Bo-Fish Bowling News: the Positive Source for Bowling Worldwide

October 11, 2005
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February 15, 2005

Q. Here is a repeat of a question that has been asked many times. If applying powder to shoes to improve slide is illegal, why is it sold in pro shops. Pro Slide it the only name that comes to mind at the moment. And if not powder, how about some tips to improve slide.

A. Pro slide is technically not powder that's why it is legal. They say it won't come off on the approach that it doesn't alter the surface. I disagree with that. I have experienced cases myself where the approach got very slippery from people using pro slide and slide sticks. Now for your question. You can get shoes that have what are called slide cleats in the sole so you can change the slide distances. I believe the best one is made by Dyno-Thane they are called Dynoroo's. Because the uppers are made of Kangaroo leather they are very comfortable. There also is an extra heel you can buy it has an insert that goes in the front. This sharp front part of the heel is where most people stick. They are expensive but last for many years and are cheap over the long haul. (Less than most bowling balls). You will want either the Tour Ultra or Tour Deluxe. Check them out at www.dynothane.com. If you can't afford those you can get a slide sock. These work very well the best one is made by Slide Sock you can read about them at www.slidesock.com.

Q. Hi, Bob, I just wondered if you are bowling in the Senior Thanksgiving Classic High Roller at Sam's Town in Las Vegas. I was hoping to visit with you at the August tournament and you did not bowl in that one. I would like to meet you and root you on.

A. Well thank you very much I love meeting people who read my work. Yes, I will be bowling in Las Vegas this Thanksgiving week 2005. I start my tournament on Tuesday Nov. 22nd. If you want to say hello come on down to Sam's Town, I don't bite and love to talk bowling anytime. Sorry I missed you in August but this year I took the summer off to get myself healed up both mentally and physically.

Q. In many of your articles you have recommended that people get lessons. How about you have you ever taken lessons for your game? You seem to know most of the answers so I would think that you wouldn't need to take lessons.

A. Trust me I don't know all the answers and I can't see myself bowl so yes I take lessons. Even if I get video of my own game and watch it I can't help myself because I am not subjective enough with myself to pick out the correct things. We all need help at one time or another. I got a lesson from Ron DeGroat just before winning my first High Roller event. And this trip I am going to get a tune up from Bill Hall. There any some good coaches out there in most areas of the country. So by all means use them it costs less than a new ball and the benefits last much longer. To ask a question my NEW E-MAIL ADDRESS is askbob@clearwire.net

Q. I am currently bowling an average of around 160. I wish to improve on my release and have tried many different methods. I want to get more hook and power on the ball. I have read articles on releasing the ball with the thumb and not fingertip at the bottom of the arm swing. However I have very sweaty palms and the ball comes off quickly if I don't grip it hard enough. I am using hand-conditioner to solve the problem. Also, I am not too sure if my grip fits accurately. How can I check this problem? Please advise on better hook release.

A. To have your grip checked go to a pro shop that you trust. Have them check it and fix it if necessary. The best hand powder for grip that I have found is Master Grip Powder it is a good-sized bottle and lasts a long time. The best hand position for a strong release for right-handers is to have the thumb at about 2:00 on the clock and turn it to about 11:00 on release. The fingers do the turning not the thumb. The thumb must come out first. For a little extra turn on release and to get the thumb out clean try triggering the ball at release point. That is to squeeze with the fingers right at release. Like pulling the trigger on a gun. At the release point pulling the fingers toward the palm of your hand will release the ball from your thumb and put a little more turn on the ball. If you need to get more feel from the thumb a tighter fit but a clean release you might be interested in a product that I have available. They are called Thumb Carpets. They take the place of 3 pieces of white tape. They go in the back of the thumbhole like tape. They snug up the ball but let air around the thumb. No Suction no hanging. They cost $20.00 for 10 pieces. They last a long time. If you would like to try this send me a self stamped (2 stamps please) self addressed envelope size 10 is big enough. Send too Bob Korth 750 Hemlock Ave. Central Point, Oregon 97502.

