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Bowling/Questions Answered by Expert Gary L. Oatis, PBA Coach and USBC Silver Level Coach, PBA Member, Pro Shop Staff Member
| Subject | Date Asked |
| pinkie finger hole | 5/18/2012 |
| Q: Gary, I injured my right middle finger (tore the ligament) last year and have since switched to ... A: first off, your health is most important to me. I played basketball most of my adult life. If I knew ... | |
| ball's motion | 5/17/2012 |
| Q: my question is What is the difference in the ball motion if the player at the stance position start ... A: Greetings Carlos from Venezuela, when it comes to ball motion you have two ways to think of it...Do ... | |
| PAP | 5/11/2012 |
| Q: As I read tech stuff about bowling I wonder if I could do better. I am confused about PAP location ... A: I'm sure that Monster Frenzy has been a real love of your life on the lanes. October of this year ... | |
| transition game | 4/29/2012 |
| Q: After taking a year off from bowling i was asked to bowl with a new team just formed. I had never ... A: Hey, Hey, Hey....Jeff! Cut that out! I make my living teaching people lane play. You just bust all ... | |
| Cork Bowling Ball | 4/9/2012 |
| Q: We have a cork bowling ball with finger holes from the 1940's or 1950's. Does it have any value???? ... A: (Possibly wood bowling ball.) If you do have one of these wooden bowling balls made from lignum ... | |
| drop shoulder | 3/31/2012 |
| Q: my question is how i fix stop drop my shoulder. thank you for the answered. harvey 3-31-2012 A: dropping the shoulder is perhaps one of the most argued bowling topics that exist today. It's just ... | |
| Rg and Differential Pin Positions | 3/29/2012 |
| Q: I would like to confirm if I have a correct technical understanding of the RG and RG differential ... A: Armando, from the Philippines, Greetings my friend. And Oh myyyy... Radius of Gyration or Rg, ... | |
| Staying down at the line | 3/28/2012 |
| Q: Does your book talk about staying down while approaching the line? If so what tips do you recommend ... A: staying down at the line can be achieved by follow the suggested tips in my new bowling book. I talk ... | |
| ball drillings | 3/20/2012 |
| Q: bowler that needs help with ball pick and drillings my ball loses to much energy my speed about ... A: Since you are able to hit the pocket drilling is not a priority issue. Apparently, you like the look ... | |
| bowling ball spinners | 3/6/2012 |
| Q: What do you think about products like this? Can they help your game? ... A: Greetings Bill, thank you for your question. You would like to know can a product like the ball ... | |
| max y grip | 2/29/2012 |
| Q: is this good grip or something you wouldnt advise. A: Concerning the Max Y Grip or the off-set thumb, I have come to the conclusion it is something I ... | |
| thumb pitch | 2/7/2012 |
| Q: My ball is coming off my thumb early when I release the ball. I have 1/8 reverse and no lateral. If ... A: You said your ball is coming off your thumb early when you release the ball. If you pitch the ball ... | |
| Bowling Arm Swing | 2/5/2012 |
| Q: I am a bowler who has been bowling for 3 years now and it seems that I have almost everything in my ... A: Muscle memory is a real bear to change sometimes. It takes a concentrated effort and dedication from ... | |
| What type of Ball should I be looking at. | 2/1/2012 |
| Q: I haven't bowled since about 1988 due to medical condition but I am now in remission and able to use ... A: Great to have you back! Considering its been 24 years since you've bowled, we have to start from ... | |
| Back up Ball | 1/28/2012 |
| Q: You don't know how excited I was to find someone talking about a back up ball and not saying it is a ... A: I am so glad to help if I can. To start, you had a certain look, or shape of your ball travel that ... | |
| high rg vs. low rg with high rg drilling? | 1/25/2012 |
| Q: I was wondering if you can help me understand the difference in having a higher rg ball vs. having a ... A: Radius of Gyration(RG) in this case is referring to how far the ball travels down lane before making ... | |
| pin/pap distance | 12/23/2011 |
| Q: i am attempting to learn and understand drilling patterns so I will be more knowledgeable when I buy ... A: First of all, I know it's a little un-nerving to walk into a pro shop to buy a new ball these days. ... | |
| Help with selecting suitable ball for me | 12/4/2011 |
| Q: I have stopped bowling for 13 years now, and I want to take up bowling again, so I am searching for ... A: wow, I am flattered...from Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, a long way around the world. I have a ... | |
| Lane Conditions | 12/1/2011 |
| Q: Situation: Our team is bowling on 13 and 14. I'm coming in on the nose on 13, using the same ... A: Professionally, I wait! I love the adage, don't fix sump'n that isn't broken! You can often carry as ... | |
| Pin distance | 11/27/2011 |
| Q: I have been told to get at least a 3 in pin when I get a ball. What if any difference is there ... A: the differences between pin placements, often comes down to ball lay outs. If you get a pin that is ... | |
| axis tilt | 11/23/2011 |
| Q: My ball has always tracked extremely close to both the finger and thumbs holes. I have been trying ... A: You are probably very correct that it is the way you are releasing the ball. Basically you are ... | |
| PINKIE HOLE | 11/22/2011 |
| Q: CAN A PINKIE HOLE HURT IN ANY WAY? A: Naturally, pinky holes will hurt if they are miss drilled, for example the span is too short, too ... | |
| Bowling bal lbrunswick rampage | 11/18/2011 |
| Q: It polished right now and it works pretty good but I'm trying to figure out if it would be better if ... A: I won't mix words here. Your ball will smooth out generally. It will also begin to read earlier. The ... | |
| Tracking oil | 11/1/2011 |
| Q: Often times when I'm bowling at a house that typically has a higher concentration of oil, I will ... A: Greetings John, bowling on a pattern that has a higher concentration of oil may require you to bowl ... | |
| track cross over midle finger hole | 10/21/2011 |
