help with ball weight

[billdapart]

I'm a new bowler . Only been playing regulary (two times a week) for about 3 months.

I'm still learning a ton from reading these forums, and right now I bowl an average of somewhere between 150-170

My problem is this, my bowling style is really different from anything else out there. Though really pretty consistent, I bowl completely straight, with no hook at all.. I'm just now learning how to put a little hook on the ball, so I'm thinking of picking up a beginners reactive ball so I don't have to keep using the plastic lane balls and I can start to develop my form more.

i think due to my style (mode of backswing, timing, etc.) I find it really hard to use a normal weight of ball. I currently bowl an 11 pound plastic ball and I weigh about 155 lbs. (small statured guy) My speeds are usually right in the 17.5 to 19.5 area. I'm wondering if being able to play with a heavier ball (13,14) will come with me learning a better attack, and if I should wait on getting a better ball or if I should get a better ball that's lighter and slowly try and change my swing while getting used to the ball.. or get a heavier ball and try and learn with it.

Any and all help/suggestions are very much appreciated. Thanks,
Bill

P.s. I've read Ron's tip site and it seems good but alot of it is still a bit over my game i think.

[CoachJim]

Hi Bill, I'm glad that you are ready to make the next step and get more serious about your game, and purchasing your first ball is definitely a move in the right direction.

In answer to your question, a heavier ball will knock down more pins, and seeing that you are small in stature I wouldn't recommend going heavier than a 13 lb ball until you build up the strength in your hand. That being said I would get a scout reactive and have it drilled with a relaxed fingertip grip (thumb in the ball and leading edge of the finger hole is center between the first and second knuckles). This way you won't stretch your tendons and developed a squeezing problem that will take years to overcome (like most of us).

You might just want to stay with a polyester ball until you get your form down and then move to a stronger reactive ball, this way you can still use the polyester ball for spare shooting (another tip that adds pins to your game, shoot your spares straight).

You might also look into finding a good coach to teach you the fundamentals before you developed too many bad habits.

Best of Luck to you.

Jim

[MI 2 AZ]

A properly fitted bowling ball will feel lighter than the same weight in a house ball.  Have your local proshop test you for the proper weight.

Here is a link to help:

http://www.ballreviews.com/Forum/Replies.asp?TopicID=18904&ForumID=16&CategoryID=5


Edited to add:
Another link:

http://www.ballreviews.com/Forum/Replies.asp?TopicID=33580&ForumID=27&CategoryID=5
--------------------
I am the SGT Schultz of bowling.
"I know nothing!"

Edited on 10/18/2003 11:48 PM

[JohnP]

billdapart -- MI 2 AZ is correct, a properly fitted ball will feel lighter.  To check weight, get a ball sling and put the various weight balls in it and swing them in the sling, being careful not to let go of either handle.  I suspect you can handle a properly fitted 14 pounder.  That may slow your ball speed down some, but at the speed you're throwing, that's OK.  All the ball manufacturers have good entry level balls, but I usually recommend the Ebonite Tornado series (as regular readers already know) because my customers have had good success with them.  By the way, up until the last few years, any fitter/driller would have put you in a 16 pound ball if you are an adult male.  That's just what men used.  I'm glad those days are gone.  --  JohnP

Edited on 10/19/2003 4:58 PM

[billdapart]

Thanks a bunch for the help guys.. I'd suspected a little that I might be able to handle a bigger if it was drilled for me. I have heard great things about both of the balls mentioned.. the tornado especially.. but I'm wondering what you guys think about the power groove series. I think brunswick makes them?
Just looking at their stats they seem like another good middle of the road ball to get started with.

I'm gonna head down to the local pro shop on Tuesday to have a chat with them about this as well.  

Thanks again.
Bill