Q. I am in the market for a new ball but I don't know what to buy. I have heard there is a site on the net that has reviews of bowling balls. Can you tell me the name an address of the web site?

A. Yes, the one that's been on line the longest is www.ballreviews.com and now there is a new site that is doing a nice job it is called Ball Selector you get there at www.ballselector.com.

Q. I have just started bowling again this year for the first time in 20 years. I am having problems dropping the ball. I have an almost new ball that was given to me by a friend and the span seems fine. It feels good and doesn't hurt me. What do you think the problem is?

A. Your problem still could be ball fit. Even if the span is ok the pitches in the fingers or thumb might not be right for you. Everyone is different and the wrong pitches would cause this problem. Take the ball to the pro shop and have them check it out. It could also be a timing problem so you might want to invest in some lessons. Get the ball checked first however because the best lessons can't make up for a bad ball fit.

Q. We started league competition yesterday and the center put in BRAND NEW PINS. Without pulling all of my hair out, what should I be doing to avoid more (many more) corner pins? I'm not smart enough to figure this out myself. Thanks!

A. It is true new pins seem to be a bit tighter. You will leave more weak 10 pins than you usually do. This is an opportunity to find out if you are lined up correctly. More weak 10's mean you need to tighten up your line a bit. Move to the right a board and see if that helps. Moving right will get the ball higher into the pocket. Good pocket hits will carry better with new pins but marginal hits don't carry as often. But don't worry about it too much they will break in 2 or 3 weeks.

Q. I've been told, and it makes sense, that to keep a reactive ball reactive, you must frequently clean the oil off the ball. One pro shop manager says commercial cleaner is best, another says plain old rubbing alcohol does the same thing.

A. It is best to clean your ball after each series. You don't want the ball to sit with the oil on it till the next use. Reactive balls soak oil up like a sponge. When they get oil soaked the ball loses reaction. Keeping it clean will extend the life of the ball. I have used ball-cleaning products and most of them work very well. My favorite is made by Ultimate Products because it comes in gel form and is less messy. Not all pro shops carry ultimate products however. I have also used alcohol and 409 and even Simple Green. Any thing that will attack oil will clean the ball. I have heard of people washing the ball in a bucket of water and detergent. I have had some success washing them in the dishwasher. When the ball loses reaction completely take it to the pro shop and they can resurface the ball and some have a rejuvenator to extract the oil. This will usually improve the balls performance for a few more months. Particle balls require even more care to keep them hitting. You may want to keep them on a resurfacing schedule ask your pro shop manager.

Q. My wife is a bowls left-handed. She throws a curve ball but it goes to the right of the headpin most of the time. Which direction should she move to get the ball into the pocket?

A. She would move right. Let me explain. Lanes have oil on them to keep friction from the spinning ball to a minimum. Without oil the lanes would get burned up. But to help people to score they are usually oiled more in the middle of the lane than the edge. So the highest concentration of oil is in the center and runs down lower toward the gutters. So if a ball is hooking too much this indicates that the bowler is too far out in the dry area. To keep the ball from hooking too much you want to find more oil. Move toward the center till the ball hits the pocket more often. Rule of thumb this works for both sides. Move in the direction the ball is going. For her hooking to the right side of the head pin move right but shoot at the same spot on the lane this moves the ball into more oil for less friction and less hook. Not hooking enough and missing the headpin on the left. Move left more into the dry for more hook. Opposite for right- handers. Again shoot at the same spot

Q. I hope you can help me my ball rolls out. My speed is slow about 14 mph. I have tried moving in to catch more oil but the ball hits very weak. I have tried cupping the ball to get it down the lane. Help?

A. With slower speed you want to use bowling balls with a higher rg. You will want to keep them polished most of the time. You will want the pin placements in the ball to be in the higher range beside or above the ring finger and I would keep the cg in close to your grip center. The cupping is not a good idea this will make the ball roll sooner. If anything you would want to create more spin off you hand again to get the ball down the lane. Early roll and dull balls is your enemy you need to pick up length. If you want a ball suggestion try a Dynothane Crisis or a Roto Grip Ultra Sonic.