| Q: i'm 2 handed bowler. i have this problem and still cannot skip it till today. i want to know, how ... A: Greetings Wadud, Most often, tracking over the finger hole depends on your release, and the drilling ... | |
| Drilling Pattern | 10/9/2011 |
| Q: Have a customer whose ball rotation is a 'spinner'. He wants a drilling to help the ball react more ... A: Greetings Dick. Often times new drillings may not help. If really pressed for a drilling you can max ... | |
| Walking Straight to the foul .line | 9/28/2011 |
| Q: I am having trouble walking straight to the foul line. This was observed by a friend of mine who ... A: John, I will share with you the following from a coaches perspective. When a bowler comes to me ... | |
| left hand bowling | 9/18/2011 |
| Q: hurt right shoulder,any advice on how to bowl left handed? thank you ... A: injury to your shoulder, not good! Learning to bowl left handed, good! I truly don't have a quick ... | |
| 10 pins | 9/17/2011 |
| Q: I had a frustrating yet positive day in bowling yesterday 9/15/11. I was hitting the pocket with ... A: Demetrius, thanks for your question about 10 pins. How can you kick them out? The short answer is ... | |
| Staying behind the ball | 9/14/2011 |
| Q: I am trying to stay behind the ball, but I keep turning the ball, what can I do to help fix this, I ... A: staying behind the ball is a mechanical motion. As all beginning ball motion that is created when ... | |
| Pain under nail in middle finger | 9/12/2011 |
| Q: Sir I am on two leagues and bowl about 10 games a week. I use fingertips balls, 14lbs and avg 220. ... A: keeping the rule in mind, "the body will only take so much," you no doubt are at the point something ... | |
| Bowling Ball Question | 9/11/2011 |
| Q: Can you tell me what this ball will do base on the drilling layout?? Thanks a lot and can you ... A: Track flare is the spacing between the ball tracks on your ball. It can be wide 3/4 of an inch or ... | |
| correcting a back-up ball | 9/10/2011 |
| Q: I have been working on getting my daughter to throw a regular style or possibly a right to left ... A: this is a post I previous wrote about correcting the back-up ball. It may help you. ... | |
| awards | 9/9/2011 |
| Q: last tuesday nite in league play i made the big four split 4-7 6-10 is there a pba award for that? ... A: As a former league president, and to my knowledge, there is no such thing. As rare as it is to see ... | |
| Bowling Ball Question | 9/4/2011 |
| Q: Can you tell me what this ball will do base on the drilling layout?? Thanks a lot and can you ... A: based on the image, the bowling ball is asymmetrical. Asymmetrical balls with the pin placed above ... | |
| forearm popping | 8/29/2011 |
| Q: I have been bowling seriously for about 2 months after i got my own ball. When i first started my ... A: very sorry to hear you have an injury of this nature. In my time I often see this when a bowler that ... | |
| Ball and Ankle | 8/20/2011 |
| Q: I am curious as to how the good bowlers keep the bowling ball "super" close to their ankle at the ... A: Nicholas, this is a question coaches avoid because we would be putting the bowler at risk. When we ... | |
| Ball and Ankle | 8/3/2011 |
| Q: I am curious as to how the good bowlers keep the bowling ball "super" close to their ankle at the ... A: your question concerning releasing the ball near the ankle is truly just as you describe it, maybe ... | |
| low rev rate and lane adjustments | 7/25/2011 |
| Q: I'm a fairly new bowler about 2-3 months in and over that time Ive developed a "hook", and where to ... A: First off, it's great to have another set of eyes looking at your game. Concretely, where you stand ... | |
| Blood blister | 7/22/2011 |
| Q: During the past 3 days, I've done a ton of bowling. I had a sport shot league one night, a 2 day ... A: sorry to hear about your injury. I coach over 250 bowlers per year, this often happens to someone I ... | |
| Ball arsenal | 7/12/2011 |
| Q: I was wanting some advise on purchasing a new ball. Currently I have a Virtual gravity nano drilled ... A: Storm has a very good line of weapons. Storm's on-line lane play graphics are the best when it comes ... | |
| choosing the correct ball and drilling | 7/10/2011 |
| Q: I used to bowl in the 160 range when I was in my 30's. I moved to Florida 10 years ago and am now ... A: Choosing the correct ball and drilling has to be a joint effort most of the time by you and members ... | |
| Bowling | 6/27/2011 |
| Q: Is there such a thing as a dead ball? A: there are two trains of thought concerning a dead ball. On the first track there is the technical ... | |
| Can't get lift and average has dropped | 6/26/2011 |
| Q: I'm 73 and i'm using a Jazz 15 lb. ball.Would it be a good idea to purchase a lighter ball ... A: The key to scoring is to put factors in your favor that will allow you to get to the pocket and ... | |
| arthritic ring and middle fingers | 6/9/2011 |
| Q: I need suggestions for relief of the pain of the ring and middle fingers during delivery of the ... A: Angela, I sincerely hate to hear that any bowler is bowling in pain. Especially, when it is at the ... | |
| bowling help | 6/6/2011 |
| Q: im 80 years old ...have arthritus in my middle bowling finger..had to go to an 11 lb ball...dont get ... A: Greetings Bill, let's get to it! Speed, and nice turn to the ball, plus a the ball weight is a ... | |
| offset thumb layouts | 6/4/2011 |
| Q: I once had an offset thumb layout and I liked it. Once the pro shop owner moved away it was hard to ... A: Ken, often the disconnect in these cases is technique or release. Since you added that you like to ... | |
| offset thumb layouts | 6/3/2011 |
| Q: I once had an offset thumb layout and I liked it. Once the pro shop owner moved away it was hard to ... A: For a pro shop professional, this change presents an idea that they aren't truly guiding the ... | |
| Keep of thumb hole | 5/31/2011 |
| Q: Is their a drill pattern that will help me keep my ball of the thumb hole; or what am I doing to ... A: Greetings John, Most of the time it is the release technique you are using. You may be releasing the ... | |
