Author Topic: Straight ball bowlers (different topic) (Read 1462 times)

imjouster · « **on:** September 25, 2006, 05:25:11 PM »

This is a question to most of you pro shop owners. I've been noticing recently that a lot of people coming into a proshop that I go to all the time have been wanting balls that will hook for them. Thats all fine and dandy as far as I'm concerned. The problem is when I go out and watch them bowl and their throwing the ball at 22 mph with like 5 revs on the ball. I don't care if your throwing a freaking ball that is made out of pumace and the lane is bone dry, the ball isn't going to hook. So of course when they come back into the shop they complain about their ball not hooking. So you tell them that they need to slow the ball down in order for it to hook. They go out and try again, and they slow it down but then they complain about not being able to be accurate, so they revert to throwing the ball fast. Not wanting to run off customers you try and help them out, but nothing seems to work. does anybody have any suggestions on what you would do in this sort of situation? and just for kicks and giggles lets say that this person is buying like 3 bowling balls a month from you (bowling family) so you really don't want to run them off as a customer.

Another question really quickly, I have a friend that is kind of one of these bowlers. and he's really been having problems carrying corner pins and 5 pins (go figure) is there any type of bowling ball that happens to carry really well for these types of bowlers or is it just kind of a thing where every ball is going to carry just about the same?

Thanks
Jeremy
--------------------
"Strive to be perfect, that is afterall the only way to become perfect."

"If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans."

Taken from Desiderata

Proud user of Columbia 300 and Visionary Bowling Products

dizzyfugu · « **Reply #1 on:** September 26, 2006, 04:21:55 AM »

In addition to selling balls, think about opening a bowling school

When a player does not even know some basics of timing an release (or that this exists at all!), no ball will carry well.

With the 5 pin standing on pocket hits, the ball is either too light or it has no power at all, not finishing with a roll. Some basic training should hugely improve carry and ball reaction. And wehn customers complain about being in accurate: only training and dedication improves performance. That's the hard reality...
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DizzyFugu - Reporting from Germany
Team "X" website & more about me: http://web.mac.com/timlinked/iWeb/X/Thomas.html
"The Future's So Bright I Gotta Wear Shades" - Pat MacDonald

shelley · « **Reply #2 on:** September 26, 2006, 09:11:09 AM »

quote:
With the 5 pin standing on pocket hits, the ball is either too light or it has no power at all, not finishing with a roll.

22mph and 5 revs? Talk about not picking up a roll. There's no time.

Seriously, there's not much more you can do but emphasize that the way you throw a conventional straight ball and the way you throw a hook ball are different. High speed and power are about the only ways you'll get pin action out of a straight ball. It doesn't roll through the pins, so it needs something to maintain its line and provide power to the pins. Lower speed, some revs, and a good release are how a hooking ball provides power, carry, and drive.

If possible, show them some of the better bowlers and how they throw. Say "Hey, look at Bill. He throws 15-16mph with 250rpm and carries a 210 average. And Bob, Frank, George, and Ringo, too." He may learn to that putting every ounce of strength isn't necessary to have a good game.

SH

Fluff E Bunnie · « **Reply #3 on:** September 26, 2006, 10:25:44 AM »

I've seen these bowlers before... They make me giggle.
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I mean what's next, WRW in a Codpiece if the mens tour suffers? - Nodsleinad

JohnP · « **Reply #4 on:** September 26, 2006, 11:35:31 AM »

The difference between a straight ball and a hook ball is hand position at release. When dealing with this type of bowler, I try to demonstrate proper hand position so that they can feel it. Put them on the approach, let the ball hang by their side, then rotate their hand into a proper release position. Holding their wrist, swing the ball through the release position with a little counterclockwise rotation (without releasing). Then move them up to one step behind the foul line and have them try to duplicate the feeling with a one step approach. Repeat a few times, then try it with a full approach. Many bowlers will pick up a hook release this way. The ones that don't will need more coaching than I can provide. -- JohnP

imjouster · « **Reply #5 on:** September 26, 2006, 11:31:09 PM »

mostly all stuff that I had figured. I like the idea of opening up a bowling class

. But yeah 22 MPH and probably 5-6 revs (not joking). thing is my friend rolls the ball like this and I've tried to get him to slow down, and its kind of funny because even when he is trying to roll the ball slow he's hucking it down there at 19, which gives the ball a little more time but still not enough considering the amount of revs (or lack there of) that he has. Never thought about maybe trying to get him to just stand at the line and roll the ball. might try that some time. If anyone else has any suggestions let em fly. Thanks to those who have all ready responded.

Jeremy
--------------------
"Strive to be perfect, that is afterall the only way to become perfect."

"If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans."

Taken from Desiderata

Proud user of Columbia 300 and Visionary Bowling Products

Author Topic: Straight ball bowlers (different topic) (Read 1462 times)

imjouster

Straight ball bowlers (different topic)

dizzyfugu

Re: Straight ball bowlers (different topic)

shelley

Re: Straight ball bowlers (different topic)

Fluff E Bunnie

Re: Straight ball bowlers (different topic)

JohnP

Re: Straight ball bowlers (different topic)

imjouster

Re: Straight ball bowlers (different topic)