ASK BOB    12/28/03

Q.      When the ball enters the pocket should the ball be hooking or rolling. I have been leaving a lot of weird spares lately and was just wondering?

A.        Ideally when the ball enters the pocket it would have just quit hooking and is beginning its roll. This is not an easy thing to control with certainty. If you can get close to this you should have better carry.

Q.      Most of the bowling centers have bars and I have heard that the professional bowlers drink during competition. Can you tell me if this is true?

A.      I can tell you with certainty that this is not true. Professional bowlers have only one way to make money and that is through performance. Drinking during competition would definitely harm their performance and it is also against PBA rules to drink alcohol during competition.

Q.      I got new bowling shoes for Christmas and they are very stiff I feel as though I am walking to the foul line with boards on my feet. This is very uncomfortable do you have any tricks for breaking them in?

A.      Yes get a pair of shoe covers for walking around on the concourse area. Put those on and wear them around your house for a week or two. This will break them in and when they are feeling more comfortable try them in a practice game. I have done this many times and it is a proven method.

Q.      I have just started bowling a few weeks ago and have developed a pain in the knuckle of my middle finger. I love the game but this keeps it from being fun. Would it help me to get my own ball?

A.      Getting your own ball should solve the problem. House balls are drilled to be generic a sort of one size fits all. Since none of us are built the same house balls are meant to be for the person who just goes bowling a few times a year. If you are enjoying the game and want to get better go to the pro shop at the lanes and have them custom fit you for a ball. You don’t have to start with the most expensive ball ask the drilling professional and he will find you a good beginning ball. You can expect to pay between $90.00 and $150.00 and drilling is usually included. Your custom fitted ball should not hurt you if it does take it back till the problem is solved. A proper fitted ball should not cause pain. If you don’t have them get a pair of shoes while you are there having your own shoes is just as important as a ball and you don’t have to rent them each time. Bowling shoes pay for themselves quickly.