More Aggressive Ball = Better Score? Maybe Not...

[genob]

We are all seeking the perfect ball. But, what is the perfect ball? Does it have Dominator, Smash, or Nuclear in the name? Probably so... Does it rank so high in the hook potential scale that it warrants owning its own pirate ship? [Bad Peter Pan reference, I know..].

Well some of us may own one of these balls. We all drooled as we watched the pro-shop owner drill it out, maybe with fingertips, maybe a balance hole, maybe a free towel included.

You finally get that round piece of hope. This is going to get me that 300 game, or heck, maybe even that 220 game for us mere mortals. The approach is near, the ball exits with your typical down and in shot, maybe 1st or 2nd arrow. It hits the dry area of your house shot, then BOOM, off to the races. Wait a minute, it made its way to the 7 pin [10 pin for you lefties]?

This isn’t right. The pocket is over there! Ok... Let’s adjust our feet. Maybe shoot deeper... Try again. Strike! But it’s a Brooklyn. Well, maybe we’ll play in the lane next to me, or maybe we’ll shoot this monster from the parking lot.

I think I’ve got my point across. That super-duper aggressive ball isn’t the answer to your problem [higher scores, solid pocket shots, etc...].

The USBC teaches us, SKID-HOOK-ROLL (or SKID-ROLL-HOOK – how ever you want to look at it). We spent a good 30 minutes in class discussing whether to use the former or latter phrase when coaching students.

How does this relate to your new “Power Monster Insane Fire Dragon” ball? Well not to digress into ball dynamics and lane conditions, but you have to understand the fundamentals of what these balls are designed for. Some balls are made for heavy oil, in which they can skid for a while, then react (turn – or hook) when they make enough contact to the dry(er) surface on the lane. Some will skid forever, and hardly react to anything.

Now, this is all dependants on your throwing style. Are you a roller, are you really into to a lot of side rotation? Geeze - you’re asking a lot of questions here!

Well I’m throwing this stuff out there to show you that a super aggressive ball may not be the ultimate solution for your style of bowling. You may be a high rev player in which a milder or even “mildest” style of ball will work much better for you. Or you may be a low rev player with a lot of roll in your throw where that really aggressive ball works.

Understand what the ball is, and how it best works for you before you shell out lots of money because it has a cool logo, or intimidating name.

[Shameless plug] – You can always contact your local USBC Certified Bowling Coach, or IPSIA certified Pro Shop Owner and they will be happy to provide you with advice. See if they will watch you throw a ball or two. A quick tip from an expert [who’s seen you bowl in person] may make all the difference in the world.

Keep on Bowling! and Have Fun!!!

Geno Bisceglia
USBC Bronze Certified Coach

g.bisceglia@comcast.net

[House_Hack]

Very good post. It is always best to be honest with people and sell them the best ball for their game. It is a shame however that there are many pro shop owners that sell balls based on the profit margin of a ball.

[DIFGTBAL]

Very good post. It is always best to be honest with people and sell them the best ball for their game. It is a shame however that there are many pro shop owners that sell balls based on the profit margin of a ball.

Damn BallDoc!!! You gonna let Kemmie talk about you like that???

[tony]

Good post. I see people throw the latest and greatest hook-in-a-box all the time, just because it's "more aggressive" than the rest.

[tward]

Good post. I see people throw the latest and greatest hook-in-a-box all the time, just because it's "more aggressive" than the rest.

you would have to walk into a bowling center to see that and we all know that aint gonna happen

[matkins4268]

to me its where do i need the energy in the front or the back
correct me if i am wrong but the more aggressive the more
early release of the energy the less aggressive the later the
release of the energy

[finfish]

I tend to like the not-so-agressive mid lane reading equipment.

[DallasHusker]

THREE HOLES and PRACTICE. now ric can get to drinkin, i saved him time.