Q. My worst problem is hitting the target consistently. Is there any help for this? Any drills? ANYTHING!

A. Yes there are some things you can do. If I were going to increase my accuracy I would go to my local center at least every other day for about 2 months. Then pick an area on the lane where you have no shot to score. In other words if your lanes play at 10 board shoot the 1-2 board one day and 20 board the next time out. Try as hard as you can to find a place to stand where you can hit the pocket. Score does not matter here. You just want to learn to hit your target and be consistent. After some time of doing this I know you will find improvement in both hitting what your looking at and in the amount of times you hit it shot after shot. This is the not an easy way to practice. But try it for a while and every 2 weeks or so play the line that works at your lanes and I know you will see improvement in your concentration and scoring. Don't forget those spares try to pick up every spare during your practice session this also helps hitting your mark and will improve your game.

Q. I am faced with a dilemma in three weeks. I have 2 tournaments on the same weekend. Qualifying for one is on Saturday the finals on Sunday. The other tournament starts on Sunday. I feel I have a better chance of finishing high in the Sunday tournament but I really wanted to bowl in the Saturday tournament. In a case like this what way would you go?

A. Listen to the way you put this question. You think you have a better chance on Sunday. This means your confidence for the earlier tournament is not there. This also gives you have a built in excuse for anything that goes wrong in the first tournament. So I can guarantee you will be bowling in the second tournament right after you miss the finals in the first tournament. If I felt this way I would forget the first tournament and just bowl the Sunday tournament. Bowling in the first tournament would be like flushing your money down the toilet.

To Ask Bob a question write to this publication or email to askbob@clearwire.net

Q. I just bought my first ball today. I am left-handed and this is my first and only fingertip ball. I know this will be extremely different than bowling with a house ball and my question is: What is the SINGLE most important thing I can work on with the new ball?

A. Put your fingers in the ball first then your thumb. Then squeeze lightly with the fingers DO NOT SQUEEZE THE BALL WITH YOUR THUMB. Just a little pressure with the fingers this will put the thumb in the proper position. Then have fun with your new ball. You will find it is a better game with a ball that fits.

Q. I have gotten myself into a horrible slump. What do you do to break out of a slump?

A. I personally use a couple of different methods to break a slump. First thing you need to realize is a slump is usually not physical. Slumps are mental. They are often triggered by a bad game or series during which you suffer a loss of confidence. You get into what a friend of mine calls stinkin' thinkin'. You are saying to yourself things like I've lost the shot, I can't perform anymore, and I have tried everything and nothing works. All bowlers suffer through this from time to time. I don't believe you can practice your way out of this. So if I can I take some time off a week or two. Just get away from the game recharge my competitive batteries. Many times after a week or two off I can come back having forgotten about the slump and my game is better than ever. If I can't quit because of commitments I at least try to place positive thoughts in my mind before and during bowling. I try to remember this is fun not work. In other words break up the stinkin' thinkin'. Things will get better if you dwell on the positive and not the negative.

Q. In our area bowling in the summer just about stops. I love the game and I want to get better. What can I do in the summer to keep my bowling edge?

A. Even in those areas you should be able to find a short season summer league. If that's not enough it is a great time to take a series of lessons. You can practice almost any time you want and you don't have to worry about trying to score while you learn. It is also a good time to go through your bowling ball arsenal and really learn how each ball you have reacts. This way you can fill holes in your arsenal before the season begins. It is also a great time to purchase new equipment because it is the off-season you can find some great deals.

To ask a question email askbob@clearwire.net all questions will be answered directly.

Q. I had a very bad tournament outing a couple of weeks ago. I know people who seem to be able to let bad outings go but I don't. They bug me for days and I get worse before I get better. Is there a way you recommend to get over bad bowling experiences?

