Expert: Chip Aki - 11/26/2008

Question
My wife boght me a new ball for my birthday - a Hammer Venom

I took it to be drilled and the Pro Shop asked me if I wanted anything special with providing more hook and I said no since I throw a pretty strong ball with a lot of hook already.

Unfortunatly after usingt the new ball for a few times I am finding that it hooks way to much for me. I am right handed and soemtimes I am lucky if I catch the 1-2 Pocket at all but forget about hitting the 1-3 pocket.

My question is... is there anything that can be done to a ball to reduce the amount of hook?

Answer
You can polish the ball to increase the skid.  That will also increase the sharpness at the breakpoint.  You can add an extra hole if there is not one already.  That might will make it roll a bit sooner, but calm down the breakpoint.  You can also lightly sand the ball with a 2000 abralon pad and that will tame the breakpoint.

All of these would make minor adjsustments to the balls reaction, but may help.  

No matter what you try with the ball, I would imagine you will have to change your lane play to accommodate the new ball.  As you move deeper inside, try to bring your target in with you.  The sooner you hit the dry part of the lane, the harder this ball will hook.

Good luck,
Chip