just threw.

Sanding the surface of a ball allows it to read the lane (contact the lane surface and through friction start to slow the ball down) more quickly. The amount of conditioner and/or ball speed may hydroplane the ball too far down the lane to get a good mid-lane read, early enough transition and strong angle to the pocket. Your Horizon surface and and scuffed Twisted Fury allows your ball to start it's transition from skid to hook a little earlier, than the smoother Fury surface (you've changed) or the Radical cover which is smoother and shiny.

Tips: Keep the sanding lines consistent. If you've had a pro shop sand the ball, be mindful the ball will slowly revert to the former state (pick up oil, smooth out, hook less). Have the same surface replicated when the ball starts to skid to far.
Keep your equipment clean. Wipe the ball every shot. Clean it after every series, optimizes the surface, allows less change.