Expert: Russ King - 8/11/2006

Question
Good morning. I just started bowling a couple of weeks ago. I've been using 10# and 11# ball. Everyone tells me I should be using a 15# or 16# ball. But its feels kinda heavy and I can't seem to control it very well. I'm 5'11 and 180lbs. I can hold a 16# ball in my palm with my elbow at 90 degrees for more than 25 seconds without a problem. I can only throw heavier balls if i don't try to make a spin, but with no kind of accuracy. Any suggestions? Thanks in advanced.

Answer
 I would say , Don't dive in the pool without first learning to swim!
 Take it easy at first & work your way up.You need to keep it fun while learning.A beginner needs to learn the basics before advanced lessons.Learn what ball is too light & too heavy. If you can't go 3 games without getting tired or waking up soar in the morning,the ball is too heavy. If you are too fast & lose controll,it is too light. You need to only throw a straight ball right now. ACCURACY is a must. All you want to do right now is hit pins every time.DON'T USE ANY WRIST BANDS NOW. Learn what weight works now & work your way up after a while. When you go to get your own ball, it will feel lighter because it fits your hand so going up a pound or 2 will not change the feel.Work out with a 10 pound weight 2 days before & 2 days after bowling. This will help your arm get used to the weight.Do NOT spin your hand! As you throw the ball, point your thumb at what you want to hit. As your hand releases the ball, point your thumb up to the sky without bending your elbow.The same motion as you would toss a softball underhand to somebody.Learn to hit the head pin on first ball & hit your spares on the second.Once you can do this 4 out of 5 times, your ready for your own ball. By that time you will know what weight to get.Learn to hit what your aiming at first with a straightn ball. Then you can down the road learn to hook it around trees without hitting the tree.A good cranker will throw a straight ball at spares.

STRAIGHT FIRST  !    THEN TRY A HOOK.