Expert: Chip Aki - 2/16/2010

Question
QUESTION: If I am a more "down and in" type player preferring to play from the 7 board out on the lane for THS, medium to heavy oil, would you recommend a more hook and set layout for my equipment>? Im thinking the pin further from PAP. But I also was thinking of layout with Pin in closer for more continuous arc when I do have to move more left.

What do you recommend?

I throw average speed about 17mph, medium revs, track close to thumb hole, 3/4 delivery or 45 degree angle pretty much.

I can alter my speed, release etc. when needed but am trying to find something in my comfort zone where I can move less, and maybe just switch equipment when needed.

Also I am confused on this issue. I hear both sides to the question.

Should I be sticking with less agressive balls, but more aggressive layouts, or vise versa, and having a more aggressive or asymetrical ball with a milder layout to get a better reaction.

Right now I feel I am not good enough to overcome a bad reaction.
I mean part of me thinks a Storm Natural is the way to go to get more of an arcing controlled attack, but then another part thinks maybe i need something aggressive like a mutant cell or something and just get it drilled like I had mentioned.

Any suggestions would greatly be appreciated. I am frustrated with throwing what I consider to be a good shot, striking, then throwing another shot, feels right, and it's not carrying. So I move and the process keeps going rather quickly like that. In other words I feel even when Im consistent my ball reaction isnt.

thanks
m

ANSWER: If you really like to play down and in, the hook/set layouts work best.  Surface becomes the adjustment that needs to be made to control the over all hook.
I would use a weaker  ball as opposed to a strong ball drilled weaker.
For what you are looking for, I would stay away from the asymetrical balls.
It would always be best to have an aggressive ball and a weaker ball if finances allow it, but the weaker ball will be the more versatile of the two.

Good luck,
Chip

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

QUESTION: Thanks Chip,
It really is helpful to get this sort of advice. I was leaning towards symetrical balls overall as you recommended.
Lets say I can have an aggressive ball and a weaker ball. Do you have any recommendations as to what type of balls I should be looking at. Im not asking for you to endorse anyone per say but maybe give me examples of each of what you are thinking. When I think weaker ball I think something like the Natural, or Hammer Razyr. Aggressive maybe something like a Nomad. Am I heading in the right direction or are you thinking "not that weak," or "stronger than that?" Also for the Hook and Set what pin placement exactly do you recommend?

thanks again,
MH

Answer
If I was going to only go with 2 balls, I would go with a Natural and a Hy Road, especially if you wanted to go with Storm.
If you want to go with any other company, and all have good stuff, I would look for a solid and a pearl in their mid-price equipment.

You are on the right track.

I would take one of the balls and place the pin near your ring finger and the cg in your palm.

Good luck,
Chip