Expert: Chip Aki - 3/5/2005

Question
I have a low ball-track that flares further away from my thumbhole than it does my finger holes. I am a four-step bowler,and my ball speed is approximately 14 mph.Lastly my rev rate is fairly high.My problem is that I can only use equipment with low friction surfaces and high rg drills,with any success, and even these types of balls tend to "read" the midlanes too early and over-react,whenever I try to play the lanes more direct. I would like to be able to play more to the right of the third arrow and up the boards without the early reaction that always forces me to play the inside lines.The "weak" equipment and layouts that I use often times doesn't afford me good carry from the inside lines I find myself forced to play,but any ball I've tried with a stronger drilling or more surface, tends to blow-up in the mids. Is there a drilling that will allow me to use stronger balls and/or play closer to the track?

Answer
Where are other bowlers playing the lanes that you bowl on?  If the lane condition wont let anyone play out, then there isnt much chance that a different ball or layout will let you.

It sounds like you have tried the correct layouts and ball types to try and play where you want to, so I am not sure if there is a way to take a strong ball and use it where you are wanting to play.

Have you tried a weaker core type with a strong layout?

Chip