Expert: Russ King - 8/27/2006

Question
Hello Russ, thank you for taking my question.  MY girlfriend who is 25 and I have been bowling in a couple of mixed leagues for 3 years now, have decided to update her equipment.  After our first year of bowling, she went out and bought her own plastic ball, an Ebonite.  We would like to upgrade her to perhaps urethane, but the thing is she cannot control anything above 8lbs.  I would like to teach her how to throw a bit of a hook, but it is turning out to be very hard to do withe the plastic ball.  However, it is time to get her a new ball, as the new league season is approaching, and this ball is cracked.  Therefore, my question is, should we go with another plastic ball, and I can concentrate on helping her with a straight shot?  Do they even make Urethane balls in 8lbs.?  I hope I have explained the situation sufficiently.  Any suggestions would be appreciated.  Thank you.

Answer
The most important rules to follow IN A MIXED LEAGUE IS
       "KEEP IT FUN" & "KEEP HER HAPPY"
If your girlfriend wakes up the next morning stiff or hurting, she will not enjoy bowling & might quit . NOT A GOOD THING!
If she is happy with a 8 pounder,KEEP HER HAPPY.
If she hits her target 8 out of 10 times & only opens once or twice a game averaging around a 155-165, then she is ready for a fingertip hook ball.The hook might look great going down the lane.But if it misses the pins a lot, don't look up at the score!A hook will get very frustrating very fast if you are not good at the basics.If she can spare a lot,ASK HER IF SHE WANTS TO TRY A HOOK. I would suggest for an 8 pounder , stay with a straight plastic ball.There are some great balls on EBAY.Theres a tweety,Bugs Bunny,Power Puff ect. all at a great price.
Little lessons here & there will not frustrate her & her face will light up when she bowles over her average.A pair of shoes would go good if she doesn't have a pair . Coach her on some practice games. Then just let her bowl on league night.If she asks you for help on league night, keep it light & simple.One thing at a time & start working on her first step & work up to the foul line.Most bad things start with a bad first step.Work on one step each month.Around December,it will all come together.
 SOLID BASICS,COACH LIGHT & KEEP IT FUN!