Expert: Chip Aki - 1/14/2007

Question
Hi,
I got a ball called Ebonite V2 Power and its 14 pounds. No matter how i tried by either rotating the ball from the side or trying to do the break wrist action to unload the ball, my ball just doesn't hook. Sometimes i tried to cupped my wrist but the ball reacted unnaturally. I got a friend who have a 13 pound BVP Rampage and it was said that V2 Power could hook more. He did it so easily and whenever i see him bowl, i felt disappointed. I'm a young bowler and i used to have 180 avg in 2006, but now i just dropped to 140 avg this year. Chip could you teach me where to start now cause i have a competition coming up in April and i hope to improve my game. Thank You.

Answer
The V2 Power has more hook potential than the Rampage, but not on all lane conditions.  If you have the V2 Power with the out of box finish, it needs much more oil on the lane to react well.  If there is not enough oil, the Power will lose its side rotation and will roll out and not hook much, if any.  Try polishing the Power and it will react more like the Rampage.
Also, if you are over rotating your hand, the ball will spin and not go into a roll.  Thus, you will have not hook.  Try polishing the ball and then concentrate on rolling it and not trying to overspin it.  You should see a better and much more consitant reaction.

Good luck,
Chip