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Technique Q&A [1-20] [21-40]
[41-60] [61-80] [81-100] [101-120] [121-140] [141-160] [161-180] [221-220] [221-240] [241-260] [261-280] [281-300] [301-320] [321-340] [341-360] Gary July 20, 2004 McAllen TX I just asked you a question very recently so I apologize for the flooding but how do you line up for spares? For strikes I can pick a board and adjust from there but since the spares are in a straight line and I don't have a 'system' for spares I dont ever know what mark to hit. Do you have a system or do you just align yourself? If you just align yourself what do you look at? I find it difficult to look at a pin and then pick a mark at the arrows since the displacement of the approach messes with the angle. How do you overcome that if you look at the arrows? Any information towards this is what I'm looking for. Thanks once again sir... Gary Hi Gary, I like to throw the ball straight at my spares using a plastic ball. For spares on the right side I stand on the left side of the lane and shoot near the 4th arrow. Likewise for spares on the left side of the lane I stand on the right side of the lane and shoot between the 3rd and 4th arrow. I will usually keep my feet in the same place and pick a different board to pick up different spares. For instance I might target the 18th board for my 10 pin, the 19th board for my 6 pin and the 21st board for a 3 pin. You need to figure out where you would start and what target will work for what pin. You will need to practice this and also pay attention regarding the quality of shots you make. Gary July 15, 2004 McAllen TX How do you align yourself to your mark at the beginning. I notice that your feet are typically pointed way to the right. Do you do this to make it easy to create that figure 8 swing you have? It seems to make it easier to swing the ball away from your body... I've been a bit confused on how to align my swing up to my mark and was curious to what you had to say on this. I'm currently averaging around 215 but for some reason I feel a little uncomfortable lined up for my down and in shots (basically my 7 pin is my worst enemy). Let me know!!! :) Gary Hi Gary, I line up with my feet pointed a bit to right as it feels more comfortable. Getting a swing to align so that it is coming up close to your body can take a bit of work. My swing is that way naturally. I didn't need to do anything special to get my arm swing the way that it is. Christopher July 14, 2004 Modesto CA Dear Mr. Walter Ray, Hi, I wrote a letter to you asking you if I can tell you what I bowled, my problems, and if you have any tips to helping me. This week I had only 2 not-so-good games in league play. I bowled a 205, 191, 233, 235, 184, 171. I did pretty well considering I couldn't throw the ball straight out in front of me (I was throwing it to the left and right). We also went on vacation to Santa Cruz and I bowled in the bowling alley there called Boardwalk Bowl. I had a lot of trouble there because I have a resin-reactive and a urethane ball so I couldn't get the ball to hook. So I stood way to the right, threw the ball towards the pocket, and the ball still didn't hook. Is there anyway to get the ball to hook more on oily lane conditions. I tried to throw the ball slower and get more revs but that still didn't work. Thanks for your time. Hi Christopher, On extremely oiling lanes it is difficult to get as much hook as a player may like. Cupping your wrist and bending your elbow at release can increase your hook. Sanding a ball can also help. Keep practicing on those tight lanes, that is best way to get used to tight lanes. Richard July 7, 2004 Cleveland OH Dear Walter Ray, How r you? I am a right-handed bowler with a soft touch and medium speed on the ball. I wanted to know why is it that when I throw the shot from the side of the ball it goes straight when I'm playing down the second arrow? Hope ti see you do well this year. Keep up the great work. Your biggest fan, Richard Black, Jr Hi Richard, You need to pay attention to your release and how much side rotation you put on the ball. If your ball is going straight, then you probably aren't putting much side rotation on the ball. I would ask your local pro to help you. It is virtually impossible for me to help you without ever seeing you bowl. Good luck! Richard July 7, 2004 Cleveland OH Dear Walter Ray, How are you? Just writing because I wanted to ask you how can I roll the same shot you roll? The end over end one. How does it differ from me rolling the ball from a five o' clock