Expert: joe foti - 7/4/2004

Question
Hi Joe,

    I am very new to bowling, I have purchased two bowling balls. I have a hammer blade particle (very aggresive) & a ebonite maxim for spares, both drilled fingertip. I also use a wrist guard and have some cheap AMF bowling shoes (if that helps?)

I am wondering what is the best way to improve, I can sit there aiming for the pocket day after day however, seems when I hit it it's not always the desired result (ie, a strike.. ) And also what board should I be aiming to start on, hook out to and hook back to, to get a 'nice' result? unless that question is impossible to answer. Should I stop using my particle ball and slow down a bit?

I would average around 130. My biggest flaw is not picking up my spares. I generally get 2-3 strikes per game, rarely none and occasionally four. When I have a 'Good' game I can score around 160.

I am not so much interested in improving my score immediately as I am long term, so I dont mind if my score needs to go backwards in order to go forwards.  

If you could perhaps suggest something to aim towards that would be excellent. Basically, I dont want to be down at the alley every day practicing things that arent going to help as much as others, etc.

So .. any help would be great! (even books, websites, etc are much appreciated)

BTW: Living in Australia we dont get much time from the Pro's.. I dont think we even have any..

Answer
Ashley,
      The best way to improve is practice. But, you have to practice the right things. First, I'm kinda wondering who sold you a particle ball? Usually a beginner is better off with a mild reactive ball.(Like an Ebonite Tornado.) It's hard for me to tell you where to play, I'd have to watch you bowl. I'd also have to know what your bowling on, wood or synthetic, and how they are oiled. Try and find a good coach and get a few lessons. Your local bowling center or pro shop should have the names of qualified coaches. There are a lot of books on bowling, anything by Fred Borden, John Jowdy, or Dick Ritger should be helpful. Making spares is very important, and I'm glad you realize that. The biggest thing is mechanics, being mechanically sound every shot. Meaning good pendulum swing, being solid at the line, and following through to your target. One of the flaws I see most with new bowlers is inconsistancy. I've seen a lot of newer bowlers with basically sound games, but, one shot goes to target, the next misses right, the next, left. The only pros from Australia I know of are two ladies, one is Carol Gianotti Block, I can't remember the name of the other girl. Which is kind of dumb because I've met her. I know she's buddy-buddy with Michelle Feldman, but I forgot her name. I think they are both from Perth. Anyway, get a few lessons, and if they don't have a consistant slide, ditch the cheap AMF shoes and get a good pair. If I can help you more, let me know. Joe