Expert: Chip Aki - 11/6/2009

Question
My set I bowled last evening . . I left 10 10-pins !! 1/3 of my frames  ;) I made some adjustments, had what seemed like some success, but then as the games went on, back to leaving the 10 pin. I stand on the 15 board and throw to the 7 board. I use a Columbia yellow and I throw a powerful ball. I threw the 6 pin around the 10 pin 8 or 9 times out of the 10 leaves I had. I've been bowling a long time and understand what adjustments I can make to change my entry angle . .  but I'm looking for any tip I can get . . it was frustrating. I ended up throwing a 571 set, well under average . . but you hit 9 you get 9 ;)  Help.

Answer
I am not sure what adjustments that you made, but leaving the ten pin is caused by the ball hitting light in the pocket.  By light, I mean that the ball is hitting the 3 pin too near the front center of the 3 pin.  To carry the 10 pin, you need to have the ball impact the 3 pin in the left front quadrant.  This will get the 3 to go into the 6 and the 6 will go directly into the 10.
When you leave the 10 pin, take a look at where the ball is as it goes off the pin deck.  I would expect you will see the ball almost behind the 10 pin when the ball stops in the pit.

Good luck,
Chip