Expert: - 1/24/2008

Question
QUESTION: Okay I bowl for my high schools bowling league and for the last week or two my ball doesn't hook at all. I usually aim between the third and second arrow and let my all hook into the pocket but its just been going straight as of late. I don't know if its because I'm throwing it or its my ball. What should I do

ANSWER: Couple things could be a problem.

Your ball could be oil soaked and not responding to friction.

You could be throwing the ball a little faster and/or the current lane conditions aren't allowing the ball to grab where it used to. Let me know how long have you had the ball?

How many games might you have on the ball? How long have you been bowling? Is this your only ball? What's your average?

Couple ways to help the ball regain it's reaction. Let me know some of the above info and I can make some specific suggestions. Thanks for the question.

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

QUESTION: ok I've had the ball since November because that is when our season started I average between a 125 and 149 but more lately its been toward the 100 area. Yes its my only ball. It has 15 games on it since I first started bowling with it

Answer
What kind of ball do you have? Manufacturer and specific product?

No reason a ball with 15 games would quit working. I'd think the lanes or the way you are throwing the ball might be the culprit. How hard do you throw the ball? Are other teammates experiencing problems with poor ball reaction?

No matter what, your game is suffering with the loss of reaction. That may be a point to pursue. If your game is dependant on equipment, you are a slave to the lane. You need to work on your physical game, so even if conditions deteriorate, you can at least squeak out more than 100!

Balls should allow you to control the playing environment. When lanes are oily, usually, stronger, rougher coverstocks will help. When lanes are dry, again - usually, smoother, harder coverstocks work better. Bottom line, if your bowling ball overreacts or underreacts your fighting it, the lanes, the pins, physical limitations, etc.

You can't out execute bad ball reaction.

I'm hoping your ball is a basic plastic ball, with a solid fit. A new ball, especially one that fits well, will start to change how you deliver it. As your body relaxes, because the ball doesn't require as much grip pressure, you typically pick up the pace of your footwork, swing the ball differently, throw it harder and release it sooner. All good things, but different from your previous experience.