Episodes » Talk Bowling

Talk Bowling #82 – Should I Stop Using a Wrist Device?

Mar 212011

Talk Bowling – Episode #82

Question from YouTube User DestinationExile:

Q – I use the wrist support since my wrist is weak, and i want to start playing with out it should i get a lighter ball since i am using the 14 pound ball right now?

A – I understand the desire to not use a wrist support. They are a pain sometimes. However, they do serve a good purpose. Unless you strengthen your wrist, or change your release, you will probably want to continue using it.

In my personal situation, I hated wearing it. The main reason I stopped is I forgot it at league one night. I found myself able to bowl better without it now. Something changed with my timing, swing, release, or something else. I really do not know what changed, but I felt like I could make the ball react better.

As for using a lighter ball, stopping the use of a wrist support should not change the weight of the ball you can handle. The best advice I have for someone concerning wrist devices is, if you put one on and throw the ball and it feels very wrong then you should be wearing one. If you can feel or tell no difference with one on then you most likely have your hand and wrist in the proper position anyway. Keep in mind these are training aids as well and just because because you take it off for a while does not mean you should not occasionally practice with it on for your own sake.

How to contact us
Email us questions@talkbowling.com
Leave a comment on TalkBowling.com
On Twitter we are @TalkBowling

Sponsor: ChampsSports.com

Did you know that ChampsSports.com offers you a winning selection in sportswear and shoes from leading brands in the industry. Whether you are into Basketball, soccer, baseball, or just plain old running, ChampsSports has the shoes for you. With name brands like, Nike, Jordan, Adidas, and more, you are sure to find something that suits you. ChampsSports is for the Ultimate Sports Fan.

TalkBowling viewers can save 10% off any order over $50 by using promotion code AFTALKCH. And if you spend over $75, use promotion code AFBOWLCH to save 15% instead.

We are a paid affiliate of ChampsSports, that means we only get paid when you shop. Help support us by supporting our sponsors.

Last Week’s 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?
A – 1905, Evertrue, rubber. 9 years later Brunswick would introduce the Mineralite ball.

Question of the Week:
Q – In what year did Brunswick introduce dots and arrow markers to their lanes, dramatically improving accuracy for most bowlers?
A – Watch Next Episode For The Answer….

Closing:
Please remember that bowlingball.com is free shipping on every item, every day. No hidden handling fees, no packaging fees, no added insurance fees. The price shown is the price you pay at checkout. No Surprises.

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

Episodes 2 Responses »

Mar 042011

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.

How to contact us
Email us questions@talkbowling.com
Leave a comment on TalkBowling.com
On Twitter we are @TalkBowling

Sponsor: ShoeBuy.com.

ShoeBuy.com is the World’s Largest Site for Shoes. They have over 750,000 products from 950 top name brands in all sizes, widths, and colors for men, women, teens and children. ShoeBuy.com customers enjoy free shipping both ways on US orders. TalkBowling viewers can save 10% on their purchase at ShoeBuy.com by entering the promotion code TALK during checkout. Help support us by supporting our sponsors.

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?

Talk Bowling #80 – Ball Not Hooking, Changing Coverstocks

Episodes 2 Responses »

Feb 212011

Talk Bowling – Episode #80

Question from Ryan P:

Q – I need a ball for heavier volume patterns so I drilled a C-System Alpha Max last week. I’m a lower rev, medium speed player and I needed the ball the be very strong so I drilled it 55* x 4" x 75*. I’ve thrown it on a couple of patterns and the ball seems to not hook very much. Almost like it’s layout and cover combo is too strong so it’s done very early. How would you recommend changing the layout to improve this?

A – We went ahead and mapped out a ball with the specs you provided. Our initial thought is that you took a really strong ball and may have used the wrong layout. The pin was placed in a very strong position (4” from PAP) and the angles used gave you a low pin height and kicked your mass bias past your VAL which I do not suggest on newer high performance equipment.
If you notice on our test balls we kept the layout very simple with 5” pin distances to PAP and less drastic angles. This allowed the ball to really do its thing since it is already the most aggressive reaction in the Brunswick line.
Since yours is already drilled I would try altering the surface first. Get some higher grit abralon or siaair and use some polish to help get the ball to store up some energy. If you decide to plug and redrill I would go with something like 40* x 5” x 40*

Question from Brent:

Q – I’ve got a question. Currently I roll a Jigsaw Corner with a dull finish. I get a pretty decent hook from it. I was wondering what would happen to my ball motion if I polished it and threw the exact same (same line, speed, wrist position, etc.) that I currently do? Would my strike ball still end up in the pocket? Would I have to move? I appreciate any feedback. Thanks!

A – Brent this is a great question and one that many people may not know. By polishing your ball you will increase the amount of length the ball gets and at the same time increase the overall ball motion on the back part of the lane. You would actually make your ball more angular down lane towards the pins. Most likely, yes, you would have to move your feet and position on the lane since the motion of the ball would change. Since you can easily alter the surface of your ball I would suggest trying it and seeing if you prefer the ball motion polished as opposed to dull.

How to contact us
Email us questions@talkbowling.com
Leave a comment on TalkBowling.com
On Twitter we are @TalkBowling

Sponsor: ChampsSports.com

Did you know that ChampsSports.com offers you a winning selection in sportswear and shoes from leading brands in the industry. Whether you are into Basketball, soccer, baseball, or just plain old running, ChampsSports has the shoes for you. With name brands like, Nike, Jordan, Adidas, and more, you are sure to find something that suits you. ChampsSports is for the Ultimate Sports Fan.

