Just to add to NotClay's post a certain emphasis: moving deeper must not be the answer, if this line does not fit your game or other factor. Adding surface, for example, improves early traction and therefore by tendency a wider hook. But you also need the oil to get the ball down the lane properly, and proper revs and speed. Otherwise the ball bleeds much of its energy too early. You might be able to move deeper and even hit the pocket, but the ball might be "dead", hitting like a wet donut and leave splits or washouts galore.
The same counts for drilling. Theoretically, a ball drilled stacked leverage should yield the biggest hook possible with the piece. But again, the surface prep and the oil condition wil have considerable impact on such a ball's utility. It might be very limited, because a strong layout means that the ball quickly and early bleeds energy to make its transition from skid to hook to roll. It could help you if you are speed-dominant, though, in order to force the ball into its roll phase quickly (while keeping basically the same down-and-in line).
You do not need a big hook or deep line to score well. This leads to what you IMHO should watch out for: a proper ball reaction. A "working" ball goes through the aforementioned 3 phases, ideally hitting the pockt just after finishing its hook. You should try to keep your natural game and check that your ball makes this transition. This can mean a deeper line (but the ball recation will tell you if this is an effective option) - or different speed, revs or hand positions. Or a combination thereof, and we did not talk about different equipment yet!
It is a complex matter, no question!
DizzyFugu - Reporting from Germany
2010/11 Benrather BC Club Champion
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