| "Feel" | 5/25/2011 |
| Q: As a bowler that is discovering release issues and comfort of grip problems. Before I go and accuse ... A: You asked, "How do you know what the correct feel is?" It's a complicated, yet simple answer! ... | |
| practice session | 5/21/2011 |
| Q: Whenever i'm bowling and practice starts i want to be able to read the lanes within a certain amount ... A: DJ, In my new book True Bowler Adjustments I talk at length about reading the lanes in practice. I ... | |
| best 15lbs ball to buy for high speed throw | 5/8/2011 |
| Q: 5 to 23 mph with a strong hook and was wonder what would be best for me im thinking about a elite ... A: please go to www.stormbowling.com. click on products and then balls. I am very impressed with their ... | |
| Practice time | 4/22/2011 |
| Q: Gary, Much respect for what you do for the sport. I have only been bowling for about 3 years now, ... A: Regi thank you for the very kind words. Like yourself, I wish I had picked up bowling sooner! I did ... | |
| 7-10 split | 4/19/2011 |
| Q: I recently went bowling and attempted a 7-10 split. I went for the left side of the 7 pin and the ... A: the answer to your question is no, it will not count. The following links list the rule in question. ... | |
| Cheating using blind scores | 4/18/2011 |
| Q: As a member of a Thursday night league. I'm writing you to express my concerns regarding what are ... A: Janet, this form of strategy "may" be the intent of the bowler. I don't like it. However, it happens ... | |
| Roll | 4/10/2011 |
| Q: How do you know or what do you watch to see if the ball has "rolled out" which results on no hitting ... A: In my new book I discuss at length, situations about roll and roll out. Knowing that a ball has ... | |
| drilling options | 3/31/2011 |
| Q: I am just learning to drill bowling balls. Would you recommend the best books and the best short ... A: Telling you what you want to hear is easy. Accomplishing the task is the tough part. First, you need ... | |
| Rules for Fouls when bowling | 3/20/2011 |
| Q: if a bowler foot goes over the line barely and the foul light doesnt go off is a foul still in ... A: Steve, according to the USBC rules, it is a foul. It is listed under "5d. Apparent Foul" It states: ... | |
| practice routine/wasting strikes? | 3/3/2011 |
| Q: What is your routine during the practice session 10 minutes before league play? I have read and ... A: Demetrius, I won't try to blow smoke at you or anyone when it comes to bowling. This is a website ... | |
| Your Book/More Consistent Release | 3/2/2011 |
| Q: Hey Gary, I just got your book, but have not had a chance to dig into it yet. I am having ACL ... A: ACL knee surgery is a tough act to follow. The doctors don't mess around. They get you into rehab ... | |
| practice routine/wasting strikes? | 2/27/2011 |
| Q: What is your routine during the practice session 10 minutes before league play? I have read and ... A: Demetrius, I truly appreciate your question! In my new bowling book, "True Bowler Adjustments," I ... | |
| When to change to fingertip grip | 2/25/2011 |
| Q: My son is 12 and currently averages 154 in league. At what age do you recommend him going from ... A: Big Daddy Don, I get this question from parents all the time. Thanks for asking. Since you and I ... | |
| new finger tip bowling | 2/23/2011 |
| Q: My son is 13 years old and has been bowling for 4 years. We recently bought him a 13lb brunswick ... A: Dan, it is awesome your son has been bowling for four years. There are so many things that can get ... | |
| hitting the 10 pin | 2/22/2011 |
| Q: I've been bowling for about 5 years. My nemesis is when I leave the 10 pin. I seem to either ... A: it seems this is the question of the month! There are different systems for picking up the 10 pin. ... | |
| bowling ball hook | 2/21/2011 |
| Q: I'm 70 years old and cannot handle the the reactive bowling balls currently on the market. I'm ... A: the first thing to pop into my head about your question was getting a urethane bowling ball. There ... | |
| Following through on swing | 2/20/2011 |
| Q: I am a female, throw a conventional grip, bowling over 20 years and this season I am having a ... A: after a long period of bowling our grip / fit will change and it has to be investigated by the pro ... | |
| changing balls ? | 2/17/2011 |
| Q: Presently throw virtual gravity (14lbs)Avg 210 across 3 leagues. The ball is about a yr. old and ... A: I loved my Virtual Gravity as did many other lower rev bowlers when it came out in 2008. Since then ... | |
| Proper Way To Throw Backup | 2/16/2011 |
| Q: My son has gotten to be more into bowling, and bowls with me on my team. He is right handed and ... A: You are very welcomed Bill, if you are sure it's his arm swing that is causing the miss the easy ... | |
| New ball | 2/15/2011 |
| Q: I am a senior lady of light stature bowling in two senior leagues a week. I have a 138 average and ... A: Rochelle, I honestly would recommend a heavy oil ball, "but" one that is "symmetrical" Heavy - ... | |
| Proper Way To Throw Backup | 2/13/2011 |
| Q: My son has gotten to be more into bowling, and bowls with me on my team. He is right handed and ... A: Bill, like you, I have not seen any literature on backup bowling. Before my book, I never saw much ... | |
| seven pins | 2/10/2011 |
| Q: I'm a 61 year old woman with a 190 average. I throw a down-and-in, 14 pound ball. I'm leaving a ... A: I wrote a new bowling book called "True Bowler Adjustments." It's very good for giving bowlers ... | |
| New ball | 2/9/2011 |
| Q: I am a senior lady of light stature bowling in two senior leagues a week. I have a 138 average and ... A: Rochelle, thank you for your question. Starting out with the right bowling ball for the conditions ... | |
| How should I get my ball drilled? | 2/8/2011 |
| Q: I am considering buying a new bowling ball and I want to know what the difference is in getting it ... A: Yes Josh, you should get your ball drilled like a left handed bowler to allow the ball the ... | |
| Release | 2/7/2011 |
| Q: I have been reading your instructions on the Internet regarding release, timing ect. I am right ... A: So wonderful to here from you! Your story could help a lot of bowlers! :-) So you are having the ... | |
