Djarum was right, this forum "was" one of the best and informative around so I will try and offer what I can. Lately, I've noticed that I've been doing a lot of explaining to a bowler of their speed to rev ratio (and what it means) so I figured it'll be worth while to share.
We have 5 general categories used.
Highly speed dominant
Slightly speed dominant
Matching speed to revs
Slightly rev dominant
Highly rev dominant
Let's use "my" scales. A bowler who can hook a ball 5-10 boards is matching speed to revs. Around 11-20 is slightly rev dominant and 21+ is highly rev dominant. Let's take Jason Couch or Tommy Jones, these guys are in the highly rev dominant category, their total hook is in the 20+ boards range (due to rev /speed ratio plus high axis rotation). But wait, so is the senior who throws it at 8mph an hour and the ball lopes down the lane, gets into a roll, hooks and then picks off the 4-7-8 (assuming it started at 10 board). He also is highly rev dominant.
What does this mean? It means to me that on a generic medium THS, all three of these gentlemen can utilize the same type and piece of equipment. They can't throw the latest and greatest hook ball on the market because it will add additional hook when they don't necessarily need it. In actuality, they need less just to try and keep the ball in the pocket.
I personally see too many bowlers think that they need the newest/biggest hook releases and that this will improve their game but in actuality it won't. We as bowlers must always match up to create "proportionate" amounts of skid/hook/roll into the pins to create the proper chain reaction.
On the other hand, if you are slightly to highly "speed" dominant, you "can" utilize stronger pieces and something that will help you get friction/traction (along w/ layout) that may help you get the traction required for a reaction. One of our hardest conditions to score on is when we can't hook (or basically get reaction) right? So utilize the newer covers and layouts to help you get that.
Just another tip from Tag Team Coaching, hope this helps some.
(categories courtesy of Del Warren/Mo Pinel/Brian Pursel and Track Intl)
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Rick Leong - Ten Pins Pro Shop
Tag Team Coaching - Co-Founder
"El" Presidente of the Legion
Edited on 6/10/2009 6:38 AM