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Author Topic: Advice on dropping weight....  (Read 1085 times)

Lower_Level

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Advice on dropping weight....
« on: January 31, 2007, 04:33:10 AM »
Due to a nagging wrist/forearm injury I'm debating on dropping down in weight from 15 to 14.  Can anyone give any advice, experiences on doing this?  I tried using a 14lb Threshold in league this past monday, and was really having a hard time getting a comfortable feel for the ball.  And I was having a hell of a time getting any carry percentage.  I was leaving weak, weak 10's & 4's and on 3 different occasions I almost left pocket 5-7's (thank god one would trip out)  Maybe that's from just plain throwing too hard?

I could really use some help in trying to make this transition so any replies will be MUCH appreciated!

Cheers!
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shelley

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Re: Advice on dropping weight....
« Reply #1 on: January 31, 2007, 12:42:32 PM »
While most people will say that carry is just as good across the 14-16# board, that carry will be different with different weights.  Good, just different.  Some hits that used to carry (like those weak 5 pins on light hits) won't anymore because the 14# deflects more than the 15#.  But other hits that would leave different stuff start to carry (like 9-pins on high hits that the 15# ball just drives past is carried now by the 14# that is deflected by the 5-pin).

Overthrowing could be a problem, especially if you're leaving 5s.  The ball isn't given the chance to hook because of the extra speed.  Either put a little more hand into it to compensate or try to back the speed down.  It might not take much, just slowing your feet a little or holding the ball lower in your stance.

SH

Brickguy221

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Re: Advice on dropping weight....
« Reply #2 on: January 31, 2007, 01:05:13 PM »
I don't know what line you play or your style or what kind of balls you throw and how they are drilled, or your angle to the pocket and etc, but I have been throwing 14# balls full time since May of 2006 and I hardley ever-ever leave a 5 Pin. I no longer leave very many 10 Pins any more either. Once in a while I may have a day with several 10 pins but those days are few and not near as often as I did with 15# balls. The pin(s) I leave most with a 14# ball is the 7 and 4-7 pin leaves with an occasional 8 or 9 now and then. If I had more speed, I would probably leave less 7 pins as many times I have a scout come back at it but with not enough speed/force to knock it down.
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crankncrash

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Re: Advice on dropping weight....
« Reply #3 on: January 31, 2007, 11:12:14 PM »
You should buy my NIB threshold and it will fix your problems...  haha but seriously carry won't be an issue when you find rythm with it, I suggest trying to move outside a little while you get used to the speed and let the friction of the lane help you more.

supersid802

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Re: Advice on dropping weight....
« Reply #4 on: February 01, 2007, 06:54:57 AM »
my coach had me try this...around here hitting high flush is about the only way you are going to carry...he had me bowl with a 14 pound ball for a week until i got used to it...i remember the sevens i would leave, lots of 9's from the boucning off..eventually it started working and i switched back to heavier equipment
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In the words of Will Powell, "Just one more rev Ryan and that seven would have been GONE!"

Lower_Level

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Re: Advice on dropping weight....
« Reply #5 on: February 01, 2007, 09:12:23 AM »
The shot I'm most comfortable playing is a basic down and in shot, maybe a tiny swing out, but not one of the big belly type shots.  I think the hardest thing will be not over throwing the ball.  With a 15lb ball I'm throwing 16.8-17.5mph & all my teammates are telling me I'm throwing too hard!  Now with the lighter ball I'm prolly close to 18mph (remember I've only tried this just this week so I haven't got my speed under control just yet)

I cringed at the thought of throwing 14lb equipment; but my wrist just plain gives up after about 18 frames.
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TappedAgain

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Re: Advice on dropping weight....
« Reply #6 on: February 01, 2007, 10:07:42 AM »
I dropped down in weight from 15 to 14 about 4 years ago due to a shoulder injury.  I've found there to be both pros on cons due to the weight change.

Pros
  • I have not experienced a difference in my carry percentage.  I throw the ball harder but am able to put more revs on the ball as well.


  • I have more endurance for tournaments with longer formats or multiple entries.


  • The extra endurance has also helped to keep may ball speed up on the dryer lane conditions.


  • I've experienced less injuries with the drop in weight


Cons
  • I need to focus on not muscling the ball


  • Keeping my ball speed consistent.  I have the tendency to get a little fast when I start stringing strikes together


As you can probably tell the drop in weight was the best choice for me. I sometimes think about testing the waters again.  But I gave away all of my 15 lb equipment.
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Saw Man For Life  - F.O.S.