Expert: Chip Aki - 5/12/2008

Question
QUESTION: Chip,

I am 27 years old, and getting back into competitive bowling after a 7-8 year break.  I was previously using the Teal Rhino Pro 13#.  I absolutely loved the ball, and was able to find a new 15# version on ebay.  I can tell that the heavier ball hits a lot harder, but i am unable to get under it as much, and therefore have lost a little bit of control.  The ball gets to the pocket, but doesnt look to pretty on the way down the lane, and i leave a lot of 8 or 9 pins.  I considered the fact that the ball may be a little heavy, but i am 5'10", 170lbs and work out regularly.  My average is about 175.  Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thank You
John

ANSWER: If you are leaving a lot of 8 or 9 pins, it doesnt sound like you are at a loss for ball reaction.  Those leaves dont point to a loss of roll or look.
I would not think the ball is too heavy for you.  What may have changed is  your timing.  The heavier ball will swing differently than the lighter one, and if anything, it may make your swing longer.  If your foot speed stayed the same, you will be getting to the line sooner than the ball.  This will cause you to lose the ball at the foul line and that could be where you are seeing a loss of ball roll, or look.  Either get the ball started into your downswing sooner, or try to slow the pace of your footwork.  
Accomplishing either of those should help you feel and let you retain the hitting power of the heavier ball without losing the look that you have been accustomed to.

Good luck,
Chip

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

QUESTION: Thank you very much for that response.  A few follow up questions...  What does leaving a lot of 8 or 9 pins indicate?  Are you telling me that its not a bad thing if the ball doesnt have that clean end over end rotation going down the lane?  My fear is that I am using my fingers to hook the ball a little to much, rather then letting my wrist do all the work.  Lastly, what are your views on my equipment choice.  I absolutely love the teal Rhino, but some say that the technology of the new balls is far superior.  Would changing to a Twisted Fury, or Black Widow make a big difference in my game?
Thank You again!
John

ANSWER: Without seeing them when you leave them I am assuming they are not of the weak variety, which usually nine pins are not.  I would not look at 8 and 9 pins being a fault of poor rotation or hitting power.  Try to watch how the 10 pin goes off the deck on the next 8 pin you leave and we can talk about that then.

The new technology is different.  I am not sure I would say superior for everyone.  If you are looking for more hook potential, then the new stuff would be superior to what you are using.  Some of the older cores are coming back in the new covestocks now.  If you looked, I know there are balls our there with similar characterstics to what you are using.  Dont get a new ball just to get a new ball.  Decide what your needs or wants are, then a ball can be found that would match up to that.

Good luck,
Chip

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

QUESTION: Chip,

I realized that the reason my rotation didnt look correct was because the grip was not right.  After using some tape in the thumb hole i was able to get enough power on the ball, which increased my overall rev rate.  My new problem is that i have been leaving a ton of pocket 10 pins.  On Saturday i bowled 5 games, and probably left a pocket 10 at least 2-3 times per game.  Please let me know what this indicates.  Maybe my ball is to light (15 lbs) or i am not hooking enough.

Thank You
John

Answer
If you are leaving a "flat" 10 where the 6 pin is just laying in the gutter, then you are covering too many boards or the ball is rolling out.  This will cause the ball to deflect a lot and will actually end up in the pit behind the 10 pin.
If you are leaving a "solid" 10, then you are hitting light in the pocket and catching the 3 pin in the face and that will send the 6 around the ten.  You need to get the all to hit the left/front quadrant of the 3 pin to get the ten out.  Try moving a touch right with your feet and keep your mark the same.
I do not think the ball weight is a cause.

Good luck,
Chip