Expert: Chip Aki - 9/27/2007

Question
I am getting a Total NV after bowling with a Beast for 16 years.  The Beast simply quit moving left.  I throw the ball about 23 miles an hour with out any effort.  I have asked a couple pro shops (one I am ordering the ball from, and another in town) how can I make sure the ball will be drilled properly with the PAP I am seeing everywhere on the internet.  They don't seem too concearned with the PAP.  They said they drill it according to a sheet that comes with the ball.  Is that standard for a $200 ball?  
I have also had thumb problems lately where my joint is sore, and my thumb will swell up after 4 or 5 games to terrible pain.  Do you recommmend a certain slug?  Also I am double jointed which I saw mentioned in a question.  What angle should I require that the thumb is drilled?  By the way my thowing pattern in the past was second row second dot from left...walk tword target second dot from right....then let it go.  I have had pretty good luck with clean games, but I would like to see more strikes.  What would be a more effective angle to take.

Answer
There are layouts that do not concern the PAP and can be used safely by most bowlers.  There are specific layouts that do require using the bowlers PAP.
A good pro shop should be able to drill the ball that will not cause you pain.  I would suggest the pro shop watch you bowl before hand.  There may be stress from your release that may be causing your thumb pain.  I can not tell you what angle or pitch you need since I cannot see your thumb nor the way you release the ball.
Where you play the lane is dictated by the lane condition, your release, and the ball that you are throwing.  THe more angle you can create when your ball enters the pocket, the greater your chance of striking would be.  If you get the chance, watch the bowlers in your area that strike more often and try to get your ball to the same breakpoint they are using.  You may get there straighter than some others, but it should help your strike percentage.

Good luck,
Chip