Expert: Warren Friedl, Pro Shop Owner/Operator, - 7/2/2009

Question
QUESTION:
I understand the concept of the positive access point and the need to position the pin and cg in relationship to the pap when drilling.  However, my question regards the coordinates of the pap and what they mean.  For example a pap location of 4 1/2 over and 1 1/4 down indicates what in regards to release, track, tilt?

Thanks,

Harry

ANSWER: Harry,
The PAP you mention would reflect a track probably running across the finger holes. Where is the pin and mass bias (if there is a marked MB) in relation to the PAP and track?

I've had a couple customers that roll the ball like you describe, but without more information I can't comment much more. But, the tilt for the players with this kind of roll, is usually less than 10 degrees (almost full roller).

Your co-ordinates are your co-ordinates. A reflection of how you roll a ball. Can you explain more of what you'd like to know?

Thanks for the question. bowl well.

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

QUESTION: I am going to have my ball drilling professional check my PAP, I may have used parts of two rings to measure the PAP.  After reading your answer I determined the PAP incorrectly as the track is far from a full roller.  The ball I used has no mass bias (except the 6 3/4 point from the cg and pin).  The pin is down near the center of the span as the ball is used for spares, the track is closer to the thumb then the fingers. The ball is an old, old AMF angle lite and the cg is not marked clearly.

I am trying to increase my knowledge about ball reactions and drilling to help in my coaching of high school bowlers.  With that in mind I am curious what PAP location distance from the mid line reflects and what the distance up or down reflects.

Thanks again for your time and knowledge,

Harry Renouf

Answer
Harry,
You are part of the fastest growing HS sport in the country, congratulations and thank you. I'm happy to help.

Sounds like the pin in your VERY basic (three piece, urethane) Angle is middle of your grip to help control how much and when it might hook.

Typically, the further out the PAP, to 6 3/4 inches, the more up the back (and earlier rolling) or forward rolling the ball rolls and gets closer to zero degrees of axis rotation. Closer in, usually, reflects a spinner type release, often a late release or overturned release (with more skid potential and later finish).

When PAP is above the midline, the track is tipped away from the fingers. A late spinner release (with track 2-3 plus inches from the fingers) often is caused by a ball fit that must be gripped by the bowler (not a good fit) or a player trying to turn the ball more (but too late).

When PAP is down from the midline, the track is closer (sometimes running on) to the finger holes, reflecting less axis tilt (earlier and stronger rolling).

It's been said by many in the industry, whose opinions I respect, that there are 5 types of bowlers. 1. Speed dominant. 2. Somewhat speed dominant. 3. Matched up. 4. Somewhat rev dominant. 5. Rev dominant. If you can identify these players, there are multiple things you can do to help move them up or down.

Matching up a player often means trying to get someone rev dominant to add ball speed, or someone speed dominant to add more revolutions. In any case moving a player to the middle, where their speed and rev rates, match the lane conditions, makes them more effective bowlers. Not to say that every bowler should throw 18 miles an hour with a 450 rev rate, but slower players with less revs often match up well, too.

Thanks for the questions. Changing the roll of a young persons game/ball is a project. They evolve so quickly because they grow so fast. Using equipment and equipment adjustments to help match a player to expected conditions is easier and often info they will use forever.