| backup bowling | 2/6/2011 |
| Q: I'm a "backup" bowler who's been bowling for 2 years. I recently started using reactive balls ... A: it all depends on whether you are trying to hook your back up ball, or whether you are trying to ... | |
| Bowling ball suggestions | 2/1/2011 |
| Q: I have been bowling for around 5 years, on and off, and recently started bowling in a league after ... A: loved your question. You can adjust how you deliver the ball. Also, you use 16 pound equipment. The ... | |
| Sticky Thumb | 1/31/2011 |
| Q: I just got the Evil Siege It has fingertips with inserts and a thumb slug. I am learing this ball ... A: 680 is a great score. Mechanically, when you swing the ball you are going to create friction on your ... | |
| ball speed | 1/30/2011 |
| Q: I need to generate more ball speed and I was wondering if opening my shoulders to have a higher back ... A: Ron, generally it takes a change in foot speed or swing speed to increase ball speed. This happens ... | |
| speed | 1/21/2011 |
| Q: How can you tell how fast your ball is traveling down the lane. I bowl in a small town with 16 ... A: calculating speed can be done using the following website if you wish: ... | |
| Thumb Pain | 1/19/2011 |
| Q: I have had my thumb hole changed a few times due to constant thumb pain when i bowl. It first ... A: I am sure you agree that no one in their right minds are going to bowl for a long time if they are ... | |
| Ball Lay-outs | 1/13/2011 |
| Q: Curious if you knew what the last number was referring to on this lay-out 45 5 70. Pretty sure the ... A: The last number on the dual angle layout is the PAP to VAL angle. Basically what you are ... | |
| LINING UP | 1/4/2011 |
| Q: i have noticed various videos where bowlers line up (RH Bowler) with their left foot looks to be ... A: Greetings LD, Consistency is generally all that is required in bowling for the most part. In the ... | |
| torn fingernails | 12/22/2010 |
| Q: What is causing the middle and ring finger to get chipped/torn fingernails, mostly on the edges? Is ... A: Merry Christmas Gerald, Normally I do not encounter chipped finger nail tips too often. When I have, ... | |
| missing my mark | 12/20/2010 |
| Q: I am 29 been bowling since a kid i average 220 just about everywhere exept on sport shots i think ... A: I wrote about this on www.AllExpert.com a few weeks ago. I advocate that you have to create new ... | |
| No thumb release | 12/17/2010 |
| Q: I am a bowler who is coming back to the sport after 12 years due to a rotator cuff tear. I used to ... A: Mike, getting the ball to roll cleanly through the pins is an art. The proper drill and ball cover ... | |
| cold bowling surface and oil | 12/15/2010 |
| Q: South Florida had freezing temps last night. My bowling alley does not have any heat, such as ... A: Happy Holidays Robert, Cold temperature may play a small part in the reaction or non reaction of ... | |
| Ball fit and release | 12/11/2010 |
| Q: I am 61 years old, love bowling, my question is how much grip should I put in the bowling ball with ... A: knowing what it do when delivering the ball is pretty simple but physically accomplishing it is the ... | |
| bowling ball drilling | 12/3/2010 |
| Q: how many holes can be drilled in a bowling ball for it to still be legal? A: how many holes can be drilled in a bowling ball? Well, we have 5 digits. If the bowling ball is too ... | |
| Lane conditioning league vs open play | 12/2/2010 |
| Q: Gary, First I would like to thank you for all the great knowledge you provide on this board. I have ... A: Bob, Thank you for your compliments about my book. I love being on www.AllExperts.com to lead ... | |
| Timing Issues after extended absence from game | 12/1/2010 |
| Q: I am a 30 yr old 220+ avg. bowler who has been bowling pretty much steadily for the past 20+ years. ... A: I truly applaud your dedication to the game. Your confidence is what we all strive for. ... | |
| Intense pain in middle finger | 11/28/2010 |
| Q: I'm a 24 year old male who has been bowling with a 16 pound ball drilled for my fingers for 3+ ... A: as a professional coach I hate losing bowlers to pain and injuries. I have written several articles ... | |
| Bowling pin lenght and top weight | 11/27/2010 |
| Q: What will give me the most hook in a bowling ball? A 1 inch pin or a 4 inch pin? For the top weight ... A: the most hook in a bowling ball is awesomely based on many factors that will allow the "surface of ... | |
| reducing hook | 11/24/2010 |
| Q: I have a Mutant Cell, Sidewinder, a Hot Rod, and a spare ball. I want to reduce my hook without ... A: I sell a HELP CARD for bowlers entitled "Bowling Coach in the Bag!" It list approximately 15 items ... | |
| Loft.. yes or no for long patterns? | 11/19/2010 |
| Q: I get really confused when it comes to loft, and whether or not it's a good thing, and when to use ... A: Greetings Zoe, as you know it is situational. It depends on your speed, the surface of the ball, and ... | |
| Can'g get my thumb straight in the ball | 11/17/2010 |
| Q: I am a low level league bowler from Sweden who would like to improve my game by getting the basics ... A: first a lighter ball is fine! more revs, more control, less wear and tear on your tendons and ... | |
| preset angles for better bowling | 11/15/2010 |
| Q: I recently read an article online @ www.digitalbowling.com titled The "Typical House Bowler" gets a ... A: " I took the time to read the articles Gianmarc Manzione wrote. I only thing I could glean from the ... | |
| No slide player, last step, release point | 11/13/2010 |
| Q: I do not slide on my approach. I noticed if I take a long last step that it will help increase my ... A: individuals do strange things to bowling balls and bowling balls do strange things for the bowler ... | |
| Your response 10/31/2010 Leverage Equipment | 11/11/2010 |
| Q: Otis, thank you for responding to my questions concerning leverage equipment. To answer your ... A: Rhyce, it was wonderful hearing from you again. I am happy you understood the information I ... | |
