Expert: - 1/11/2008

Question
QUESTION: i recently bought a ball that had a little reactive core in it. but one problem i don't know how to use it. do you have any suggestions that will improve my performance.

ANSWER: Ball choices should be driven by need. Why did you buy this specific ball? What weight is it? Where does the ball track (where are the oil lines after your first shot)? How long have you been bowling? Own any other balls? Do they work better or worse? How often do you bowl? Practice? What kind of grip do you have (finger tip or conventional)?

New bowler more basic ball. Hard thrower, a ball to bite and slow down more quickly. Slower player, shiny, hard, late breaking high radius of gyration ball will benefit.

Bowling balls are tools. If you you buy one then try to figure out how to use it, you've made an ill advised choice.
Some balls are simple and traditionally formulated. Some balls are more complicated than ever. Getting as much information as possible before a ball is drilled is almost mandatory for ball drillers.

Not knowing what ball, kind of core, or style of player that you are, I'm working with very little information. Using any ball can better be addressed by an instructor observing and suggesting adjustments. You may want to seek out a local instructor, or check at the local bowling center or pro shop, can someone observe and assist you?

I would like to help but don't know anything about you. You need to paint a picture, describing your game, equipment, etc.

Depending on your skill level, your ball speed, rev rate, axis tilt and rotation, your experience (average and strengths-better spare shooter or striker with a weak spare game?), comfort zone on the lane, and expectations, would be helpful.

You may just need some simple instruction to help control or create some ball reaction. Please let me know more about your needs? Thanks for your question, please let me know more so I can try to help. Bowl Great in 2008.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: The ball i have is called a tornado. it is a beginner ball. i normally bowl around 15-20. the ball hits slow. it isnt very reactive. ive been bowling for about 2 years. plus when i was a child. i normally average around 170 or so. im a spare guy. i dont strike out very often. my games are very sporatic meaning i play diferent each game. im not steady. sometime i walk fast and speed up my game. other times i take it slow and do well. ive found i need to have fun instead of completing intensly

Answer
Chris, thanks for following up. Try to concentrate on one thing at a time. Practice for a while, then try to use what you worked on and have some fun.

The basis of most players success starts with the setup. Position on the approach, location and spacing of your feet, location of the ball, and beginning your approach in balance, with the idea to stay balanced as you move forward. Minimal grip pressure will allow an easy, free swing and consistency aided by momentum and gravity.

Anything you do to improve must be a cycle of unlearning and relearning of muscle memory. Picking a starting point for your setup. Identifying a specific point, and positioning your feet comfortably, slightly apart, (depending on how many steps you take, one foot in front of the other slightly). Trying to duplicate your choice until it feels comfortable will help.

You mentioned it yourself, when you take it easy you do well. The sport of bowling is only 40 and 1/2 inches wide (it's the 60 feet long that throws everybody), easy and consistent is your goal. Work a little to identify that you are "setup" well then have fun.

When you feel your setup is solid, write back. We can work on a little more. Good luck.