INDEX
Technique
Technique Q&A  [1-20]  [21-40]   [41-60]  [61-80]  [81-100]  [101-120]  [121-140]  [141-160]  [161-180]  [181-200]  [201-220]  [221-240]  [241-260]  [261-280]  [281-300]  [301-320]  [341-360]



Sid April 5, 2007
I am having trouble with releasing the ball to get a smooth consistant roll.I hit the pocket most times but leave many splits and corner pins.My friends tell me the reason is deflection but no advice on how to correct.

Hi Sid,
If your ball is deflecting too much then it may be that you need more angle into the pocket or your ball is too light. To get more angle into the pocket you need more side rotation or less ball speed. You might want to ask a local pro for a lesson to really see what the situation is.



Ron April 4, 2007
Manhattan
KS

Hi Walter Ray,
I had a couple of questions:
1. I have been throwing lately with my thumb in on my strike ball and throwing the ball up the corner like you do. But I use a spare ball for my spares. While my strike ball has been pretty potent, I suddenly seem to be missing a lot of spares-including missing them badly. In fact, tonight in one game, I had six strikes and six opens. Yuck. While I'm certainly not in your class in making spares, I'm far better than average for league bowlers anyways. I definitely think the problem is that I am having trouble going from using my strike ball to using my spare ball where the thumb hole feels different. Because even if you have the thumb hole exactly the same in both the reactive resin ball and the plastic ball, it will feel different anyways because it's weighted differently??? I think you often don't even use a spare ball, although most of the pros do. I was wondering if you might give me some advice in this regard about my thumbhole problem.

2. Do you regularly practice your spares including "simple spares" like the 7-pin or 10-pin or not so much?
Thanks.
Ron

Hi Ron,
Except when I do an exhibition and don't have my spare ball with me for traveling ease I use my spare ball for most of my spares, especially single pins. If you can tell the difference in the side weight of your spare ball and strike ball then you are way better than I am. Yes, every ball is going to be a bit different even if you use a molded thumb sleeve like I do. But getting used to your spare ball is an important tool if you want to become better.

When I practice at home, which isn't very often, I keep score which means that I throw shots at my spares and splits. I don't do it very often when practicing on tour because I usually have a pretty good idea of what I need to do. But I will normally throw at least one or two practice shots at a 10 pin or 7 pin just to make sure that the area that I slide to pick up those spares isn't too sticky or slippery. Since I normally make over 99% of my single pin spares it isn't usually a problem. But if I started to miss those single pin spares, I would be working on them.



Greg March 29, 2007
Charleston
IL

hello, my home alley just got a new oil machine and so the oil patterns have changed slighty... i havent noticed too much of a significant difference except that it appears to me that im hitting the pocket better than ever, yet im leaving many many 7's and 10's and i havent found the proper adjustment for my 10 pin pickup (i dont have a spare ball presently so i stand to the far left and hook my ball parallel to the right hand side of the lane for the pickup) however my main question is, can you think of a reason for me to be missing a lot more 7s and 10s now as opposed to pre-oil change? and if so what adjustments might you recommend?

Hi Greg,
If you are hitting the pocket a lot more there may be more friction on the outside of the lane which causes the ball to hook more. If you hook the ball at your 10 pin, then you make it very difficult to pick them up. By hitting the pocket more, you are going to leave more taps (7's and 10's). You need to learn how to throw the ball straighter so that you can pick them all up.



Mike March 16, 2007
Saratoga Springs
NY

Dear Walter Ray,
Congratulations on your great career so far.

As you know, sometimes the lanes are favorable to lefties. I've seen Robert Smith and Doug Kent throw a back-up ball on occasion to take advantage of the left side. Plus, it's also good for shooting certain spares, like the 3-10, and the 2-8-10. Have you ever thrown a back-up ball, and if not, do you wish you had practiced throwing one over the years, so that perhaps you'd be proficient at it now?

