Ask Bob (March 2015)
Ask Bob
by Bob Roth
Q. I have been pulling the ball lately and I can't seem to stop doing this. The harder I try not to pull the worse it gets. Any ideas?
A. There are several things that can cause pulling the ball. I think the main one however is muscling in the swing. My key in your question is the harder you try to stop the worse it gets. Sounds like muscling. It goes like this when you get into a slump and begin to try to hard the tendency is to control the swing, you start pulling the ball back which forces you to then pull the swing forward then there is only one thing you can do at release and that is to pull the ball. Yes the harder you try to stop this the worse you get. During your next practice session push the ball out and just let your arm fall, use the weight of the ball take your arm back. You will find that this will allow you to have a much more free swing and the pulling will disappear. Do this for a few games and don't worry about your score. Just work on regaining your relaxed arm swing. Let your muscle memory take over.
Q. What is the difference between a symmetrical and asymmetrical bowling ball? I need a new ball and don't know which would be best. I have a 184 average.
A. A symmetrical ball generally will have a smoother more consistent reaction and is easier to control. The asymmetrical ball tends to react to the dry area sharper and can be a bit jumpy. But it can be used by a knowledgeable ball driller to help a bowler with weak spots in their game. Like getting the ball through the heads or creating a stronger reaction at the pins. So it is just a matter of preference. But remember this: the surface of the ball is still the biggest factor in ball reaction. Both symmetrical and asymmetrical cores have a place in the game and both can be fined tuned by tweaking the cover. What you are trying to do is match up to the shot at your lanes. Ask the best bowlers in your area where the best pro shop is. Ask the pro shop technician to watch you bowl and let them make suggestions on what ball would be best for you. Most shops offer this service.
Q. I have been watching the pro's on TV and I hear they bowl 30 or 40 games a week. I bowl 5 or 6 games and my arm is tired and I am beat. How do they do this week after week?
A. Professional bowlers of today are in great physical condition. They are as much of an athlete as the athletes in any sport. They all maintain workout schedules and the biggest part of bowling is having strong legs. To bowl well you have to have your legs under you. This creates speed, power and accuracy. If your arm is getting tired and you are worn out, then you are relying on your arm and back muscles for power. Bowling is not an upper body sport -- it starts with the legs. So if you want to get better and have more endurance start exercising those legs.
Article was published with permission from Stars & Strikes, America's Bowling Newsmagazine.
www.starsandstrikesbowling.com
