Variety In Bowling Balls

As beginner bowlers improve their skills in the sport, they become more consistent and accurate in their shots. When this happens, they also notice that their bowling balls are going down the lane differently. Sometimes they notice it from lane-to-lane and many times from frame-to-frame.

I have been watching a lot of Tennis recently - the French Open and now Wimbledon. One of their commentaries happened to be on the different types and styles of racquets there are. In summary, clay courts versus grass courts versus concrete courts. The tennis ball reacts differently on each surface and so the players have to adapt for the different surfaces by using a different type of racquet. Does it sound familiar?

Here's a question gleaned from my Bronze Coach certification workshop manual: "What would it be like if all golfers only carried drivers in their bags?" It reminds me of an old gorilla joke: "An animal trainer took his gorilla on the golf course, teed up a golf ball, and handed him a putter. With his best friend watching, the gorilla hit the ball on the green of the 540-yard hole. The friend got absolutely ecstatic thinking they could make some money if they could get the animal authorized to play in some major tournaments. So as they got to the ball on the green, the gorilla lined up the ball with his putter and proceeded to hit it another 530 yards…."

As you get ready to add to your arsenal, keep in mind that you need a variety of ball types to expand your ability under differing lane conditions. Going with all aggressive cover stocks, all dull finishes, or all the same weight blocks would not be the correct choice of options.

The "Choc-List" to keep in mind when you are shopping for your bowling balls: (Applies to cover stock, weight block, drill patterns, polished up finishes, etc.)

1) An aggressive bowling ball for oilier conditions or when you have to move to an inside line.

2) A less aggressive one for when the lanes are drier and less hook is needed.

3) A shinier finish for delaying your break point and storing up the energy for a stronger hit in the pocket.

4) A duller finish can give you more hook with a rounder arc to the shape of the curve.

Study up on bowling ball dynamics, consult with your ball driller, and remember, "variety is the spice of bowling" when building your arsenal of balls.

A Hui Hou!