Expert: Warren Friedl, Pro Shop Owner/Operator, - 5/13/2009

Question
My husband & I just started bowling back in February. We go two to three times a week.  My normal way to bowl is to through the ball down the lane with my palm down instead of up.  I have tried it with my palm up and tried the hand shake method but it causes pain in my arm. I had Rotator Cuff Surgery in the past and I'm not sure if that has anything to do with it or not.  I use a regular straight ball and my average is between 100 to 140 per night throughing it this way.  I wanted to get a Hammer Black Widow Pearl Ball but a friend of mine said because I don't bowl normal that it would probably be a waste of money to get a curving ball because I wouldn't be able to put a spin on it.  Do you agree?

Answer
Rose,
I agree. Not knowing how to drive doesn't change when you buy a Corvette. Performance equipment will often complicate and compound your problems.

You may have a fit issue. Your shoulder issue shouldn't have your arm hurt, unless you are using muscles you shouldn't need to use.

Fit properly, a ball should let go of you. The strain you're feeling should not happen with a properly fit ball. The angles of the holes dictate some of what your hand can do. If it's more comfortable (NO Pain) to have your hand palm down, there is a problem.

Have your ball driller fix the problem. (Hand flat on the ball, hole angles should have pads of the fingers/thumb control the ball, not the edges of the holes.) The ball should just hang in your hand, when hand is relaxed and hanging down at your side.

Thanks for the questions. If the driller doesn't know what to do, please have him contact me at: revbowl@revbowl.com. I will be glad to help, without charge.

Training in our industry is woefully inadequate. Many store owners learn by doing. The Pro Shop Association (IBPSIA) is a source of tremendous experience and training but many hobby pro shops can't afford to take time from their jobs, close the store and attend (what amounts to) a pro shop university.