QuestionHello! I am a two-handed, left handed bowler with high revs and mid-high speed, average 185. I've been bowling likewise for the last 18 months and i feel it's time to resolve some issues.
Problem no1: ball equipment
I currently own three reactive balls, drilled in the same control-type layout. But the reaction i get is unpredictable, especially in medium to heavy oil conditions (either too much or not enough reaction). So i somehow ended up using my spare ball most of the time. Therefore, forgiveness is an unknown word for me...
Problem no2: 10 pin spare
i try to use my thumb for this spare shot, but i find it hard to switch from 2-handed to "classic" bowling. On the other hand, when i use two fingers to convert the 10 pin, my spare ball over-reacts.
Problem no3: layouts
I have absolutely no idea what i should do. Some experts suggest a control-type of layout, but the problem is that, as oil patterns get heavier or longer, this type of drilling is obviously not the one.
Problem no4: ball weight
I give it some thought of dropping weight from 15 lbs to 14. Sometimes the ball feels like 30 lbs and i think that this causes mistakes and inconsistency.
Here are some of my amateur thoughts and i would really appreciate your opinion as an expert:
Balls: Columbia Blue Dot & White Dot, Storm Natural, Tropical Storm & Furious
Layouts: two or three different layouts to handle different lane conditions
Thank you
Answer
www.TrueBowlerAdjustme
From Italy, oh my! Panayiotis, I can just feel the frustration in your writing. Try not to let it get the best of you. I often tell my bowlers "one thing at a time!" For while you are trying to learn one thing, sump'n else is going to suffer. I like to simplify things. You ask about balls, the 10 pin, layouts and your ball weight.
Your ball, you use the spare ball most often because it is most symmetrical or round. Any Asymmetrical ball you use, you have to know when to put it away. The experts are right on heavy to medium oil conditions. You should have a ball that is control drilled but it honestly does not sound like you have found that yet along with a good outside cover prep. Of course this is subject to lane conditions and lane length, and your release.(not just talking about two-handed, but how you release it with two hands. I'll explain later!)
As far as the "10 pin" my new bowling book gives you 8 natural lines to the 10 pin. It's hard not to find two lines that are good for you and your release. It does away with counting boards. Although, it's mostly about how you release the ball and where it travels.
"Layouts" are based on known factors. Your ball cover, the length of oil on the lanes you play on. Your Positive Axis Point (PAP) and the distance to the pin and the Mass Bias if you have one spotted on the ball. Layouts can give you potential distance to the "turn" of the ball, and increased or decreased spin time of the ball based on whether not "your release" is spinning or forward roll, or otherwise. Just because you are two handed doesn't mean you are controlling whether you are spinning the ball one time, or forward rolling it the next.
Your "ball weight" is a crucial factor these days to consistent performance. If the ball is too heavy you will not be able to manipulate the distance at which you may need to deliver the ball into, or out onto the lane if you should need to loft the ball a little further out because of drier lanes. Professionals have ball companies behind them that help solidify a shot for a player. In our world, we learn to defeat the environment that is before us which is easy, yet difficult if you don't have a knowledge based book like the one I have written. My book is just full of good stuff to try! Remember, a ball weight light enough, to do what you want to do, to the ball, when you need to do it, is crucial.
In summary: Payaniotis, if you think about going down in ball weight that is cool, but what you want, is to have the ball read the backend, and read it strong. A layout that still has your ball spinning, or hooking at the pins does "not" help you. Even if a ball hooks a lot to the pocket, you need it to really grip the pin deck on the backend. Your 10 pins or any spare depends on your release, it must be the release that works for that shot! Lastly, it's true you must know your equipment. However, if your spare ball is telling you... "hey Payaniotis, I will work for you!" Then listen to it and go to a lower stock ball like and entry level ball with a symmetrical core. This will give you the even roll and read you can match up to your revs. Over/under won't be as bad, and you can work the cover to match up. Just because a drill is control does not mean you are throwing "the release" for that drill. A two handed release does not describe what the ball is doing when it contacts the lane. Is it spinning, or is it mostly forward rolling? Figure this out and your game begins to soar like the American eagle! I enjoyed your question. I got a feeling you will have more questions. Try my facebook group site or return to AllExperts and let us know how you are progressing!
-Gary
Las Vegas, NV
www.TrueBowlerAdjustments.com (It's a great book)
