Expert: Chip Aki - 1/28/2009

Question
After years away from the game because of shoulder problems, I have recently come back. Because of the shoulder, I have to use a 14# ball instead of my regular 16# er.  I was always a "down and in" bowler but with the new synthetic lanes and oil patterns, I find it very difficult to throw that style of ball now. Since I really shouldn't throw my ball harder than I do because of the shoulder, can you suggest a ball that doesn't hook so drastically and one that would make it easier to bowl in the stye that I am most comfortable with?  I had always carried around a 200 average, but now, not withstanding the lighter ball and less "carry", it difficult to even come close to that average.

Answer
Have you already made the change to 14#?  If so, what kind of ball are  you  using right now?  That info will make it much easier to give you some options.

I would not expect a huge loss of carry with a 14# bowling balls of today.  There are several bowlers that I know of use that weight and can still strike quite a bit.  I even used that weight for awhile after wrist surgery.  

It will be more important to match the ball up to your style and ball speed to create hitting power, not ball weight.

Chip