Expert: - 4/2/2008

Question
QUESTION: I am about to finish my first offically sanctioned winter bowling league (weekly from Sept-April).  I began the league with a 130 average have improved to a 160 average.  However my games the past 2 months of the league have been more in the 180 range.  I purchased my first "hook" ball, which was a Track Crash and have used it for the duration of this league.  I don't know much about bowling terminology and I don't practice but was looking for suggestions for a new ball.  Given my avg and that I only bowl once a week, should I stick with intermediate balls or take a step toward high perfomance balls.  I am overwhelmed by the different brands.  I know that there is a lot that goes into fitting a ball but can you give me any suggestions?  Would a high performance ball help raise my game to the 200 range or do I need to invest additional time to consistently hit the 200's?  Thanks for your time.

ANSWER: Alex,
What's going on with your current ball that you wish to get another?
What's keeping you from scoring better? Missing some spares? Leaving some splits or tougher (multi-pin) spares?

Sounds like your are improving nicely. When you first joined your league, you gained experience and learned how to bowl better. A new ball will begin that cycle again. Bowling balls are tools. What do you NEED a ball to do differently than yours?

High performance balls are like high performance cars, when you need to go 180, a basic sedan won't do. But you don't need to go 180, yet. A high performance ball can hook more, earlier, stronger than your current ball. But, do you need that? or just want it?

Balls help hit the pins (traverse the lane conditions) and knock them down (carry). Are you having trouble getting to the pocket? When you hit the pocket, are you carrying well?  

You've made great strides, in league. Give yourself a chance to develop. With consistency, comes identifiable short comings. You can't fix something if you don't know what to work on. You said it in your statement, you don't know much terminology and you don't practice. Maybe practice a little, try different things and listen to and ask questions of the better (more consistent) bowlers in your league.

As some bowlers are students of the game and others are just matched up well - style/equipment to lane conditions. You'll find some that make sense and others that don't. Be wary but listen, evaluate, observe what better bowlers do, how they play (write back if you have more questions). Being a consistent better player takes some effort. NOT just another bowling ball.

Best wishes and good bowling. Thanks for the questions.

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

QUESTION: Thank you very much, to get at your questions, my current ball is rather beat up.  My track in the ball is very noticable and prior to this sanctioned league I bowled with this ball (when it was brand new) on some old wood lanes in the basement of a bar (~12 week league) and the lanes and ball return equipment really beat it up.  

In terms of the ball performance.  I find that I have to really slow my ball speed down in order for it to grab on the dry part of the lane (when I release I feel like I am practically dropping the ball, not throwing it).  If I throw what feels more natural to me I almost always miss the pocket to the right ( a 3-6 hit instead of 1-3).  My mark that I usually aim for is around the 12th board.  Hence I thought that by getting a more aggressive hooking ball I could throw at a speed that felt more natural to me and have it finish in the pocket more consistently.  

In terms of my scoring, what really is killing my score as you mentioned were the occasion multipin spares and yes even the occasional single pin spares.  Fortunetly I rarely see splits.  Does this make you think a spare ball is in order instead?

In terms of my need versus want...there are several semi pro and pros in my league.  So I see some really good bowlers.  In my league 10 team league there have been 6 bowlers with 300 games and some which have thrown as many as two or three perfect games. I of course long to bowl like them, but realize that I am not that hardcore of a bowler.  I have taken a proactive approach in terms of getting tips from them and I think that has helped escalate my game a lot.  So based on this additional information, especially regarding the performance of my ball, what do you think is the right thing to do?

Answer
Alex,
Thanks for the follow-up info. Exactly the info and input I was looking for.

Your current ball, while a little beat up, could probably benefit from a resurfacing (cleans up the surface, gets it back to smooth). Re-establishing the surface texture you've lost should recover some lost performance. But, it seems you could benefit from a stronger ball reaction, maybe stronger surface prep or stronger layout.

One brief caveat, sometimes too strong a ball loses energy and looks a little like what you describe. Your ball isn't exceptionally strong, unless layout and surface has it burning up. But, I doubt it. Not being able to see you bowl does have its drawbacks.

The multi-pin spare problem (2,4,5,8 -dinner bucket) or variations is the result of a weaker move (by your ball) to the head pin. Your speed control is one way to control the reaction, but a stronger ball and more natural, comfortable (faster) ball speed would benefit you in the long run.

Stronger surface (like a Brunswick Mammoth or Storm Jolt particle) might help without a substantially stronger core. A spare ball is a valid idea. It would "force" you to be aware of your swing angle. Many bowlers build their games around "soft" Typical House Shots (THS). Wrapping your armswing around your back, or swinging back and away from your body could happen with a gripped delivery or forced timing or swing.

The next couple things depend on the unforced, (grip) pressure free approach and swing. A plastic spare ball will allow you to throw the ball with the rotation, tilt and rev rate as your normal first shot. But, because of the minimal surface friction (they are smooth, hard and shiny, and should be maintained that way), you get very little if any ball reaction. But they go where you throw them! I can get a 10 year old to hit the pocket all the time throwing a straight ball IF THE BALL FITS.

You may find with the investment in a spare ball that your spraying the ball around because your depending on the "soft (high friction zone)" lane conditions to steer the ball. It's a wake up call to some bowlers. You will find out if your swing is consistent.

A less expensive spare ball, thrown in practice will give you a real picture of what you impart to the ball, in your delivery. If you can hook plastic, you can hook anything. (I'm old school and learned with rubber balls.)

I find some bowlers invest in equipment before they put some time and energy into improving their skills. You've intelligently evaluated your situation and have a good understanding of what's working and what's not.

I'd spend some time with you on a lane, evaluate your current ball (fit, surface and layout), determine some of the details mentioned earlier (rev rate, ball speed, axis tilt and rotation) before recommending a stronger ball. But, it seems it would benefit you.

Without fit and other details, a spare ball and a high(er) performance ball both will help. I'd suggest you spend the time, and practice first. Then look for the stronger ball (because as your skills improve you don't need as much help, especially from layouts).

Let me know if this makes sense. Best wishes and good bowling. Thanks for the time and questions.