position? Sincerely Yours, Richard Black, Jr Hi Richard, Since I don't know how you bowl, it might be best if you want to throw the ball more like me to see a professional instructor. Evan Mustang OK First of all, you are one of my bowling idols. I would like to join the pro tour eventually and hopefully become as great as yourself. I am 18 and I bowl at a house ranked in the top three hardest in Oklahoma and I average a 210 in one league and a 185 in another. These are wood lanes with a lot of oil and no backend. I was wondering if throwing throwing 3 different shots with three balls is a bad thing. I have a down 'n in shot like yours. I throw a shot like Pete Weber. I also throw like Robert Smith as my third. With all of the shots I throw the roughly the same score. Whenever you get a chance would you please help me out. I thank you for your time. Evan Hamm Hi Evan, I think that you can learn to be a better bowler by learning to make better shots by bowling on tougher lanes. I think it is also great to be able to throw the ball several different ways. Keep working on it and good luck. Jeremy June 21, 2004 Starkville MS The two main balls I used are drilled for a full roller. I would like to teach myself in the summer leagues to become a 3/4 or semi-roller for better angles to the pocket and more hitting power. The two balls I use do have some good hitting power, but it seems like there is only one line I can use. What can I do to start training myself in using a 3/4 or semi-roller relase? I am currently rolling on a sport condition pattern at my local bowling alley which has posed my concerns about my full-roller style. I do have a ball drilled to fit my had that is not drilled for a full roller. The pin of the ball is located right of the ring finger. Thank you for your help. Jeremy Wickham Hi Jeremy, I am not a ball driller. I don't know what the differences are in drilling a ball for somebody who throws a full roller as opposed the 3/4 roll. I don't know why a sport condition would be tougher for a full roller over a 3/4 roll. But it is going to take a lot of work to change your release and become comfortable with it. You will have to dedicate some time and probably the help of a coach. And try not to worry about your average for the first month or so. Hopefully after that your average will come back up to where it was and then improve on that. But it will take lots of practice. Good luck. Mike May 21, 2004 Colora MD Walter Ray, I bowled in the 70's and 80's, averaged 180's plus. Quit for 14 years and started back this year, WOW, what a difference. Question: I either top the ball or am so directly behind it that it is flat at the pins. To help get a better feel, would one of those adjustable wrist supports help? I am a down and in bowler throwing an Alter Ego aveage 190. An suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks, Mike Smith Hi Mike, I would ask a local pro help you with your release. It may be that some sort of wrist support will help, but there is no way I could accurately give you good advice on what would work best for you. Brian May 17, 2004 Sacramento CA Hey!! Its me, your nephew!! OK...Smack the back of my hand, but I reverted back to bowling with out a thumb...I just couldn't keep putting the ball on the lane the same way twice. How long should it take to be able to do that? I assume that fit muscles with excellent muscle memory is the best way to go, right?!?! I am taking the summer off since Becky and I just buoght a house, so i need to make sure I am not spending too much money frivolously. I also contemplating not bowling next fall/winter/spring season, I wish i could. Can you explain to me better the difference between standard and fingertip bowling?? I have looked it up on the internet but couldn't find a clear answer... I would really enjoy a 'training' session with you if you come some time when you are not on tour, go out and have some fun, give me a couple of pointers. Hi Brian, By your question about repeating shots, does that mean that you repeat shots when you don’t use your thumb? If that is the case, then by all means don’t use your thumb when bowling. But it is normally easier to repeat shots, by bowling with your thumb. The advantage of not using your thumb is that it is a lot easier to hook the ball. Counting the knuckles of the finger from the palm of the hand out to the tips. A conventional finger grips are when the fingers are inserted deeper into the ball to the first knuckle. A finger tip grip is when the fingers are only inserted into the 2nd knuckle, just