Ball weight

[chadw1974]

I just got back into bowling about 6 months ago. I purchased a 14# Total NV & for the past couple months I've been getting better at getting the ball to do what I want it to do. My problem is I've been having several good pocket shots, leave a 7 or 10 pin. This is becoming an aggravating problem to me because I struggle so much at picking either of these 2 up. I've tried playing different lines, where I'm changing the entry angle of the ball but no line seems to be consistent at carrying. If I have too straight an entry I usually leave a 7 & if my entry is too wide I'll leave a 10. My question is, will a 16# ball start turning these shots into strikes?
Another question about the ball weight is, I have trouble controlling the speed of the ball. I've found that my ball reacts best at about 14-15 mph but after a couple months of using this ball, I can easily overpower the ball & unintentionally get the speed up to 17-18 mph which makes the ball do nothing. I guess my rev rate is not high enough to compensate for the change in speed. I'm wondering, will a heavier ball naturally help slow my arm swing down & give me better control of the ball?

[shelley]

I don't think I'd go from 14# to 16#, maybe to 15#.  It's a bigger difference than you'd expect.

SH

[azguy]

I'd never suggest that big a jump. Had a friend went from 14-16, big mistake. Mentally he thought he needed to "put some extra" on it due to heavier weight. Tended to increase speed until it hurt his elbow, then his game went down hill for a while. Finally went to 15 and improved.

If you want to up the weight, get a 15, just one, try it and see. But I'd never suggest that much jump.

JMO.
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az guy aka: R & L Bowlers Pro
rlbowlerspro@cox.net
www.rlbowlerspro.com

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[canesrock82]

I agree I wouldn't jump up to a 16. 15 would work well for you. Give those spares plenty of practice, eventually you will need to pick them up if you want your avg to increase.

I've been throwing a 16 the last 2 years, saw some 15's that were a good buy and regret buying them.

I have 2 15's I will be selling soon. 16 here on out for me.

[TBS1]

Before trying a much heavier ball, try to utilize different hand and finger positions in order to change your entry angle. You may find that by creating a different angles, rather than changing speed,  will allow you to carry a bit better. Furthermore, you may want to try to walk on the approach slower, this will allow you to slow your arm swing down, creating a more fluid arm swing, instead of muscling the ball into the back swing.

A trick to check and see if it truly is the ball weight, is to place the ball in your bowling hand for five seconds.  If the ball feels like nothing is there, then it is too light for you.  You should feel a little bit of tension on your body with the proper weight.  Best way is to go to a trusted pro shop and discuss the possibility of a ball weight change and see if they have time to watch you bowl. Good Luck.
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James