Also, I've heard some very good bowlers say that there are occasions where the lanes "can only be played one way" in order to compete (such as lofting the ball over the left gutter, or playing way outside). Others say there are always at least two or three very different ways to play a lane. Who do you think is right?
Thanks for your time.
-Mike

Hi Mike,
I have heard of pro bowlers using a back up ball to compete at a top level, but I have never seen it done out on tour to help them win. I can throw a back up ball pretty decent, but I have never thrown it for more than a frame in a tournament. If I felt that I could do better using that kind of release then I would use it in a heart beat. Every once in a while lanes get to where there are only a couple of ways to play them, but that is a rarity. Considering that everybody throws the ball a little bit different, each player has to figure out the best way for them to get strikes. Sometimes it isn't so obvious on what to do. The other thing is that once you have a line, you need to throw good shots. On tour we seldom have the room that league bowlers have.



Jeff February 16, 2007
Minneapolis
MN

What is the best way to pick up a 7-10 split? I get it a Million times. Where should I aim it? I'd like to pick that up just once.

Hi Jeff,
Hitting the one of the pins with excessive speed would help. My guess is that you want to hit just on the inside of the pin and bounce it out of the corner of the back. I have picked it up a couple of times, but I don't throw the ball much over 20 mph on my spares. It's mostly just luck!



Vern February 14, 2007
Louisville
KY

Hello WR:
I first met you back in 1994 at a tourney held in Louisville at Executive Bowl Lanes. The eventual winner was Randy Pedersen. I worked as a volunteer for the event and you were nice enough to give me one of the balls that you used during the qualifying.
I still have a VCR tape of you winning your very first PBA victory.
My question: Prior to seeing you in person I thought for years that you could only play the lanes "straight". But then after seeing you in person, I realized that you can cover the lanes from one gutter to the other. I plan to join one of the new PBA Experience leagues this summer and I was wondering what is the secret to getting a stronger backend reaction without altering my bowling style.
My technique and approach is somewhat similar to a "Dave Ozio".

Hi Vern,
You might want to get a strong reactive ball. If your local house uses as much oil as the tour uses, you probably won't get as much hook on the back end as you are used to. You might want to learn another release which is what most pros have done so that they can play different parts of the lane.



Tarikul February 12, 2007
New York City
NY

Dear Walter Ray Williams J.R.,
One of the imperative thing about being a bowler is learning to throw a hook. I have being trying for 3 months trying to hook a hook like the one you throw in the tours. I been asking a lot of good bowler how to throw one but I don't get the result that I want. Is there any good technique that you used that is imperative to throw a hook. Plus, I already have a hooking bowling bowl but isn't the way I picture a hook would work.
Thanks,
Tarikul

Hi Tarikul,
Learning how to hook the ball is not all that easy and takes time. Learning the proper technique will take time and lots of practice. Getting professional lessons will help speed up the process. You want to keep your wrist in a strong position, slightly cupped. Getting a good hook on the ball is similar to tossing a spiral football underhanded. Of course the bowling ball is much heavier and tougher to rotate.



Arthur February 12, 2007
Richmond
VA

I have a two part question.
1. I tend to pull the ball behind my back causing me to miss my target left. 2. I need help on the proper hand and risk position from push away to deliver.

Hi Arthur,
Most pros have their back swing a bit behind their back. This helps project the ball to the right (for right handers). It may be possible that your arm loops back around and that causes you to pull the ball. You might want to try leaning over a bit so that your arm hangs away from your body. You should find a professional to work with you. They should be able to help you with a good hand and wrist position.



Scott February 2, 2007
Hope Mills
NC

Hi Walter Ray,
I've spent many years watching you and trying to emulate your smooth down and in, stroker type style. My question is with your swing. When you were first starting out, did you make a concerted effort to push your backswing away from your body a little bit in order to get the figure-8 effect. I've tried it and it seems real wierd to me.
Thanks, Scott

Hi Scott,
My little loop in my back swing is natural. I never tried to create that. But I would advise anybody to have the ball go a bit behind their back to get in a good position during the release. Any time you try something different, even if it is better, it will feel different. If your arm is in a good position when coming up for your release then I would continue doing your 'new' swing and it will become more natural.



