Expert: Chip Aki - 7/21/2008

Question
Chip,

Thanks for advice on my previous question, I am already throwing the ball better!  About 4 weeks ago now I have trouble matching-up in my sunday night league.  

The first 3 weeks they put down a very heavy shot (don't know the length) and I was using a Black Widow Bite and Break Pearl playing about 12-7, with great success as I averaged 221 over these weeks (two 700 series).  The next 4 weeks have not gone so well.  I feel that I am still throwing the ball well (I'm not missing by more than 1-2 on ANY shot), but I'm not scoring.  Other people (especially those with hand) have the whole lane (almost literally).

I have tried using less aggressive equipment as my BWB and break Pearl stopped hooking.  My less aggressive equipment (Pluto, Neptune, Spit Fire, Rapid Fire Pearl) is getting to the pocket but carry is terrible and I dont seem to have any area (whether I play outside with speed, the track or further inside and loop it).  I am mostly leaving corner pins (including 4's and 6's) with some 9's and 8's mixed in.  

The one constant is that I am using pin-up equipment.  Could this be the problem?  Would pin-down equipment serve better on a lower volume THS?  I am a Tweener and throw with medium speed.

Thanks,

-SV

Answer
If all of your equipment is drilled pin up, that is helping cause your issues.  On some conditions, pin up can be very sensitive and hard to get the breakpoint and entry angle correct.
I would take a medium type of pearl ball and try a pin down drilling.
Good luck,
Chip