| ball speed needed | 11/8/2010 |
| Q: i throw the ball from 15mph to 15 1/2 mph i need to get it up over 16 mph i hold the ball about ... A: my new bowling book provides various adjustments to increase your speed. Since you think you need to ... | |
| Leverage bowling balls | 10/31/2010 |
| Q: Otis, I read an old response by Expert Russ King in regards to revs which he stated(Pin placements ... A: the best layouts you can try are those that do not snap or jerk to the pocket concerning PBA ... | |
| Bowling Ball Type | 10/27/2010 |
| Q: I was a league bowler about 25 years ago! I used a LT 48. Now it seems that everything has changed! ... A: You are right, it is hard to tell a home run hitter to bunt. However as I recall, that was one of ... | |
| ball out | 10/26/2010 |
| Q: do you have any suggestions tricks or whatever that will work in trying to get the ball out on the ... A: LD, projecting the ball out to the 40 foot marks is a combination of lane oil conditioner, speed or ... | |
| Drilled out pin | 10/20/2010 |
| Q: Is it illegal to use a ball in competition play, league or tournaments, with the pin drilled out? ... A: Drilling the pin out is legal. Just as long as the bowling ball does not violate the 1 ounce rule ... | |
| regarding ball drilling | 10/19/2010 |
| Q: I see that Chip is on vacation, but my hopefully my question could be answered. Ok, I just recently ... A: Tim, great start to learning about your individual ball motion! Sorry for the late response my ... | |
| waxing a ball | 10/18/2010 |
| Q: i took my old scorchin inferno & waxed it with Stanley paste wax to see what it would do & scored ... A: what gives when you polish your bowling ball? Well, the surface of the ball does not grab the lanes ... | |
| Music during sanctioned league play | 10/12/2010 |
| Q: We had this issue at another bowling center and quit bowling there because of it--LOUD music being ... A: I know this reeeally sucks. I have been all over the world with bowling and my honest response is ... | |
| Maximum allowable length of approach | 10/11/2010 |
| Q: I always foul with a 3 step approach. The approach platform is about 15ft in my lanes. I need and ... A: what you are interested in changing is a facility issue. I spent a couple of days looking through ... | |
| bowling thumb callous | 10/4/2010 |
| Q: I have a nasty callous on base of my bowling thumb which prohibits me placing my thumb fully into my ... A: Ed, One of my very first topics in my book True Bowler Adjustments was dedicated to this very topic. ... | |
| thumb sticking | 10/3/2010 |
| Q: I have a black widow venom by hammer. It has fingertips with turbo inserts and a thumb slug. It ... A: I noticed the first thing you said was that you had Turbo inserts. From experience with my bowling ... | |
| dry lanes | 10/1/2010 |
| Q: 207+, lefty, grew up bowling Sanford, MI for 23 yrs then relocated to Southern AZ since then. ... A: I answer questions about dry lanes a lot, and not all answers are the same. I just wrote to Bob, ... | |
| lift on the release | 9/30/2010 |
| Q: is it necessary to apply a lift upon the release and why ANSWER: Hi Joe. It is necessary to apply ... A: Joe, thanks for the feedback! I hope that you would read my article to Calvin about 10 pins. I give ... | |
| lift on the release | 9/30/2010 |
| Q: is it necessary to apply a lift upon the release and why A: It is necessary to apply lift "only" if "the release" you are using, requires you to deliver the ... | |
| 3rd game dry heads ball | 9/26/2010 |
| Q: I am a 64 year old bowler. I have bowled off and on since 1969 (continuously now since 1992). I have ... A: but no, it would not affect my suggestion. I will explain. I started out on wood lanes. My mentor ... | |
| pain | 9/24/2010 |
| Q: My name is mark and I just recently started bowling more often.(2-3 times a week). After bowling ... A: Pain in your thigh. The first thing that comes to my mind is a bowler who stops on the approach and ... | |
| 3rd game dry heads ball | 9/22/2010 |
| Q: I am a 64 year old bowler. I have bowled off and on since 1969 (continuously now since 1992). I have ... A: Bob, I understand your frustration but dayum, a hump... a real hump on the lanes. OMG! Okay, let me ... | |
| Too many 10 pins | 9/20/2010 |
| Q: I am hitting the pocket fine but cannot carry the 10 pin. Watching the ball it looks to me like it ... A: I know you have been just itching for me to answer this question and get you back on the lanes to ... | |
| More track flare results always in more hook? | 9/13/2010 |
| Q: I understand the concept of track flare using 'fresh' coverstock by each revolution and therefore ... A: Ruud, wow, from the Netherlands, I can explain flare to you and the rest of the world but it ... | |
| What's the best ball to purchase for synthetic lanes? | 9/8/2010 |
| Q: I was told a reactive resin ball is the best. Our lane patterns are medium oil and 39 ft. Looking at ... A: Robert, as much as you may want to "hit" the pins, learning about what makes the ball hook, "when" ... | |
| Buying Online | 8/27/2010 |
| Q: I am in the market for a new ball. I seem to keep going back to the C(System)4.5 and Anaconda. I ... A: for me, anything that keeps the economy moving is a good thing. So buying online is great. You just ... | |
| tilt axix rotation | 8/25/2010 |
| Q: Gary, I just read ur response to axis tilt. I am lefty, 330 rr. U said using a pencil related to ... A: that is a no, axis tilt is not in relation to the pin. As bowlers we don't primary refer to tilting ... | |
| Double jointed - backup ball | 8/24/2010 |
| Q: My wife is double jointed and try as we might we cannot get her to hook her ball. She throws a 15lb ... A: I love this question! Bowlers all over the world kick the term "loose armswing" around so much! In ... | |
| bowling ball for a 3yr old | 8/20/2010 |
| Q: We want to take our 3yr old son bowling for the first time. He's 41 inches tall, weighs 34lbs and is ... A: Kaitlyn, Putting myself in your position, I can see where there would be some intrigue about getting ... | |
| Rules | 8/13/2010 |