TalkBowling viewers can save 10% off any order over $50 by using promotion code AFTALKCH. And if you spend over $75, use promotion code AFBOWLCH to save 15% instead.

We are a paid affiliate of ChampsSports, that means we only get paid when you shop. Help support us by supporting our sponsors.

Question of the Week:
Q – Who was the first woman to roll a WIBC approved 300 game and when did she accomplish it?

Talk Bowling #79 – Hybrid Reactive Coverstocks, Dual Angle Layouts,

Episodes 4 Responses »

Feb 112011

Question from Jake:
Q – What exactly is a Hybrid Reactive coverstock? What is it a hybrid of? I know it’s essentially a more toned-down coverstock typically seen on balls more suited to medium-to-dry oil lanes, just wondering
what it’s composition is.

A – Manufacturers recently introduced these into the market. They would usually release a solid coverstock on a bowling ball, and later a pearlized version. They then started adding in a new mixture of the two, and they have become very popular.

Q2 – Can you explain the Dual-Angle Layout process? I’ve noticed over the course of your ball-reviews that you guys seem to be using that process more and more. What exactly are the benefits of using it?

A2 – All laying out a ball does is position the core inside the ball based on your Positive Axis Point. Once you realize that is the final goal, how you get there makes no difference. Manufacturer’s have tried coming up with their own way to do this, Storm and Roto Grip have their PSA layout, Brunswick and MoRich use Dual Angle. In the end, they all do the same thing, position the PIN and Mass Bias in relation to your PAP.

Question from Relbac3:
Q – My question is… I started bowling with a 5 step approach. Switched to a 4 step approach. I feel like sometimes a longer approah may be the thing to do for speed revs or both. What is the difference, and how do you knbow when to move up or move back?

A – This is very bowler dependent. They take practice and you must choose which is more comfortable for you. On a 5 step approach, the first is usually a shuffle step, or just a minor step to get you into the approach.

How to contact us
Email us questions@talkbowling.com
Leave a comment on TalkBowling.com
On Twitter we are @TalkBowling

Sponsor: ChampsSports.com

Did you know that ChampsSports.com offers you a winning selection in sportswear and shoes from leading brands in the industry. Whether you are into Basketball, soccer, baseball, or just plain old running, ChampsSports has the shoes for you. With name brands like, Nike, Jordan, Adidas, and more, you are sure to find something that suits you. ChampsSports is for the Ultimate Sports Fan.

TalkBowling viewers can save 10% off any order over $50 by using promotion code AFTALKCH. And if you spend over $75, use promotion code AFBOWLCH to save 15% instead.

We are a paid affiliate of ChampsSports, that means we only get paid when you shop. Help support us by supporting our sponsors.

Closing:
Please remember that bowlingball.com is free shipping on every item, every day. No hidden handling fees, no packaging fees, no added insurance fees. The price shown is the price you pay at checkout. No Surprises.

Talk Bowling #0078 – Move Feet and Target, or Change Bowling Balls?

Episodes 6 Responses »

Jan 282011

Talk Bowling – Episode #78

Question from Pete:
Q – I would like your opinion on this. As the lanes transition usually towards end of second game, should you just move your feet and target or use a less aggressive ball. Is one better than the other and which do you like to do?

A – This is a personal decision and ultimately depends on your comfort zone and what you can make the ball do. I would think that you should move as long as you are making minor adjustments. Once you feel you have to make a big move, then you should think about changing bowling ball.s

Question from ken curtis:
Q – I would like to know what the theoretical pros and cons are of adding a pinky hole to the ball. The south Korean used it, Mark Williams uses it and I’d like to know more about it.
I’m an advanced bowler, averaging just shy of 200 at this point. I have a slight build and thin wrist. Sometimes during the first game I can feel my ball leaning in toward my body before I get it into a good swing and at the point of release. I would like to continue using 15lbs however. My pinky feels weak until I spread it for my spares.
My thought is that the pinky hole would give me more control and possibly increase my rev rate. If that is correct, what are the cons to the pinky hole, since not many bowlers use it? Like the serge eastern grip, I’m sure there are some very specific reasons for those few that choose the additional pinky hole.
Before I spend the money to have it drilled, I’d really appreciate some solid professional facts on the issue. Thanks very much in advance.

A – The pinky grip will probably not increase your rev rate. It is mainly used to aid in gripping the bowling ball. As for being concerned about the cost, your pro shop operator should not charge you any more then $4-5 for drilling it, and it would only take them a minute to do.

How to contact us
Email us questions@talkbowling.com
Leave a comment on TalkBowling.com
On Twitter we are @TalkBowling

Sponsors:
FootAction.com

I am sure everyone has heard of FootAction, it’s a great shoe store with every type of shoe. FootAction has what you need to be first, fast, and best with head-to-toe sport-inspired style.

TalkBowling viewers can save 10% off any order over $50 by using promotion code AFTALKFA. However, you know shoes are expensive and you will more than likely spend over $75 right, so use promotion code AFBOWLFA to save 15% instead.

We are a paid affiliate of FootAction, that means we only get paid when you shop. Help support us by supporting our sponsors.

Closing:

Please remember that bowlingball.com is free shipping on every item, every day. No hidden handling fees, no packaging fees, no added insurance fees. The price shown is the price you pay at checkout. No Surprises.

Older Entries Newer Entries