Expert: - 9/27/2008

Question
QUESTION: This may be an inappropriate question due to not having seen my style of bowling but I will ask anyway in case there's a generic answer.

Can you give me the drilling specs that allow for the most agressive hook?

ANSWER: Jim,
Strongest earliest most aggressive layout is a leverage pin placement, mass bias on or past the Vertical Axis Line (VAL), with a Pin Buffer of 1", using a weight hole next to the thumb hole, a dual angle representation would be 10 degrees, 3 3/8 pin, 20 degrees.

I have never, NEVER needed to utilize all the above, for any bowler, on any lane condition (even the most oily).

Thanks for the question. What are you trying to accomplish? Because some of the above provides overall hook, some encourages earlier roll, some encourages strong backend motion. When you layout for strong backend, earlier hook isn't accomplished simultaneously (you can't use energy early if you want more at the pins).

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

QUESTION: I need an aggressively hooking ball with drilling help to compensate for my 'soft' hand delivery.  Every 15th or so delivery am I able to get a good hook.  Normally it's a weak arc even using the Legends 'Sting'.  I figured, maybe incorrectly, getting a Columbia 300 'Resurgence' or Brunswick 'Twisted Fury Solid' coupled with aggressive drilling would provide better entry angle with energy.  I use either a 3 or 4-step approach, usually with a suitcase hand position.  I can deliver the ball with the hand cocked partially to fully angled but still don't get desired results.  Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.  Thanks, Jim

Answer
Jim,
Use your money to get coaching, get consistent (practice), develop a stronger release. Invest in building your skills.

Strong bowling balls are tools. Weak bowling balls are tools. You are neglecting your own skills in favor of the possibility some ball might be the "right" tool.

Unfortunately, even the "right" ball is only right for a short time (the lane changes, oil is removed, bowlers tire, other players effect reaction). You may be looking for a "magic" wand (ball) to help you bowl better. They don't exist.

Your desire for more angle and energy is a good plan, but varying your approach (3 or 4 steps), experimenting with release positions could be adding elements to your game that are counter productive. Get some fresh trained eyes to evaluate your game and get a plan to improve it. Once you execute the plan with the guidance of a coach, your improved game can better utilize performance equipment and layouts.

To suggest an aggressive hooking ball, I need your ball speed (if you throw hard the Twisted Solid might work well-but slower speed and it could roll out and go straight!). What's the typical lane condition you bowl on (oily and nothing hooks for anyone, but dry and your Legends ball could roll out too)? Your perceived weaker release could be contributed to by a ball fit that doesn't allow optimum hand, wrist and elbow action.

Thanks for the questions. Good luck.