| Q: Last night during our summer league, an opposing right handed bowler was throwing left-handed to get ... A: Jane, you were right! It is illegal to use the opposite hand when bowling. There are ... | |
| Bad Back | 8/10/2010 |
| Q: I have just had back surgery for stenosis. Is there a bowling technique that will allow me to bowl ... A: Terri, now you know that no expert in their right mind is going to recommend that you play hockey ... | |
| Early roll | 8/4/2010 |
| Q: I am 81 yrs old..40 yrs PBA member)1960-2000) Not interested in bowling competivly75 but would like ... A: that is really awesome to be so dedicated to the PBA organization. Keeping yourself in the game is ... | |
| Careers | 7/31/2010 |
| Q: I just became a Level 1 USBC Coach. I would like to know if you have any suggestions regarding ... A: Greetings AC! Honestly, I won't try to blow smoke at you. It's much like PBA bowler's getting ... | |
| Bowling on freshly oiled lanes | 7/25/2010 |
| Q: I am in an early morning league and have been having a hard time getting my ball into the pocket. I ... A: I like the confidence you have in your abilities! You know you could do it before and probably not ... | |
| 2-handed bowler equipment & layouts | 7/22/2010 |
| Q: I am a two-handed, left handed bowler with high revs and mid-high speed, average 185. I've been ... A: From Italy, oh my! Panayiotis, I can just feel the frustration in your writing. Try not to let it ... | |
| Higher Backswing | 7/2/2010 |
| Q: Gary, I have recently changed from bowling right handed to left handed, the reason for this change ... A: it is great you have had success with changing to the opposite hand. As far as the higher backswing ... | |
| finger pain | 6/17/2010 |
| Q: My current ball is a 16# black beauty that I bought in college. It has been fine since I threw a ... A: finger pain, or any pain involved in bowling will make anyone less than a true fan of bowling quit ... | |
| Ball & Layout selection | 6/14/2010 |
| Q: I roll an old LT48(loaded side and top weight) on a house shot and average about a 200. My speed is ... A: CJ, What the hell, okay I will calm down...give me a sec!!! Okay, LT48,Johnny Petraglia, Rubber or ... | |
| turning my wrist over | 6/10/2010 |
| Q: I have been back bowling again for about a year after a long layoff. I am 62. As hard as I try (at ... A: many bowlers have this issue. The solution can be as simple as breaking your wrist down a little in ... | |
| BOWLING BALL | 6/8/2010 |
| Q: I throw my ball over five board and standing on ten .my ball dont break much so i was wondering what ... A: I just posted a reply to another bowler named Robert two minutes ago. He just asked me pretty much ... | |
| Ajusting to heavy oil conditions | 6/7/2010 |
| Q: I am a above average bowler(198-215)depending where i am at but i am really struggling when i go ... A: Greetings Robert! So let's look at the situation from your perspective. You obviously have lines you ... | |
| BALL SELECTION | 6/5/2010 |
| Q: OK Gary; I bought your book, am learning and using the adjustments there is a question or shall I ... A: I am glad you loved my book! Sold 2000 copies the first year! I am happy bowlers like you do your ... | |
| BOWLING | 5/21/2010 |
| Q: OK GARY; You have brought me from Idiot Bowler to Advanced Dummy, Thank you for your help. I have ... A: William, William, William, I truly suggest that you buy my book my friend! It gives you every ... | |
| BOWLING | 5/15/2010 |
| Q: Every once in a while I fall off my shot at the foul line,I either stick or for some reason reach ... A: you probably know that most likely the problem with falling off your shot is having feet that are ... | |
| Starting | 5/11/2010 |
| Q: I have noticed on PBA that the majority of the bowlers have a pronounced lower Throwing shoulder ... A: Often high level players or players from the collegiate level, who aspire to be professional bowlers ... | |
| speed and revs | 5/4/2010 |
| Q: I was wondering how can I produce more revs and more speed? I currently have and avg. speed of about ... A: I am not going to blow smoke at you! Changing speeds and rev rates, moving inside angles and all... ... | |
| Backswing Issue | 5/1/2010 |
| Q: I'm a little concerned with by back swing at the moment. During my swing I'm really grabbing the ... A: Hmmmm Chris, you say your backswing is letting you down. I can only go by my experience. Experience ... | |
| Will Polish stop oil? | 4/30/2010 |
| Q: Does a highly polished ball slow or prevent oil from absorbing into the ball. Like a protective ... A: Wow, what a question! To the point it will slow oil penetration. First of all, polish when applied ... | |
| ball weight and push away | 4/25/2010 |
| Q: I have two questions: The first question I have relates to ball weight and carry. I am struggling ... A: You have and excellent question...or two! Thank you for making me engage my brain this beautiful ... | |
| the strike ball | 4/21/2010 |
| Q: Both my wife and I hit the pocket but will leave the seven or ten. I throw a three-quater finger tip ... A: I have answered this question previously and I like how I answered it! I am going to refer you to ... | |
| one throw hooks dramatic next throw no hook at all. | 4/14/2010 |
| Q: ive been bowlin for bout 4 months and for right now i throw a 9lbs columbia 300,im a rightie and ... A: J. "Wheels," work with meeeeee! :-) A bowling ball has to have eyes and if the ball is looking to ... | |
| over hook | 4/12/2010 |
| Q: I use a 15lbs hammer road hawg. As the lanes where down my ball over hooks no matter where I move so ... A: you stated as the lanes wear down your road hawg hooks and then hooks some more, no matter where you ... | |
| How big of pin number should I get | 4/10/2010 |
| Q: 5" Pin the ball I use now is the Storm Domination and It had a Pin of 0-1" Pin thank you very much A: Short pins have a tendency to only be drilled in a few areas on the ball. The 3" pins can be moved ... | |
| Back up ball | 3/19/2010 |
| Q: I bowled on two leagues for 4yrs and threw a back up ball from the right side. In 2005 I bought a ... A: Switching to throwing a natural curve can be a trying thing! OMG! As they say, if I had 100 dollars ... | |
| target | 3/17/2010 |
