Expert: - 9/29/2009

Question
Picking up the ten pin is the hardest thing. I've tried all the tips my buddies have suggested with no luck(flattening out.A back up etc) I still have it hook in front of or go in the gutter.I throw a fourteen lb ball at about eleven mph.
Any suggestions.What about a real light plastic ball? Is there a ball with no weight block for no hook?

Answer
Fred,
You are on the right track, but I'd invest in a shiny, smooth, hard plastic three piece ball to roll straight at your ten pins. Same weight as your current ball, lighter will throw off your timing (I've found, personally and with bunches of customers).

Your armswing may cause some issues, so when you get the ball, practice on nothing but ten pins (you might throw in a couple 7 pin shots, just to feel your swing as you roll at something else), from at least three arrows across the lane. 40-60+ shots a session (2-4 games). Work from your normal 10 pin set-up first, then move an arrow right with your target and move your feet until you are lined up. Then do it again from another arrow right. After you gain some confidence, you'll have multiple angles (for different lane conditions) and you'll be more comfortable if lane conditions demand you attack the 10 pin from different angles. Good luck with your spares.

Thanks for your question.