Expert: Russ King - 2/20/2007

Question
I've been bowling off and on for several years but always used house balls. I can get could hook action but not always consistent. when I go to get my new ball drilled should it be "finger tipped" or standard. thank for any info.

Answer
A bowlers first ball should be a Plastic(polyester).It should be drilled with a conventional grip.This will get you started.You then need to develope your own style & get very consistent with hitting what you are aiming at.If you can't hit what your aiming at, a hook surly will NOT help.
Once you have your style down & consistently hit what your aiming at, then plug up the plastic & drill it fingertip.This will get you a medium hook with control. Then when your used to that, then your ready for hooking around trees with the plastic ball as backup for dry lanes & a good straight ball for spares.This is the best way to get a good firm strong game.If you go straight to fingertip, you will have a roller coaster ride on games like 150,235,124.If the strikes aren't there, you need to fall back on spares.Time frame? This season for Plastic conventional,summer drill fingertip,next season new ball.This is the quickest time frame you should do.