| Q: could you explain or talk about how you use a two target system/s as what and how to look at down ... A: Greetings LD, The two targeting system relys on physical consistency, good vision, balance at the ... | |
| Pulling the ball | 3/7/2010 |
| Q: I have a question concerning me pulling the ball and being off balance when I release the ball. I am ... A: I am not familiar with Columbia making a Pink dot. Perhaps its a Columbia White dot that is Pink in ... | |
| release | 3/2/2010 |
| Q: could you explain the 45 and 90 degree release in relationship the the fingers and thumb position at ... A: Speaking in a right handed voice, 45 and 90 degree release differs mainly in wrist position, and ... | |
| how to stay behing the bowling ball | 3/1/2010 |
| Q: I am having trouble staying behind the bowling ball. How can i correct this? also, to have a relaxed ... A: believe it or not, I just answered a similar question no more than 24 hours ago! They say great ... | |
| bowling approach | 2/26/2010 |
| Q: I want to know is it ok to keep your shoulder open or slightly further back then your non-bowling ... A: Its very okay to open your shoulder slightly or to have it further back than your non-bowling arm. ... | |
| ball release | 2/26/2010 |
| Q: when i release my ball i have a bad habit of coming around the side to get my hook going. I think ... A: Your question is one that I answer over 250 times per year! As my bronze level instructor, Coach ... | |
| splits | 2/25/2010 |
| Q: I seem to be getting alot of splits from large to small and I'm not sure what to do. I throw a ... A: I love your question! To advance the bowler, your have to advance the bowler's game! no if ands and ... | |
| Bowling | 2/22/2010 |
| Q: I was an Art/Illustrator before retiring and I have a very good imagination for creating visual art. ... A: Greetings William, On pages 9 through 17 in my book "True Bowler Adjustments," I illustrate in "18 ... | |
| Bowling Release | 2/16/2010 |
| Q: I am sort of new to the bowling with three fingers. I use to just put two fingers in the ball and ... A: Two things: Never forget how you are releasing the ball at this moment. You may need that release ... | |
| release or timing | 2/15/2010 |
| Q: i am having a hard time to get a consistent delivery RH bowler. it seeems my timing/release is off ... A: Greetings LD, I truly try to listen to my bowler to focus on what they feel is going on. In this ... | |
| Slippery Lanes | 2/14/2010 |
| Q: Some of these synthetic approaches are like ice. I feel like I tip toe to the line and this kills my ... A: I totally understand that it hurts your game to have slippery approaches. Often its a result of ... | |
| 10 pen | 2/12/2010 |
| Q: I throw a hook on the strike ball. I use the Ebonite Big One and Last Week for the first time last ... A: David, David, David...1st off, I love the design of the Mission bowling ball! I love and highly ... | |
| Thumb pain after Bowling | 2/10/2010 |
| Q: I have my own ball-The Black Widow Pearl-drilled for my hand. Every time I bowl more than one game, ... A: I probably have seen this occurrence a hundred times involving pain the tip of the thumb. On some of ... | |
| Bowling ball | 2/3/2010 |
| Q: I need your help very badley. I have a league average of 235 to 240 and I need to ask you if there ... A: Wonderful news for you! Here's a note from Ebonite team member Richard Jacobson out of White ... | |
| ball choice | 2/2/2010 |
| Q: Presently I am using the playmaker,and looking for a little more carry.Friends seem to do well with ... A: sounds like your ball is great but just making the turn later down lane as play continues. This ... | |
| how fast can you throw a bowling ball | 1/28/2010 |
| Q: in mphs avg speed and top speed 12lbs ball A: One answer is as fast as you are capable, which often depending on your physical abilities! Some ... | |
| TARGET | 1/27/2010 |
| Q: IF I SEE THE BREAKPOINT DOWN THE LANE (AT THE RANGE (FINDERS/MARKERS) LOOKS LIKE THE 7-8 BOARD MARK ... A: Greetings LD, I realize a lot of bowlers are just trying to get a handle on their game. Like you ... | |
| Hinge Start Difficulties | 1/26/2010 |
| Q: About two weeks ago I switched to a hinge start hoping that it would help my consistency, timing, ... A: Art, thanks for the question! A million things ran through my mind at first! As things settled ... | |
| entry | 1/21/2010 |
| Q: watching the pba the other day, commentator randy peterson said the bowler needed tip the ball more ... A: Id, great eye during the read! I try to give bowlers the opportunity to try "sump'n" different that ... | |
| consistancey and dealling with lan breakdown | 1/19/2010 |
| Q: Gary, I have been bowling for nearly 20 years now. I began as a kid. As I have gotten older I have ... A: I had to dissect a few things and all I can say is: "Tell me how well I do!" You sound a lot like a ... | |
| BOWLING | 1/19/2010 |
| Q: Lofting vs. Rolling the ball and the advantages of each delivery. ie; Earl Anthony rolled his ball ... A: Wow William, So much to respond to in such a short question? Loft is an adjustment according to ... | |
| eye dominance | 1/18/2010 |
| Q: What is the best way for a right handed, left eye dominant bowler to consistently hit their target? A: Wow Charles, I run into this all the time, oh my goodness!!! People have no idea how frustrating ... | |
| entry | 1/18/2010 |
| Q: watching the pba the other day, commentator randy peterson said the bowler needed tip the ball more ... A: I can not speak in terms of what Randy Pedersen was referring to at the time of his comment. ... | |
| Battling the Sahara | 1/16/2010 |
| Q: I am a 220 average league bowler, a USBC Youth coach, a "tweener" and serious about the game. My ... A: Can't really comment on what you have in your bag except to say that by the end of this things could ... | |
| Battling the Sahara | 1/15/2010 |
| Q: I am a 220 average league bowler, a USBC Youth coach, a "tweener" and serious about the game. My ... A: I am going to be real, and take the one of the last sentences you wrote, and start out with it! ... | |
| Approach/Slide issues | 1/13/2010 |
