Expert: Chip Aki - 12/26/2004

Question
I am a Left-hander and I have been bowling for over 12yrs now and now I am stumped on lane conditions.

I play the 2nd arrow on the left side and I do strike but "if" I hit outside the 2nd arrow, my ball will not hook and it will just slide straight as an arrow.  In league, I see the right-handers playing the edge to the 2nd arrow striking without any effort.  I have a PTE Rhino and Columbia Cuda/C pearl and they are drilled 3/8 by 3/8. Do I hook the ball? Yes, but I am no cranker.  

In your opinion, does this mean the house that I bowl in favors righthanders than lefthanders? I see in the PBA more righthanders winning tournaments than lefthanders.

If you can give me any advice on what ball to use or anything in that matter.

Thanks,

John

Answer
What happens if you move out and play straight up the edge of the lane?  You may just be starting the ball too far inside.  If not, maybe you are playing just left of the area you need to be.  I usually try to find the spot on the lane where the ball wants to hook and then move just inside that.
For a ball that is less sensitive to the lane pattern, I would suggest a milder layout or the same layout with a weaker core.  The stronger the ball and or layout, the more over reactive it may become.
More right handers win tournaments becuase there are just more of them that bowl.  If you ask a righthander though, the lefties always have it easy.  Not true, although some centers favor a style of play or hand more than others.

Good luck,
Chip