Expert: - 10/22/2008

Question
I understand the whole pin position in relation to the ball track and PAP and how that effects the ball. I am wondering how the pin position relates to where your finger tips are drilled in the ball. And does it really make a difference on where the pin is as long as the guidelines for relation to ball track and PAP are met

Answer
Michael,
Let me clarify some of what I'm reading from your question.

First, you have your grip. It's lengths, angles and hole sizes allow you to throw the ball consistently.

Second, how you roll a specific grip indicates how you might roll any given ball. You can find your Positive Axis Point (PAP) from the track of a rolled ball. The layout of the ball also influences how a ball rolls, especially some of the seven pound plus monsters in some balls.

Third, laying out a ball (putting the core elements in positions to influence the roll) will allow your delivery to create the kind of reaction you'd like. A two inch pin works different than a six inch pin, but the total hook of a ball might be the same with either layout.

Pin position is an indicator of the expected roll of your ball and the influence of the weightblock. Pin position makes a potentially HUGE difference. Often, where your holes are drilled impacts the core. Drilling into the core changes it's dynamics.

So, you decide what you want a ball to do. Position the pin, mass bias and center of gravity, the desired distance from your expected PAP, then from the PAP backtrack to determine where the center of your grip should be (using your unique Axis co-ordinates). Draw a gripline perpendicular to your midline. Place the template for your holes on the gripline, that MUST be where you drill the holes.

FYI, ball track can point you to the PAP of a ball, and the PAP's relationship to the pin should show how much flare potential you are looking to utilize. The mass bias indicates where the middle and bottom of the core are in relation to the track, also revealing what might happen when the ball is thrown.

Thanks for the questions.