using the tips of the fingers. We’ll work on that session. Kalvin May 13, 2004 Marietta GA I recently purchased your "Secrets to Better Bowling" video and would like to learn how to release the ball like you do. From what I understand, you throw an end over end ball. Is there a diagram or some type of instructions available that will help me learn to roll the ball the way you do? Any help you can provide will be greatly appreciated. Hi Kalvin, I don’t have any detailed instructions on how to throw the ball exactly like I do. Everybody is different and throws the ball a bit differently. I even have several different ways that I throw the ball depending on the lane conditions on which I am bowling. I would recommend learning how to throw the ball with several types of releases if you would like to be a top pro, a straight ball, a medium hook and a big hook. Also you might want to learn how to vary your speed which can help in throwing the ball straighter or with a bigger hook. I hope this helps and good luck. Richard April 8, 2004 Cleveland OH Dear Walter Ray, I throw a hook that goes down and in mostly and i wanted to know when the lanes dry up. How can i get that same hook to work say from the middle of the lane or from the right gutter say around the first arrow or around the thrird aroow playing the 25th board or seeper on occassion? Hi Richard, Part of bowling is adapting to the different lane conditions and figuring out what works best for each bowler. Lane conditions don't always allow your ball to slide down the lane and then have most of the hook at the end of the lane. Sometimes the ball will hook early and not much on the back end. To me, the biggest thing is to figure out how to get to the pocket the most times. It is more difficult to get a strike by missing the pocket than having less angle while hitting the pocket. You need to pay attention to how your ball rolls down the lane. Is it hooking a bit more if you miss right (if you are right handed)? Does it hold the line if you tug the ball (miss left)? If it does, then you are probably playing the part of the lane that you need to be playing. Sometimes on tougher lane conditions you won't get as much 'room' to the pocket, but you can help your score by playing the part of the lane which can give you the most room for error which might be near the 1st arrow or inside at the 6th arrow. The hook doesn't have to be the same, but figuring out how to get the right angle into the pocket is sometimes very difficult if not impossible. I will normally try to get more side rotation when I play an inside line so that I can get a bit more angle when hitting the pocket. Another thing is figuring out which ball will work on what condition and what part of the lane. Since everybody throws the ball differently, it is up to the player to figure out what works for them based on their experience. I hope this helps. Chris April 8, 2004 Minot ND Hello Walter Ray, I am very sorry for interupting you again. How do I adjust to a lane that is oily so that my ball won't go into a skid? Or to put it mildly, "waterski" down the lane? That is how I refer to a very oily lane. Do you have a great deal of difficulty when the lane is oily? If so, how do you adjust. I am a very big fan of yours and maybe one day I'll get to meet you! Hi Chris, Typically on very oily lanes, I will move a bit right and slow down my ball speed. I am not a huge fan of super oily lanes, but sometimes on them I have bowled very well. Brian March 20, 2004 Greenwood IN Hi Walter Ray! I purchased and watched your bowling video and I really enjoyed it. I have a question regarding putting tape in the thumb hole. How do you prefer to place the tape, on the front side or back side of your thumb, or do you do something totally different to get the right feel? Also, do you use both the rough white tape and smooth black tape? Everytime I've seen you bowl on TV or in person you seem to not mess with your thumb fit too much as some of the pros do. Hi Brian, When I use tape for bowling, I use the smooth black tape. I put my tape on the back side of the thumb hole and I use a cork insert on the inside. I am pretty lucky in that my thumb doesn't swell or shrink that much. I also blow into my thumb hole to get a nice feel. Paul March 18, 2004 El Paso TX Dear Walter Ray: I am a scratch golfer (very competitive) who has recently (about one year ago) taken up the sport of bowling competitively, and I wanted to know if you have any comments about throwing the bowling ball without using my thumb....My friend is a 230 bowler and