A. Everyone deals with adversity in a different manor. And like other mental game problems the first step is to recognize it as a problem. I have a quick temper and sometimes have been known to say and do stupid things. Contrary to popular belief I am not perfect. Ask my wife and my friends and they will tell you. But this release stupid as it is usually short and then done. I forget the bad set and don't think about it anymore. Now I am not advocating this type of behavior there is a better way to handle the situation. Do as I say not as I do as the saying goes. I have been trying to change my evil ways as well. 1. Remember just because you have a bad tournament or league session you haven't forgotten how to bowl. You will come back another day and things will go your way. 2. Holding on to the bad thoughts could throw you into a slump. 3. Sometimes the condition that is out there just doesn't fit our game and things just don't seem to work. Worrying about that is futile you can't hit every shot out there; don't mess up your game trying to figure something out for a shot you might not ever see again. Learn what you can from every condition you are on but worrying about it helps nothing. 4. Temper tantrums make you look like an idiot and usually cost you shots if they happen during the set. I know this from experience see above. After a bad tournament think about what just happened and if you tried most of what you know and it didn't work. Then forget it as though it didn't happen and go on to the next one. You will see things will get better.

Q. What is the difference between bowling shoes that cost $35.00 and the ones that are over $100.00? Are the more expensive shoes really worth the price?

A. Cheaper bowling shoes have synthetic soles not leather on both shoes. They are generic both right and left handed. They can be stylish even look like sneakers but they will wear out faster than the more expensive shoe. You may have to buy new ones every 2 to 4 years. The more expensive shoe will have a rubber sole on the non-slide foot this for traction to get a good solid start to the approach. You can also get the better shoe with interchangeable slide soles and/or slide cleats for an adjustable slide. This is great if you bowl in more than one center. If you are a beginner or once a week recreational bowler the less expensive shoe is fine. If you are trying to improve your game or are a multiple league bowler or high average bowler. Then you will want to go with the higher end shoe. There are now 4 companies marketing bowling shoes. Etonic is the newest member they do not have interchangeable soles yet. Lind they have shoes both with solid soles and ones with slide cleats. Dexter there's have full interchangeable soles and heels with each having more or less slide. Then there is Dynoroos these are distributed by Dyno-Thane They have both interchangeable solid soles or slide cleats in the same shoe you can go either way your choice. They also have changeable heels and a kit that can let you change the front part of the heel with 3 different leather strips to keep the heel from sticking. They are also made with Kangaroo leather and are very durable and soft. You may have guessed these are my personal favorites. More versatility and like wearing slippers and they still give great support and great wear. All of these shoes can be purchased form $150.00 to $190.00. Now I know this sounds like a lot of money but Bowling shoes can last you for 10 to 20 years and that's less than a new ball. So how expensive is it really?

Q. I have been told that I throw a full roller. I have 3 questions. Is this type of roll ok? I don't get much hook on the ball is that normal? What other kind of roll is there?

A. 1. There is nothing wrong with throwing a full roller if you are just planning on bowling in recreational leagues. 2. Most full rollers do not hook the ball very much these days. With the advent of the two-piece cores and reactive urethane balls there is much heavier oil on the lanes than in the past. The full roller has very little side turn and will not grip in the heavy oil. So straight is normal. 3. The preferred method of release for bigger hook and higher scores is the ¾ roller. This requires a right to left hand turn at release. ( right-handers). This is done to put side turn on the ball. Today's bowling ball is built with the ¾ roller in mind. The full roller release is at a definite disadvantage. If you want to be a serious bowler, tournament bowler or professional someday then it is in your best interest to get a coach and learn the ¾ roller release.

Q. I am getting blisters on the sides of my thumb; my ball driller says I am squeezing the ball. He says grip with the fingers not the thumb. Do you have any ideas?

A. Your ball driller is correct about gripping with the fingers and not the thumb but this doesn't sound like the problem here. I think actually your thumb hole is too tight. You should not get blisters on the sides of the thumb. I would try an oval thumbhole. Go up one size bigger in the width of the hole. Then use the oval to get it tighter front to back. You could also use tape or a thumb carpet to tighten up the back of the hole.

