Expert: Chip Aki - 10/26/2004

Question
Hello.  I just recently started bowling.  I have about a 120 average.  I bowl a straight ball.  I have had several people give me tips, and I've been to a couple different websites.  I generally stand at the second set of dots heading toward the lane and I stand at the far left side.  Then I throw the ball straight down trying to hit between the head pin and 1st pin to the right, but mainly just trying to keep my ball straight.  I look at the pins too instead of the marks.  What is the best way for someone who bowls a straight ball to bowl?  Should I look at the marks?  Which mark?  And where should I stand?  Also, do you recommend taking a lesson to figure out the best technique?  Thanks.

Answer
At your early stage of development as a bowler, it would be very advantageous to have an instructor help you.  This will keep you from learning bad habits that will take much longer to correct.

I would reccommend targeting at the arrows.  It is much easier to hit a target 15 feet away than 60 feet.

Good luck,
Chip