Most of the experienced members on this board can recall that time you made a ball change and the lane opened up and/or more importantly the carry became phenomenal.

But do we remember the number of times that we kept searching for that ball and never found it. I am willing to bet that more times than not this is the case. Often our scores suffer while we are trying to find the proper line for the new ball as well. I’ve often seen a  bowler who constantly changes ball, maybe going thru 4 or 5+ balls in a 3 game set, and never find anything and shoot bad.

Now I’m not talking about the obvious when you throw your first few shots and know instantly that the lanes are far too slick/dry for that ball and adjust to a more aggressive/milder ball. Once you know how aggressive of a ball to throw on the condition (which should be easily determined during practice) it should not take more than 1 ball change after that to adjust your hook shape.

Would we score just as high on average (or higher) if we simply stayed with the first ball and adjusted our line a little?

I feel bowlers are looking for the ball that  covers up their inability to adjust for carry and/or their inability to feel comfortable playing a different line than their favorite. Too much attention is being given to balls and drilling and not enough on execution.