Chris January 31, 2007
Channahon
IL

I am looking for any advise on a technique I could use to practice my ball release, I have heard of throwing a football underhand into a couch and a few others. My problem is I am not consistant enough with my ball release, any sugestions I could use to better by game.
Thanks
Chris

Hi Chris,
Practice is the best way to get better at anything. Keep practicing and you might want to find a coach to help you out.




George January 22, 2007 Lady Lake FL I recently watched you on TV when Randy said you moved up to get slower ball speed. Question: What is your normal ball speed; and what is the difference when you move up on the approach? Hi George, I am not sure what my normal ball speed is but I would guess around 17 mph. Sometimes I will throw the ball harder and straighter and get it over 18. When I slow down it is probably around 15 mph. On that show in Fountain Valley the lanes were really slick and I slowed down by taking 4 little steps to get to around 13 mph. I also took less of a back swing so that I didn't have as much ball speed. My spare ball is around 19 to 20 mph for most spares.

Darin January 12, 2007
Puyallup
WA

Dear Sir, this year (2007) will be the first time I travel to Reno to bowl at the National Stadium Bowl. I do believe there is a tour stop at this facitlity, but I may be mistakened. My question is; From past experience, have the lanes usually been set up for a deep inside line, or does the consistency vary alot in lane conditions? Do they oil in between squads...?? Any and all general info would be greatly appreciated. You truely are a legend Mr. Ray, and I wish you and your wife a very healthy and happy new year, God bless...Darin Wagner, Puyallup, Wa.

Hi Darin,
I can't tell you how the lanes are normally oiled at the National Bowling Stadium or if they oil for every squad. The PBA tour has their own lane maintenance program which really doesn't have anything to do with what that bowling center does. Be prepared for anything.



Frank January 12, 2007
Oro Valley
AZ

What is your visual reference on the lane as you do your approach? Also your visual reference in horse shoes. what is the best bowling instruction book . I pitch deadeyes and am a 200 ave. bowler at age 74. thanks and congrats on your 43rd.

Hi Frank,
I usually target at the 'arrows' or a few feet in front of them. In horseshoes I look at the bottom of the stake a few inches up from the ground. I don't really know what the best bowling instruction book is as I haven't read one in about 30 years.




Charlene January 11, 2007
Dodge City
KS

My 15-year old son bowls using his 2 finger holes and not the thumb hole. I remember seeing an article about a pro bowler who bowled this way. He is now bowling on the high school team and the coach is trying to change his way of bowling. Can you give us any info on this? Thank you

Hi Charlene,
Bowling without the thumb is a quick way to get more revolutions on a bowling ball. But the biggest problem for some of the no thumb bowlers is picking up spares. There is one player on tour this season, Jim Pratt, who doesn't use his thumb. But one of his biggest problems is picking up spares. I would recommend learning how to bowl with his thumb. Being able to do both would be better.



Bret January 10, 2007
Laguna Beach
CA

I'm totally lost when it comes to the infamous ten pin. Do you have any suggestions? Is the backup ball the way to go? If so, how do you throw one?

Hi Bret,
I feel that throwing the ball as straight as possible is the best way to pick up most spares. You probably will need to practice shooting at the 10 pin. Get a ball that hooks a lot and throw at the 6-10 area for your first and second shots for 2 to 3 games or until you are comfortable with picking up the 10 pin most of the time.




Jamey December 8, 2006
Kettering
OH

Walter Ray, I have been bowling for close to 17 yrs. and have alway's struggled to convert the 10 pin, I have had a good many games go to the waste side due to my inability to pick up a 10 pin. can you offer any advice or some simple trick to help me convert the 10 pin? I would be greatfull for any help! Thanks and good luck this season.

Hi Jamey,
Get your most hooking ball and go ball when the lanes are hooking the most. Shoot at the 10 pin on your 1st and 2nd shot for 2 or 3 games. This will help you to throw the ball straighter and give you a little bit of confidence in making the 10 pin. For real competition I recommend using a plastic ball and going as straight as you can at the 10 pin.



