Bowling today is far more advanced then days of the past. The technology and equipment have well surpassed the days of old. New core designs, new cover stocks, new oils, not to mention lane surfaces. So why do so many people still think the sciences of years ago apply to today’s bowling environment?  I still hear this everyday when I encounter bowlers from all across the country.  I tell them all the same thing:  Static weights don’t adversely affect ball reaction!!!

I know I can hear it now:  side weight makes my ball hook more in the back end.  Thumb weight makes my ball roll earlier.  Finger weight makes my bowling ball go further down the lane.  Don’t get me wrong, back in the days of Rubber and Plastic bowling balls, this was the norm.  But let’s realize that today we have far more technology then we did then.  I am not saying they were wrong with their statements; they just didn’t have the technical knowledge we have today.

Let’s first start out by defining what I mean by static weight.  When the person drilling the ball positions it for drilling and they shift the weight block to one quadrant of the bowling ball this causes an imbalance to the ball.  These imbalances make the ball wobble, therefore creating a different ball reaction.  If they shift the core to the side of the gripping holes it creates side weight. Shifting the core towards the fingers creates finger weight, and so on. The ruling bodies created parameters for this. You aren’t allowed to have more then one ounce of finger, side, or thumb weight.  You are not allowed to have more then three ounces of top, or bottom weight.  This rule applies still today.

Now let’s get back to the tip of the week.  Ball motion.  If you are looking for your ball to go longer, you should pick a weaker core design or a weaker cover stock bowling ball.  If you want a more aggressive bowling ball for oil, then you should pick a stronger core design and stronger cover stock bowling ball.  First you have to understand your bowling center and your bowling style.  Everyone will see the lanes differently based on their bowling style.  Some bowlers will think the lanes are oily while others might think they are dry.  That’s O.K. Bowlers are all different. You need to pick the right ball for your bowling style.

Placing locator pins further from your P.A.P. or positive axis point, will make your ball go further down the lane. Pins closer to your P.A.P. will start to hook sooner. Pins positioned in between these will create stronger overall ball motion.

While drilling techniques still play an important role in ball motion; core, cover stock and pin placement can be just as important given today’s technology.  You need to first figure out what kind of lane condition you are bowling on, and then talk to your local pro shop to find the correct ball for your needs.

Next week I will go over the other question I get asked all the time:  Why do you have so many bowling balls in your bag? Until then, have fun, and let’s shoot some big scores!!!