QuestionI am just learning to drill bowling balls. Would you recommend the best books and the best short courses on ball drilling in the United States. I am interested in learning as much as I can on the cause and effect of various drilling positions in relation to the weight pin, center of gravity, and the mass bias. I have yet to find any definitive answers and diagrams on how much each drilling position affects the hooking characteristics of the ball. I have learned general concepts on the subject but I am interested in learning what the master drillers know without taking years to learn it. I also want to learn what to look for, when watching a player bowl, to make the best possible drilling decisions. Thank you for your help.
Answer
www.TrueBowlerAdjustme
Hi Dave. Telling you what you want to hear is easy. Accomplishing the task is the tough part. First, you need to do like I did. Get Bill Taylor's book on drilling. (Generally. drillers learn through on the job training). Next, taking IBPSIA HOTS classes AND seriously, Mo Pinel's HOTS class, should be next on your agenda.
Drilling by far is an absorbed craft that takes time. I have been a teacher for 15 years. You have to absorb some stories from your trainers by working in the pro shop. Volunteering if you have to. Drillers need to read about the bowling balls, the covers used, the cores used, and literally see the balls in action. Then we need to blend our knowledge and craft together to better know the customers hands. There is nothing like the pride you take in matching the bowler's fit, and release, with the roll of their ball.
The average bowler doesn't get deep into the sport. This is where we come in. I was trained by one of the best. He taught me there are four sides to the game. If you really want to be the best, he said you can't choose a side to be on.
You will either be known as the best lane man, driller, bowler, or coach. Everything else will hinge on the engineers of the sport who continuously dual over making the ball and lane products better. This way everyone can enjoy the sport at the level they choose to participate at. Diversity in this game is what will keep it alive and growing.
In summary Dave: Everyone hates to waste time reaching their goals. Read Bill Taylor's book. Then see if there is a way you can join forces with the IBPSIA folks and the HOTS classes. Seriously, if you can get in with Mo Pinel's HOTS class, that really is the way to go.
Without hesitation, Mo personally gave me a copy of his dual angle layout DVD. It has helped me tremendously on my journey to USBC Gold level certification. By far, I think that speaks volumes about this master driller. He will help whoever he can, understand all aspects of today's modern game. Best of luck to you Dave. Hopefully, I will see you in one of the IBPSIA classes!
-Gary
Las Vegas, NV
www.TrueBowlerAdjustments.com (It's a great book!)
