Thursday LOVELAND REPORTER-HERALD/Health Line of Northern Colorado June 18, 2009 9 to 16 pounds, and generally women use balls in the range of 10-14 pounds while men use 14-16 pound balls, Brown said. Crites added that the type of ball also makes a difference in the way you play. Ball classification is based on whether you want to strike the ball straight to hit the head-pin and the pocket behind it (pins to the right or left) or if you want to make the ball curve — the hook in bowling language — to hit all pins. The better your hook, the higher your score, but it does take some practice to master it. The hook refers to the way you spin the ball and use your fingers, at the time of release, Crites said. With the right amount of spin — a combination of ball rotation and tilt — the ball should travel in a straight line until it reaches the breakpoint marker, 40 feet from the start line, where the ball starts to arc out towards the intended pins, Crites said. The right amount of spin is also determined by the amount of oil on your lane, he said. Bowling lanes are oiled to manage friction. The heavier the oil, the less friction, and thus the higher your hook should be. For example, when bowling on dry lanes with a ball that hooks too much, the ball will likely curve out of control after hitting the lane. On heavily oiled lanes, a low hooking ball might slide off the lane. Dry balls curve better. On lanes with a coat of heavy oil, rubbing the ball with a towel will lead to a better hook. For most beginners, however, balls with medium hook are the way to go, as explained in an online guide to better bowling at www.amug.org. Crites also said the hooking potential of the ball is determined largely by the
RH Photo/Rhema Muncy
Tom Crites, owner of Sweetheart Lanes, demonstrating the right posture for right-handed bowlers. weight block that forms the core of the ball. The heavier the block, the greater the hooking potential. Other factors that influence the hook include ball surface and the material of its outer covering. Ball surface is either glossy or dull. The more glossy a ball, the less friction it creates, Crites said. The outer covering may be plastic, resin or polyurethane. Resin-coated polyurethane balls have the highest friction. Novice bowlers can start with plastic balls, which are also the least expensive. Those trying to master the hook might consider purchasing a resin coated ball that is custom drilled to fit your palm, Crites said. The fit of the ball helps maximize bowling potential. In a perfectly fit ball, the thumb should come out easi-
ly, and you should be able to squeeze the ball with your thumb and fingers. Customfit balls are drilled for a best fit and can help with consistency and timing of your throws, according to Crites. Brown, who is also member of the U.S. Bowling Congress, explained that once you have found the perfect ball, the next step is to look at the way you angle the ball. Avoid holding the ball in the middle of your body. Instead, hold the ball to your right (for right handed players), and use the fourstep throw for a full strike. Step one: take the ball out from the middle of your body. Step two: take the ball back to your right (or to the left for left-handed players). Step three: take the ball down just before releasing it. Step four: swing your arm
straight through or at a 30 degree angle to hook it and make the ball arc out, Brown said. Hooked balls usually have a better strike rate since the ball travels at an angle deflecting at the point of contact with the pins causing them to mix. A straight ball, on the other hand, ends up splitting the pins right down the middle, leaving pins on both sides. Faster balls do not direct a better strike rate; medium-paced balls swung at the right angle lead to greater action, Brown said. Crites added, “Avoid lofting or throwing the ball right into the middle of the lane. Lofting leads to a loss of power since the ball travels up rather than straight. The ideal distance is around 18 inches into the lane.” Crites further said that once you have hit the perfect strike, pay attention to the spot where you released the ball. Lanes are marked with dots that help you stand at the same spot every time you bowl. Your stride also makes a difference while releasing the ball. If right handed, start with your right foot and end with your left for proper balance. With your stride mastered and position fixed, focus on the arrows marked 15 feet into the lane. Aim for the right of the head-pin by using the arrows as a guide. For your second and subsequent throws, target the pins and not the arrows, he said. Brown added that other factors that help with the game include finding the right shoes. Bowling shoes should allow you to slide naturally. Shoes that feel slippery or too tight may impede your game. Ensuring the shoes are dry will also help you keep better control, he said. Meghala Divakaran can be reached at rhssintern1 @reporter-herald.com.