Expert: Warren Friedl, Pro Shop Owner/Operator, - 5/12/2009

Question
I've bowling in a league for about 2 years now, my average last year was 108 and this year its 134. Im using the same ball, a gamebreaker which I love, my dad tells me to bend my knees and get lift on the ball, while my coach tells me to follow through and keep my shoulders square. I have tendency to drop my 14 pound ball,its definitely to heavy, but I've gotten the thumb hole fixed twice and I constantly get blisters. Any tips?

Answer
Jake,
Sounds like the ball still doesn't fit well. What do you weight? More than 130? If so, weight is probably OK. If you're lighter, the weight may be a little too much.

Both coach and dad are offering good advice for a newer bowler. Work on the suggestions, one at a time. Trying to do four things at once is a problem. When you've rolled the ball enough that a change in your game doesn't feel strange (30 to 50 practice shots), you are changing the muscle memory and unlearning a less desirable action.

The ball needs to fit better, it should let go of you! If you have to grip so much, it's not fitting well.

Some drillers have limited opportunities to learn from top people. Your hand, flexibility, size, moistness/or lack of, all effects your ability to let the ball roll off your hand.

Your driller tried twice to fix the problem, let them know you still have a problem with the hole. If possible, get the fit (spans, pitches, hole sizes, etc.) and I can try to help with what's going on.

I am not being critical of your driller, but as an IBPSIA trained driller (getting the combined knowledge of hundreds of ball drillers, ball manufacturer's reps, tour reps, etc.), I've seen a lot (here in Chicago), been exposed to even more from my peers, and can help or know someone that can.

Thanks for the questions. Hang in.