Q. Is it possible to compete at a high level using a 13-pound ball?

A.   I am going to give you a no on that one because the weight of that
ball can leave too many weight related corner pins. As of this time I think that down as low as 14 is proven to be ok but 13 is very iffy. In some balls you also start getting different weight blocks at 13. 14,15 and 16's however all use the same weight block and the actual dynamics of a 14 is higher than the15 and 16. If you absolutely can't use at least 14 however you can still get some very good scores with the 13 but I believe you will be at a disadvantage over the long haul.

Q.   I've been bowling for about 2 yrs plus. I don't understand why my ball doesn't seem to react at the backend of the lane. No matter what ball I use, the ball simply rolls and rolls. I did not specifically change the drilling to make the ball hook or not hook. Could it be my timing that causes all this? Or maybe my release is not correct?

A. I would like to take this opportunity to clear up a common misconception; you cannot have a ball drilled to make it hook. It will only
hook if thrown with the proper wrist action. There is also no such thing as hook in a box. Just because the ads say a ball will hook more or less than another ball this is not always true. It will still go straight if you don't know how to throw the hook ball. If you have the ability to throw the hook ball then balance and cover stock does come into play. So knowing that this is true then this sounds like a release problem. In order to throw a hook ball you have to have wrist turn.  If you take a football and throw it underhand and make it spiral, or spin without a wobble this is the same wrist action needed to make the bowling ball hook. So this is a way to begin to learn the proper method of turning the ball. You should also get a coach to help with this if one is available in your area.

Q. I am having trouble with my release I have been pulling the ball. When I try to adjust for that the ball won't hook back. I don't think I am lined up in the wrong place is there something I can work on in practice that could help me?

A.  I have a favorite exercise I use when I get in this type of trouble. This is not my own invention I have to say I got it from the great John Jowdy the coach of the pros. He teaches close your eyes in the slide step. When you try this after you get past the fear you will find that you can feel your arm swing as never before. You will almost never pull the ball and you will begin to post at the line. This keeps you from cutting off the armswing and steering the ball. It is almost like having a coach watching you while you bowl but the coach is you. You learn to bowl by feel. I have used this method when I am having problems trusting myself with great results. I have even done it during league and tournament play. It takes some nerve but I have had two 300's while closing my eyes in the slide step. You will also find your concentration improving because the last thing you see when you close your eyes better be your mark. To adjust to changing conditions using this method you rely on watching the ball as it enters the pins and from what you leave for spares. You won't be able to get your eyes back open until the ball reaches the break point so pay attention to where it hits the pins.

To ask a question write Bob at askbob@clearwire.net