Author Topic: Spare Ball Weight versus Strike Ball (Read 22837 times)

john178 · « **on:** August 05, 2013, 07:38:41 PM »

I currently use a plastic/polyester spare ball that weighs the same as my strike ball (14lb). I am considering dropping down to 12 or 13 lbs for my spare ball in hopes of gaining better control for ten pin shots.

How may of you use a plastic/polyester ball that weighs less than your strike ball and how has that affected your spare shooting when wanting to convert spares to the right of the head pin ?

Thanks for your answers.

John C.

blesseddad · « **Reply #1 on:** August 05, 2013, 07:51:47 PM »

My first thought is that whatever works is fine for some, but I like to look at things with a slightly more critical eye.

Therefore, my next thought is if you are mechanically sound, and can hit your target consistently, why would you want to change weights and get away from the sound consistency?

Perhaps a lesson to get you more sound would be in order...last time I checked, you have around 9 boards to hit to pick up the 10 pin, for instance, and if you are sound, a 9 board target should not be a reach to accomplish. Good luck in solving the problem and whatever you decide, I hope there are more spares in your future.

Just my opinion, I could be wrong, but I doubt it.

bowlerdawg · « **Reply #2 on:** August 05, 2013, 08:07:43 PM »

try dropping a pound on your spare ball

Russell · « **Reply #3 on:** August 05, 2013, 08:43:43 PM »

Your balance at the line is based off of muscle memory due to a certain weight hanging from your shoulder. If you change it between shots you will notice it, and your spare shooting will almost certainly suffer. You won't miss every spare...but if you miss 1 in 50 that you didn't before...that's too many.

I have never seen someone drop weight for spares and become a better spare shooter.

BallReviews-Removed0385 · « **Reply #4 on:** August 06, 2013, 09:24:41 AM »

There is no correct answer for everyone. I use one pound lighter (for 8-10 years now) with no negative side effect. I'm throwing it at 1 or 2 pins (4,6,7,10) so the less weight multiplied thousands of times over years should save wear and tear on the fingers, hand, wrist, shoulder, etc. The added bonus is that it deflects better when converting the 3 - 10 split.

As long as your mechanics are true, you shouldn't see a drop off in spare percentage for just one pound difference. The term "muscle memory" is a fallacy. Muscles do not have memory; brains have memory. Train your brain to think of it a certain way and then you won't try to throw it harder, thus causing inconsistencies with spares.

trash heap · « **Reply #5 on:** August 06, 2013, 05:37:47 PM »

What do you mean by "gaining better control for ten pin shots"? What happens now with your current plastic ball? Where do stand, what is your target?

Dropping weight to get a ten pin spare seems that you are wanting more speed because the ball isn't going straight at the pin. (just a guess).

Most bowling coaches I know would be against the idea. Like others state it could work, but there might be other solutions for you to try that will help you picking up more ten pin spares.

pin-smasher · « **Reply #6 on:** August 06, 2013, 06:14:58 PM »

I just did that.I use 15 for strike ball and just drilled up a 14.5 spare and it feels much better,just that 1/2 pound makes a difference for me

Brandon Riley · « **Reply #7 on:** August 07, 2013, 12:04:32 PM »

I prefer the same weight for strike ball and spare ball. It is just a strange feeling and hard to create consistency changing weights from shot to shot.

avabob · « **Reply #8 on:** August 07, 2013, 12:53:18 PM »

The biggest mistake I see people making ( some pros are the worst ) is trying to set land speed records throwing at spares to the point that they are totally off balance at the line. I suspect part of your goal in dropping weight is to gain more ball speed in hopes of further straightening your shot. I think dropping much weight might really impact your balance at the line. Best advice is to throw plastic or polished urethane at spares and flatten your release, but strive to maintain the same timing and ball speed as your strike ball. I have never yet seen a condition that this approach won't work on. Even with my old codgers slow ball speed I can shoot spares with the best of the young guys.

tommyboy74 · « **Reply #9 on:** August 07, 2013, 04:20:40 PM »

Quote from: avabob on August 07, 2013, 12:53:18 PM

The biggest mistake I see people making ( some pros are the worst ) is trying to set land speed records throwing at spares to the point that they are totally off balance at the line. I suspect part of your goal in dropping weight is to gain more ball speed in hopes of further straightening your shot. I think dropping much weight might really impact your balance at the line. Best advice is to throw plastic or polished urethane at spares and flatten your release, but strive to maintain the same timing and ball speed as your strike ball. I have never yet seen a condition that this approach won't work on. Even with my old codgers slow ball speed I can shoot spares with the best of the young guys.

+10. This is exactly what I do by flattening the release and throwing a weaker ball that's polished with about the same ball speed. I throw 16lbs for my strike shots and throw 16lbs for spares. It's effective and my timing remains the same.

Yes, I was clocked throwing a 15lb ball at a 10 pin once at 27.7mph. Is it worth throwing it that hard? No. Good timing and balance always wins.

Author Topic: Spare Ball Weight versus Strike Ball (Read 22837 times)

john178

Spare Ball Weight versus Strike Ball

blesseddad

Re: Spare Ball Weight versus Strike Ball

bowlerdawg

Re: Spare Ball Weight versus Strike Ball

Russell

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BallReviews-Removed0385

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trash heap

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pin-smasher

Re: Spare Ball Weight versus Strike Ball

Brandon Riley

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avabob

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tommyboy74

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