he says I am stubborn, because I will not put my thumb in the ball, except for spares on the right...I recently watched Mike Miller bowl a 300 game using the same technique....What is your opinion? I would like to add that I have shot a 290 before using no thumb, and I feel that my speed control without the thumb does not change much (anywhere from 16.5 to 17.0 mph)....I normally stand around 30 to 35 on the approach and try to hit the 12 - 14 boards, depending on the transition of the lane......I really value anyone's opinion who is great at their craft as yourself....I sure would be interested in what the BEST in world would have to say on this subject.....Thanks. Pm Hi Paul, Not using your thumb is a quick way to learn how to get extra revs on the ball. It is usually a bit harder to control, but if done properly can be very effective. If you are really interested in becoming the best you can be, then you might want to also learn how to bowl with your thumb. Lane conditions aren't always like you are used to and throwing the ball straight can be an advantage at times. Allen March 15, 2004 Romulus MI Hello WRW, I've never bowled on a sport condition before, but the house that I bowl at seems similar to sport. They put on tons of oil from channel to channel and they oil it far down the lanes. Also, I don't think they strip the backends that much because my ball isn't as snappy compared to all the other houses I practice on. I have to play a very tight line to the pocket and with any error, my ball skates past the pocket. By the end of the third game, my high flaring ball still comes back drenched with oil rings. Does this sound like a sport condition to you? Good luck at the Worlds. Allen Hi Allen, That does sound like a sport condition, but I would ask the bowling center about the lane conditions. They should be able to tell you whether the lanes are oiled within ABC specifications for a sport condition. Mike March 15, 2004 Tampa FL Walter Ray, I have been a bowler for many years. I am 43 and I am just now getting back into the sport this year after about 5 years out of it. I am starting to bowl some regionals and do not get alot of turn on a ball to help me with the larger amounts of oil on the tour. I do not have a strong wrist and wear a wrist supporter. If I wanted to try and learn how to get a little more turn on a ball to help with the oil I struggle in, what do you recommend? I have started to buy a few different balls and they are helping some, but I know I need a few more revs. Is there an inexpensive coach somewhere near here that I could see and get some assistance. I am a reservist on active duty and do not have alot of money. I currently have around a 220 average but as you know the house shot is so much different than the regional or national shot. I live in Tampa and would appreciate any advise. I usually have a straight up and in shot start around 10 out to about 8 or so and then in to the ! pocket but I pride myself on my usual consistancy. Hi Mike, You could check out the facility near Sebring. Learning to really hook the ball takes some major changes to a game that is used to throwing the ball fairly straight. You would need to have later timing where your arm is still coming down as you are sliding. Cupping your wrist and bending your elbow can help in getting some extra revs. Good luck. Bob March 11, 2004 San Jose CA Hi Walter Ray, my question is I've been averaging over 200 for the last 10 years but now I'm have problems with my foot work. It seem that I'm running to the line which puts me off balance. When I manage to stay slow I can score. The last time I did I shot 761 for three but sense that night I've gone back to rushing. Any answer Hi Bob, It sounds simple, don't rush. But it isn't always easy to do some of those obvious things. You could try to walk slower. You could also try to take smaller steps by moving closer to the foul line. Good luck. Mike March 9, 2004 Reno NV First of all, congratulations on your victory at the ABC Masters earlier this season. My question to you is how do you develop a good side rotation on the ball so that it will slide out then grip the lane and hook aggressively into the pocket? Hi Mike, Thanks. Practice and a lesson on a proper release will help you get good side rotation. Imagine that you are tossing a football under handed with a nice spiral, that is the type of rotation that would be great for a bowling ball. The ball will slide when there is plenty of oil on the lanes which there almost always is out on tour. The hook on the back end is due to