Talk Bowling #81 – Should I Walk Straight, Ball Drilling in Germany

Talk Bowling – Episode #81

Question from YouTube User KoryoJin:

Q – Hi! I had somewhat of an advanced question. Well, maybe not advanced but a question that I could not find anywhere on the internet. Most “textbook" style bowlers or articles state that your footwork should be straight in a line. And I do agree with this if you roll it straight with virtually no angle. Ex: 2nd arrow, hitting 10 board (breakpoint). What if I’m throwing 3rd arrow out to the 10? Should my footwork still be in a straight line. I would almost think that you would lose balance. A couple of my older friends, (I’m 23) keeps telling me to keep my footwork straight. But I walk in angles (slight angles) 10 to 15 degree steps. First 3 steps I go left and the power step and slide are slightly angled to the right 10 to 15 degrees as if I’m almost shooting a 10pin. When I play straighter on the right my footwork tends to be straight. Am I wrong to think this? I avg just a little over 200. I’m trying to get to the 220+ mark and be more consistent. If you read this, sorry for the long ass question.

A – Most coaches are going to tell you that you should always walk toward your target. I can tell you from experience that I drift 7 boards left during my approach and I am right handed. In my opinion as long as you know where you will finish based on where you start on the approach you will be fine. By knowing this, you will know where your release point will be and all you will need to focus on is hitting a target.

Question from David Warner:

Q – I appreciate your talk bowling videos and bowling ball reviews. It’s great stuff!

One suggestion I’d make is that the white back wall puts a whole lot of reflection on the lane making it hard to see the ball track in relation to the boards and arrows. It would really help to be able to see the marks on the lane versus the mirrored reflection!

Thanks again for the video podcast and the tips. I was a 119 average bowler at the start of league this year and I’m now averaging 144. I just shot my first over 200 (241) with a RotoGrip Rising Star that I picked up at a Storm matchmaker event. I was thinking of getting something like the Marvel or the Nano but for the slow speed (15 MPH) and moderate rev rate (perhaps around 250?) that I have, the Rising Star had a more convincing result. I’ve already got a Storm Ice that shoots straight as an arrow for pickup of the 10 pin which I can’t always get with my hook…I need more practice with it though as I don’t have the confidence in shooting with the plastic like I am with my benchmark ball.

How much would getting a heavy oil ball like the Brunswick Alpha Max or the Storm VG Nano help my game? I’m looking to get my average up to above 180 and start playing in some other leagues in other houses around the local area and eventually enter a tournament or two.

Thanks for the great show and web site!

A – First off, thank you for the suggestion for the ball reaction videos.  Unfortunately, this is not our building and we can’t paint the wall.  We will keep this in mind though.

It is very difficult without being able to watch you throw the ball to suggest something in the high performance category. Both of these bowling balls are asymmetric, and will give you an inconsistent reaction if you are not consistent with speed, rev rate, and axis rotation. Based on your average, I would recommend something more like the Prodigy or Marvel for heavier oil for you. The symmetric core will give you a much more consistent reaction on the lane. Have your ball driller map your PAP and go with a layout like the 4x4x2. This will maximize the track flare on the ball for the most hook in heavier oil conditions.

Question from James Redden:

Q – Hey Guys,

I just bought my first ball ( Slingshot 14lb). I am an  American living in Germany. I don’t speak German. I guess my question is, I don’t know what to look for or ask about getting my ball drilled. Should I ask for a fitting or just a drilling? Or should the Pro Shop automatically try to fit my swing, grip, ball movement? Should they have a ball in the same weight and cover stock with different PAP layout for me to try? I am just a beginner who shoots in the 150’s average and, from what I have red, a “tweener" and a Fingertip grip. I don’t throw hard, around 15 mph. I just don’t want to mess my first ball up.

Thanks for any advice,

A – Your ball driller there should be able to watch you throw a ball to get an idea of how you release it. However, ball drillers vary in their knowledge, just like they do here in the states.  Just because they drill bowling balls, doesn’t mean they understand it.  Once a good ball driller knows how you release it, they should be able to lay the ball out accordingly. Being that it is your first ball drilled to your hand, you will throw it slightly different than what you have used in the past. Watch some of our past videos to understand how the release affects the PAP, and how the PAP determines drilling layout.

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Last Week’s Question of the Week:
Q – Who was the first woman to roll a WIBC approved 300 game and when did she accomplish it?
A – Jenny Kelleher of Madison, WI in 1930

Question of the Week:
Q – In what year was the first non wooden bowling ball introduced, what was it called, and what was it made of?

Closing:
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