Ortho December 8, 2006
Bowling Green
KY

I just want to say that you are inspiration to those of us that don't have picture perfect games. How did you achieve such a high level of success even though your approach is so flawed? I don't mean this as an insult, because I am a huge fan, but everyone talks about your hop and sideways delivery, yet you are among the all-time greats. Do you recommend trying to fix kinks in the approach or just practicing and becoming consistent with the flaws?

Hi Ortho,
I don't know that my approach is flawed, but maybe not quite so 'textbook'. I am not the most efficient with my delivery, but I am pretty good at repeating shots. I think my good follow through helps me. I was a champion horseshoe pitcher before I got into bowling and I think that my accuracy has helped me a lot in bowling. Practicing is always a good idea if you want to improve.



Elliott December 3, 2006
Columbus
IN

Dear Walter Ray,
I few months ago I asked you a question about entry angle. I know that most entry angles are about six degrees for the perfect pocket strike, but I said that I was attempting to enter the pocket at about 33 degrees and take the ball left of the five and all the way back between the 7 and 8 pin. I have not heard a response yet. I know you get a lot of questions, but I was curious if I messed up my email or you just thought that the question was ridiculous. I know that your more of a straight player and this isn't your kind of question, but you have been a master of the game for a long time and know quite a bit about physics, so I figured you might have some tips to help me acheive this goal. Either way, I really anticipate your reply (even if you think it is impossible).

Hi Elliott,
If you were able to get your ball to enter at a 33 degree angle into the pocket the ball would probably miss the 8 pin to the left. Unless the lane was oiled to 59 feet and you put a lot of side roll on the ball I don't think you are going to get more than 10 degrees of entering angle. The big crankers like Tommy Jones and Sean Rash can get the ball to come back from 5 at 45' on some of the PBA patterns. A little math gives a distance of 180" (60'-45'= 15*12= 180) and 13" right to left (5 to 17 board)*(14/13)= 12.9 . Take the inverse tangent of .0722 and that gives you an angle of 4.13 degrees. To get a 33 degree angle you would have to have the ball on the 9.75 board at 1 foot from the head pin. Tangent of 33 degrees is .649 which would have to equal the boards crossed divided by the distance down the lane to the pins. A board normally equals 14/13 inch (42 inches wide and 39 boards). Good luck.



Wadud November 18, 2006
Lembah Pantai
Kuala Lumpur

Hi. i want to ask about "how want to hook a ball". do you mind to tell me how u learn about hooking the ball? that mean your practice to make ball hook. what do you do and how want to do that. i really admire you so much and i want to be like you someday. i try to learn your skill and hope you can teach me how want to be as yours. thanks :-) sorry for my poor english. i'm not very good in english :)

Hi Wadud,
Learning to hook the ball takes quite a bit of time. It is best if you can get a good player to help you. Basically, you need to release the ball so that the thumb comes out first so that the fingers can put spin on the ball. You will need to have your wrist in a 'strong' position (straight or slightly cupped) as opposed to weak (bending back). Imagine tossing a ball underhand so that the ball will spin so that when it hits the ground it will go left (for a right hander). That is similar to the type of spin you want to put on a bowling ball, except it is much harder due to the weight of the ball. Good luck and keep practicing.



Lori November 13, 2006
Oneonta
NY

Walter Ray, I must say that I was honored to be able to bowl with you at the ProAm in Cheektowaga, NY. It being my first ProAm event, I wasn't sure what to expect. I had a great time watching you bowl. I have one question I thought of after the fact. I'm trying to stay behind the ball more to get a better roll, but I notice that sometimes when I do, I pull it inside or throw it way outside depending on if I hold onto it too long. Do you have any suggestions on how I can tweak my timing and hand position? I noticed this weekend I was a little better about my release, but it is still bugging me. I hope that when the tour comes back to NY again that I am able to see you again. You're awesome :-)

Hi Lori,
I am glad that you enjoyed bowling in the Pro-Am. When you are trying something different it isn't uncommon to be a bit more erratic. Keep working on it so that it feels more natural.




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