bowling grip change

Question
I have returned to the sport after a nearly 20 year absence, having joined a local league about 8 weeks ago. Years ago I used to be a back-up bowler averaging about 200, but now I am basically a right handed straight line bowler (wrist couldn't tolerate the back-up delivery anymore so now I have very little to no hook, using a conventional grip) using an old Columbia White Dot 14#. I hit the the 1-3 pocket pretty consistently, but I leave the 7 pin quite often and my scores seem to have plateaued at around 160. I had an interest in upgrading to a Storm Tropical in the hopes of getting a bit more hitting power and a little better angle in the pocket. The local pro shop guy tells me that the ball is more suited to a fingertip grip; would it be worthwhile to have my old White Dot re drilled to get comfortable with the grip before making the switch? The pro shop guy has watched me throw a few balls and thinks I should slow it down a bit as I throw around it around 19mph. I'm also a little hesitant to change grips in the during the season and struggle with it and let my teammates down. I don't have any interest in becoming a cranker, just a consistent stroker. Your thoughts?

Answer
Doug,
Experimenting with a new grip option is a great idea. Something I suggest often.

If you have wrist issues, consider a Cobra wrist device or the like and get comfortable with the hand action it promotes. You can practice with it, then go without in league (for some this kind of device becomes a crutch). You may decide to keep the conventional grip.

A wrist device will help support your hand/wrist, but the real issue is your ball weight (likely too light) and ball speed (well above average). The combination is not allowing the White Dot to do anything but deflect at the pocket (you may want to sand it, the temporary surface will help you get a feel for what more ball/surface might help you do).

At 19mph and rolling a conventional grip, I'm not sure the surface of a Tropical would be enough to help you, unless the outside boards at your center are dead dry (illegal, but many centers still do it). Ball speed is a tremendous asset on modern conditions (the dry boards I mentioned), but without enough surface and the proper ball roll you'll still over throw the ball.

I'd suggest you work with your ball, improve your axis tilt and rotation, make the surface rough (it will only stay rough for a short time), and see if your natural speed can be better utilized. When you can hook your White Dot, you will be able to hook anything, then a more appropriate ball will truly be able to help you.

Thanks for the questions, please let me know how it works out.