how to pick a ball and should I throw a hook?

[krx]

I guess I'm a beginner, though I've bowled off and on all my life. I just joined a league for the first time and see that everybody has there own ball and shoes. So I'd be interested to know how to go about choosing a ball (shoes I figure I can handle).

Also, all the men in the league seem to throw a hook (or try to) and all the women seem to throw a straight ball. I'm a guy but I never learned to throw a hook - and frankly I score better and am more consistent then most of those throwing hooks. Should I be trying to throw a hook ball anyway? My current avg is about 158, but with playing regularly now I think I can raise that to probably 170 or more (throwing a straight ball).

Thanks for any feedback.

[KDawg77]

The immediate answer is yes because a hook ball will increase you entry angle to the pocket thus raises your potential to strike, but work on it in practice until you're comfortable and capable of using it in league. Meanwhile, work on you spare accuracy because that will be the fastest was to increase your average and the easiest way to maintain it later.

As for ball selection, don't buy the biggest and baddest on the market. You will need to develop the game before spending/wasting money on "too much ball". A good pro shop operator should advise you to go with a lower priced ball because many balls on the market at the lower price point are excellent performers. They have good weight blocks and cover stocks, but are not overly aggressive. Keep your current ball for spares.
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Oh splendid! This calls for a sexy party!



Edited on 6/26/2006 2:40 PM

[JohnP]

The decision to convert to a hook ball depends on your motivation to improve.  If you want to be the best you can be, learn to hook the ball.  If you're satisfied at around 170, stay with a straight ball.  Either way, I would recommend an entry level reactive resin ball, such as the Ebonite Tornado series, Brunswick Power Groove series, etc.  Talk to your local pro shop staff, they will help you select one that fits your game.  But be wary if they try to sell you a ball that costs more than around $100 out the door.  You're not ready for that yet.  By the way, along with the decision about hooking the ball comes the finger tip versus conventional grip decision.  I suspect you are using a conventional grip now.  If you're serious about improving, you need to have your new ball drilled with a relaxed fingertip grip.  You may find that with a resin ball and fingertip grip you hook the ball naturally.  --  JohnP