Q. I am a new bowler and I am going to buy my first bowling ball. I have found a ball that I like but what I read about it says that it is a spare ball. I will only have this one ball to start with so would this ball be ok to learn how to throw a hook?

A. No, I would not recommend this type of ball for you at this time. The spare ball is designed to go straight. Trying to learn a hook with this ball would be futile. I would recommend that you get an inexpensive reactive urethane ball. Such as the Dynothane Crisis or a Roto Grip Sonic series ball. They are an inexpensive but quality reactive for both the beginner and also have a place in the advanced bowlers arsenal as well.

Ask Bob a question at askbob@clearwire.net. He will answer all questions by email.

Q. We have our position round week coming up and have a team that wants to post bowl. I thought that you could not have any postponements on a position round week?

A. The position round teams that are meeting are predetermined before the position round so there should be no problem post bowling. It would be best if both teams could come up with a time to makeup the games and bowl together. You are supposed to make up games within 7 days. If this is a problem then the teams should get together and set a time. These rules should be covered in your league rules. If there is still a problem with other teams complaining then I suggest you call for a league meeting to discuss the situation and vote on it. This way all teams have a say and no one person or team is the bad guy.

Q. When I have a bad night at league or a bad tournament in my mind I think people I know are laughing at me. You know things like I told you he had no game. I knew he would choke. This feeling keeps me on edge and I bowl worse. What can I do about these feelings?

A. I am no psychologist but I know this much, No one else besides you cares what you do. If you bowl bad then they you lose and they win that's all that matters to them. Think of it this way what do you think of someone in your group that usually finishes well in tournaments if this person has a tough tournament, what do you think of him. Be honest, you probably say gosh so and so sure had a tough time today. That's all the thought you give it. Believe me that's all they are saying about you. You are your own worst enemy other bowlers aren't thinking about you. You are thinking about you. Relax and play your own game forget about what you think others might be thinking. No one needs that much extra pressure the game is tough enough.

Q. I am a new bowler and have fallen in love with the sport. I want to get some equipment of my own but can't afford to get it all at the same time. What do you think should be my first purchase?

A. To improve in the game of bowling you do need your own ball, that being said I believe your first purchase should be a comfortable pair of bowling shoes. Good footwork is the basis for the entire game and with my apologies to the bowling centers rental shoes don't get it. For a first pair of shoes you don't have to go overboard you can get an inexpensive pair for under $35.00. Only your feet will go in them not a thousand others and no more rental fees. You can save this toward a ball. As for the ball there are some very serviceable bowling balls out there for under $100.00 and you can also ask the pro shop about getting a used ball. You can get a high-end ball for ½ price or less this way. With your savings on the ball be sure and take some lessons this is your best way to success.

Q. Is there a video on the net showing how to hook the ball? Different releases and other related bowling videos?

A. Go to Google then in the search box type in bowling video. I checked it out and there is some good video's available. They show the hand action, ten pin leaves and many others. There are several sites listed that have video they even show several professional bowlers.

Q. What is the proper way to go for washouts or small splits such as the 3-10 or 2-7 baby splits?

A. Most people make the mistake on the washout and baby split of going for the front pin. If you hit the front pin too directly you will not make the spare. You have to shoot for the next pin over to make those spares. Example for the washout 1-2-4-10 you shoot at the 2 pin not the headpin. Yes you do want to get a piece of the headpin on the way by but that's all. So going for the 2 is the best method. For the baby splits you mentioned you try to hit the pin that isn't there. In the case of the 3-10 try to pick up the 6 pin for the 2-7 you shoot for the 4 pin.

Q. I average 210+ but whenever I get into a pressure situation I seem to have less luck than others in my bowling group. I make good shots but never seem to get the carry when I need it. Can you give me some tips to carry these pressure shots?

A. I just had a conversation with a friend of mine about this very subject. His name is Greg Hafner and I want to give him credit for this answer. He says you are suffering from stinkin' thinkin'. That's all it takes to have bad things happen. When faced with pressure shots the first thing you have to do is believe in yourself. You just told me you make good shots now believe those good shots are going to carry. If you believe they will carry then they will carry. True once and awhile you might not come through. It happens to everyone sometimes. But if you suffer with stinkin' thinkin' bad things will happen more often than not. So keep a positive attitude and I'll see you in the winners circle.