the higher coefficient of friction, which is at the end of the lane due to no (less) oil. Mike February 26, 2004 Please send me a pic of the proper way to hold and release a ball,or, let me know where I can such a pic. Thank you, Mike Williams Hi Mike, We will work on getting a picture of how I let go of the ball on my website. But it may take a while. Scott March 5, 2004 Seattle WA How do you manage the skid/flip effect created by the reactive resin equipment? Hi Scott, The reactive resin ball normally has a 'skid/flip' reaction. That is part of the reason they are reactive balls. They slide more on oil, and then hook more on the dry part of the lane. Thomas March 2, 2004 Bethlehem PA Hi Walter Ray: Any suggestions on what to do when your always in the pocket and leave the ten pin. Move Up or Back? Thanks. Keep up the great bowling. Regards, Thomas Barletta Hi Thomas, I keep trying to hit the pocket. 10 pins are a frustrating part of the game. I only move if I am leaving weak 10's or have an incredibly good reaction and then it would be with my feet about ½ board to the right to hit even higher in the pocket. Bob March 2, 2004 Hoffman Estates IL Walter Ray, Great bowling over the weekend (2-29-04), sorry to see you lose, I was really hoping you would pull it out! I will be very honest with you, I loved watching Earl Anthony bowl and I thought his record would never fall (I am a lefty), but a friend of mine and yours, Mr. Fern Boise (Horseshoe player from Connecticut) told me about you and how you are a great person, so if anyone would break Earls record, I hope it is you! Question, On last weeks show different players were leaving the 7 pin for lefties and the 10 pin for the righties. What adjustments do you make so you do not leave these pins? Thanks, Bob McGowan PS - Recently (2000)I moved from CT to IL because the company where Fern and myself worked closed there doors. Anyway, when you get to CT and throw shoes with Fern, tell him I said Hi! Hi Bob, 7 pins for lefties and 10 pins for righties are their most common leaves. If I am leaving a solid 10, I don't make an adjustment, but for a weak 10 I will move a bit right to get the ball higher up in the pocket. Shawn March 1, 2004 Brookings SD I am a league bowler with a 205 average. I think that I bowl fairly well in most respects, but still have some technique problems that bother me to no end. One shot will seem to be the "perfect shot" and indeed turns out to be, and the next shot feels exactly the same but yet comes in high or rolls out and leaves a big split. Another big problem with my game is that i pull the ball quite a bit and the ball comes completely across the head pin. I was just wondering if you had some personal techniques or suggestions about what i might be doing wrong in my bowling game. Thanks for any help or advice you can give me and the best of luck on the rest of the PBA Tour season, Shawn Hawks Hi Shawn, Sometimes there is a very little difference between a strike and a split. But without seeing you bowl, I would recommend making sure that you have a really good follow through. That should help keep everything going the way you want. Good luck. Sairaman February 27, 2004 Bangalore India Hi Walter Ray, I am Sai from Bangalore, India, where bowling is catching up like wild fire. First of all, thanx for providing us with a great video. I am an amateur bowler, learning bowling; purchased this video on the internet and am really inspired to do well. I have moved over to hook bowling and bought two Brunswick Danger 2 and 3 balls of 15 and 14 pounds each. I am 5"4' in height and 130 pounds in weight. I see that you mention 130/10 13 pounds as the ideal weight for the ball. Though I have started using these balls and now have severe pain on my middle finger, I am not sure whether its my technique or the weight thats causing the problem. There are so many other questions that I would like wisdom pills from the horse's mouth, but I will wait...in the interim please provide me with some tips on release of the ball. All the best for this year's PBA. Would love to grow up (in bowling I mean) and beat you one day!!! Cheers... Sai Hi Sai, It sounds like you might have your ball drilled incorrectly. It is common for many small bowlers to be able to handle the heavier than recommended ball weight. It is usually a recommendation for starting bowlers. Good luck and have fun. Technique Q&A [1-20] [21-40] [41-60] [61-80] [81-100] [101-120] [121-140] [141-160] [161-180] [201-220] [221-240] [241-260] [261-280] [281-300] [301-320] [321-340] [341-360] | ||