Expert: Russ King - 10/8/2006

Question
I have a hard time on just oiled lanes. I bowl finger tip with a 14lb ball. I can't seem to get it to hook in the pocket. I have tried moving right etc. I throw the 9 or ten board .. But when it is just oiled i can't control it. Can you tell me what kind of ball is good for oily lanes. I am 50 yrs old and live in cape coral florida. I had a 155 average at end of winter 2005 I am now rolling between 167 and 170. I just am not consistent on oil. Any suggestions. Thanks . Paula

Answer
Fresh oil means fresh wet/dry.Wet skid/Dry hook.Over/ Under.Usually the oil tapers off as you get further out to the edge.If you play right at the transition & miss your mark or speed or anything else by a little, you will get a big differece. You need to move a few boards either way & get the transition line to work for you. If you have a tendancy to miss to the right, move in 2 boards & use the transition line to push the ball back.If you have the tendancy to tug or miss to the left,move a board to the right & be firm with the shot. The oil inside will give you tug area.As the shot breaks down(1st game),it developes more hold in the back end.Move right a little.3rd game it dries out.Move left.Find that bump & move into it so it bumps the ball up to the pocket.Or just play out & speed up to hold the shot.This line is usually around the second arrow.STOP FIGHTING IT & USE IT TO YOUR ADVANTAGE!If the ball hooks too much, move in & bump.If too little, move out & use the inside oil for hold. I don't know what ball you use but, it should work with all of them.But, when you move remember to throw the ball the same as before or the move won't mean anything.
TRY THIS & GET BACK TO ME.LET ME KNOW HOW IT CHANGED THE SHOT SO I CAN GET YOU CLOSER.