Q. I am having the best season of my bowling career but I know it could be better. I have never left so many corner pins. Do you have any ideas as to why I am leaving so many 10 pins? I have never had this problem before.

A. I get this question often there are several reasons why it seems that more corner pins are left. I know when you say corner pin you mainly mean the 10 pin. One reason is carry down. You probably have noticed that during practice and part of the first game the carry is pretty good. Then all of a sudden the 10 pin starts popping up. This is can be caused by the oil moving down toward the pins and causing a later breakpoint. You also will notice an increased amount of 10's left when the lanes break down and you have to move your line in this causes a later break point also and ball comes in behind the pocket slightly. There is another reason for what seems to be more 10 pins than we remember in the past. You answered that question yourself. I am having the best season I have ever had. Lane conditions at many centers have been getting easier and easier. It has gotten to the point where scratch bowlers are hitting the pocket almost every time. Because of this and the above factors more 10 pins are being left than ever before the reason, we are hitting the pocket more than ever before. The percentage is probably about the same as it ever was but now we notice it more. I can offer you these tips for getting the ten pin out. You can slow down the ball speed slightly but be sure and take a little hand out of the shot. This will allow the ball to roll up higher in the pocket. Another move (my favorite) move your feet 1 board to the right and hit the same spot stay firm with your release, this also will allow the ball to finish higher in the pocket. Both of these methods will result in better carry. Congratulations on your good bowling this season and I hope these tips will make it even better.

Q. I bowl with a reactive ball and use a semi-fingertip grip. I went to my local pro shop to get a new ball and wanted to get it drilled conventional because for me it is more comfortable. The ball driller said that you couldn't drill a reactive ball conventional because it I wouldn't be able to get it to spin. Is that true?

A. Any ball can be drilled conventional what the ball is made of has no bearing on how the ball can be drilled. What your pro shop operator was trying to explain was that drilling the ball with a conventional grip will cut down on the amount of side turn you can put on the ball. This will cut down on the amount of hook and the carry of the ball. If you want to have it drilled conventional just tell him to do what you ask, he is working for you. Before you have this done let me try to change your mind. The semi-fingertip grip is the most uncomfortable of the 3 common grips bowlers use. Instead of the conventional grip you might try a relaxed fingertip grip. When properly fit to your hand this grip is the most comfortable grip and the easiest to hold on to. It also allows for the most leverage. I believe you will love it and your scores will improve.

Q. I used to get a copy of bowling statistics and oddities at the ABC national tournament. I haven't seen it for a while and they don't sell it at the tournament anymore. Do you know where I might find an updated copy of this very interesting book?

A. Yes, the ABC used to sell this book every year and they updated it about every 5 years or so. The book has just about every record for almost anything you can think of having to do with bowling, good or bad. Last year the ABC now the USBC has put the book online it is free to everyone with access to a computer. You can see it on screen or you can put it on the print out version and make a hard copy. This way it will be easier for them to update it each year and you can get it anytime. Just go to www.bowl.com and click on records and stats from the menu on the left of the screen. Here is an example of what you can find there, this is from an update I got last week from USBC Extra Frames. Bryan Hunche of Akron, Ohio just set the new record for low game with 9 strikes he shot 176. This beat the old record of 184. They did not say how he got this score on a frame-by-frame print out but it will probably be in the book when updated for 2005 next year. Then there was this one and am I glad wasn't me Steve Rock of Lake George, New York set the new one game below average score. Steve who has a league average of 230 had a 68 game whopping 162 pins below his average.

I would like to thank the Greater Seattle Bowling Association for including my article in their Newsletter. I learned to bowl there and I am a member of their Hall of Fame. It is great to be able to give back to the place and the game I love.

Ask me a question write to askbob@clearwire.net I answer all questions by email.

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