Expert: Chip Aki - 4/3/2008

Question
I bowl with a 16.5 Pacific storm ball.  I stand on the 2nd dot and throw over the second arrow on the right side, I am a righthander.  I throw what I think is in the pocket but I keep leaving the 10 pin.  I actually left the 10 pin 15 times in my 3 game league last night.  How can I fix this?

Answer
There are several factors that could be causing this, but I will highlight a couple of them.
1.  The ball may be rolling out before it gets to the pins.  If this is the case, then the ball will be behind the ten pin when the ball settles in the pit.  This would require a move to the left with your feet and mark.  It may also require you to get around the side of the ball more to retain more energy down the lane.

2.  The ball may be sliding when it hits the pins.  Again the ball will be behind the ten pin in the pit.  This would require a move right.
3.  The ball is hitting a bit too light.  Try to get the ball to roll sooner by moving your feet a touch right or slowing down your ball speed.

Good luck,
Chip