| Q: gary, I have read your book and loved it. Some great info in there. One thing I am having an issue ... A: I am very happy you loved my book! I am under the weather right now so I probably have about 30mins ... | |
| ball tracking | 1/12/2010 |
| Q: my son is 14 and about a 180 avg. bowler. He has picked up a habit that will not allow him to go ... A: Sorry for the delayed reply. I have been under the weather. Taking drugs, sorry...medication!(smile) ... | |
| Trying again | 1/10/2010 |
| Q: I am a 52 year old male who after 20 years of not bowling wants to start league bowling again. Boy ... A: It's true bowlers like you who are asking question regarding our ever changing sport, along with ... | |
| Reading Lanes | 1/6/2010 |
| Q: I am having trouble reading my ball reaction in different houses. On newer synthetic lanes with ... A: Greetings Calvin, To the point, I realize this is how a lot of coaches make a living. Teaching ... | |
| Trying again | 1/3/2010 |
| Q: I am a 52 year old male who after 20 years of not bowling wants to start league bowling again. Boy ... A: Wow, 210 to 215 is very impressive with a urethane ball! Often I am starting to see more and more of ... | |
| Arc & back end hook | 12/30/2009 |
| Q: I am currently throwing a Hammer Black Widow Venom 16# ball and I carry an avg. between 200 and 210. ... A: A very happy New Years to you! Like most people this time of year it sounds like you want to make a ... | |
| Proper hand position when releasing the bowling ball | 12/29/2009 |
| Q: When approaching the foul line,do I keep my hand position in the 1 or 3 o'clock position with the ... A: If you are a lefty(sounds like you may be), there are only two things you will do with the ball ... | |
| new balls, no hooky? | 12/28/2009 |
| Q: At 49 i am starting 2 bowl a little? Bought a new ball? I'll be damned if that sucker will not hook? ... A: Lot's of variables here, and so we don't play web "tag you're it," let's deal with the known and ... | |
| bowling technique | 12/17/2009 |
| Q: I saw a video of a pba dick ritger teaching bowling release.I want know is does his method of ... A: Yes it does still work! I have seen the video on You Tube. I see the type of release he is ... | |
| hitting your mark | 12/11/2009 |
| Q: I have a very hard time getting the ball to roll over my mark i end up pulling a lot of my shots is ... A: Things to consider when you talk about pulling your shot or not hitting your mark involve your tempo ... | |
| Hook Release | 12/8/2009 |
| Q: I've been trying to develop a hook, and I've had some difficulty. I spoke with my Pro Shop operator ... A: Great Josh, and in addition, a true bowler will eventually learn to master both and at least one ... | |
| Hook Release | 12/7/2009 |
| Q: I've been trying to develop a hook, and I've had some difficulty. I spoke with my Pro Shop operator ... A: trying to work the curve are we? That's good! We need bowlers that are willing to advance there ... | |
Bowling
Answers by Expert:
Gary L. Oatis, PBA Coach and USBC Silver Level Coach, PBA Member, Pro Shop Staff Member
Top Expert on this page
Expertise
I am the author of True Bowler Adjustments bowling book. I can answer bowling adjustments questions dealing with the body, the ball, the lanes and using your eyes to read the ball reaction. I can also answer "most" drilling questions about bowling balls. I will generally answer your questions within 2 days. I am truly a "software guy" who loves the human or people part of coaching. Any questions concerning ball drilling, we want to direct to the "hardware guy," the true expert regarding ball fitting! Ball fitting is what I consider to be your first priority in bowling! Thanks in advance Warren!!! It will always be about teamwork with me! A very special "thanks in advance" for any help with drilling questions I may receive! If your question is about "How to bowl better? physically and mentally," I am here for you. Anything else will most likely be sent to the question pool for consideration by other members. I recently began my first year of ball drilling(6/1/2010). Thank you. :-)
Experience
20 years in bowling as a coach and player.
Annually I coach over 250 bowlers.
Author: True Bowler Adjustments Bowling Book
www.TrueBowlerAdjustments.com
Facebook Testimonies: Facebook contacts 5000+
http://www.facebook.com/#!/TrueBowler
Organizations
PBA Member
USBC Coaches Association Member
USBC/PBA Media Member
Bowling Writers Association of America Member
Publications
True Bowler Adjustments bowling book,Author - Copywrite 12/2008
Radio shows - "Let's Go Bowling" and "The 13th Frame Radio Show" / Jan 2010 feature article in The National Bowling Association (TNBA) Magazine pg.29,
Above180.com writer Dustin Markowitz - March 25, 2012-What Happened to Bowling#16
Los Angeles Senate (TNBA Online Newsletter, "Ask Coach Oatis") 1500 members
AllExpert.com Questions Answered - 242 Responses.
Education/Credentials
Gary L. Oatis,MSgt,USAF(Ret.)
Associates of Science in Radiological Technology (we x-ray the cores of bowling balls as practice phantoms sometimes!)
PBA Coach and USBC Silver Certified Coach
Journeyman, Pro Shop Staff Member, Nadeau-Haynes Bowling Supply, Las Vegas, NV.
Awards and Honors
299's, 297's, 290's, 288, no 300's or 800's "yet!"
Past/Present Clients
Charles Nibert - USBC Senior Masters Champion and Alaskian State Champion
Randy Stiedl also of Alaska recently shot 800! Numberous PBA Regional Bowlers who compete across the US.
Zach Hattori $64,000 scholarship winner from Las Vegas, NV. Shawn Crossley, $10,000 Amateur Bowling Tour Winner 05/2011. Haley Rubin of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, won $7,500 in scholarship funds at the prestigious North Pointe Competition helded in Las Vegas, 2010. Lareece Chambers first female to bowl a perfect game in her bowling center, Victorville, California. Most enjoyable, are my local Las Vegas bowlers. Many have won their 1st ABT or JBT tournaments with my help. I am grateful to every bowler who puts their trust in me. Helping them apply bowling knowledge to reach their goals is truly the best fun I have ever experienced in my lifetime.
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