Hey there- welcome to the sport.
First for the ball choice- I could see potentially the Massive Damage or a Rising Star. Both are all around good choices for medium-dry conditions and can give you a bit of room starting out. I definitely would not get into the midrange-high performance stuff yet. That stuff is going to be way too condition specific for developing your game. One option that will help you save some money is that you can go with a reconditioned ball. These are basically "like new" and would probably be best until you further develop your game. A lot of times, you can find similar balls to what we have already mentioned reconditioned at a good price.
I did check out your video and wanted to offer a few suggestions. The big thing I noticed (and that you mentioned also) is that you're getting the swing going too late- by the 3rd step. What can happen with that is that it throws the timing off and will cause you to pull the ball left. I would suggest to have the swing started by the 2nd step. This way, you develop a consistant approach. A person that can help you obviously is your coach; the coach will see stuff that you may not notice, and that can be used to further improve.
A fingertip grip really is not that hard to get used to. Is there a little bit of a learning curve? Yes, because with the fingers going in to the first crease, you will have a litlte bit of an earlier release. However, it allows you to generate revolutions on the ball to help carry. My suggestion in this case is to go with it. A good driller will make sure that you're measured out properly and that the fit is exactly what you need. Also, a good driller will watch you bowl on the lane and tailor a layout to what you need.
You mentioned that you want to be a hooker. Starting out, keep it simple. Don't worry about having to cover a ton of boards at first. Playing outside is always easier to start with. Once you are comfortable with that and have developed your game, you can experiment with different hand positions and different inside lines. After all, not all lane conditions will work for throwing 4th arrow out to the 5th board and have it roaring back. Then again, some will require that. Versatility is a great thing, and it will be better in the long run.
Last bit of advice: don't be afraid to ask for advice or to have someone watch your game if you think something is going on. Recently, there was an issue with my swing and my timing was a little off to start the season. Working with my driller (who is also a certified coach), we got on the lanes and she noticed that my wrist was slightly out of position and my pushaway was off. Working on that and not standing as far back on the approach, along with slightly lowering my swing height, my game is back to where I want it. We also came up with some better layouts. Use the resources available to you in helping your game.
Good luck to you and feel free to keep asking questions you may have.
My arsenal
Heavy Oil: Storm Virtual Gravity Nano: 2000 AB
Medium-Heavy Oil: Storm Anarchy: 1500 polished
Medium Oil: Roto Grip Nomad Dagger: 1500 polished
Medium-Light Oil: Roto Grip Rising Star: 1500 polished
Edited by tommyboy74 on 10/17/2011 at 8:38 PM
