Q. I am a little confused now on what different positions for the index finger and pinky fingers do. I always thought that putting the pinky finger
so it's touching your ring finger makes the ball hook more than putting the pinky away from the ring finger. But now I have heard people say that putting it away from the ring finger actually makes it hook more. What exactly does moving your index and pinky finger in different locations do?

A. Moving the fingers does make a small amount of difference. Moving the fingers in tighter puts the ball into an earlier roll. This makes the ball hook earlier not necessarily more and depending on conditions it could be less. Spreading the fingers gives the ball more spin thru the heads this saves energy and creates a sharper back end reaction. This means the ball finishes harder and that can look like more hook. This is just another tool you can use to fine-tune your adjustments.

Q. I just heard that the Bowling Proprietors just held a Bowling Expo in
Las Vegas. Just what is a Bowling Expo?

A. This is a essentially a convention where the people who make up all the facets of the game of bowling can get together in one place. I attended Bowl Expo the last week of June and was amazed at just how much goes into the running of a bowling center. The week was full of seminars for coaches, ball drillers, and pro shop operators as well as for the proprietor. The Expo itself is were the bowling companies that make and distribute capital equipment, bowling balls, bags and shoes come to show the new latest and greatest introductions. Many of the companies that supply food for the restaurants and soft drinks and libations for the bar come to try and get a share of the bowling center market. Many of the video game makers also come to show off the latest games. There are the makers of all sorts of bowling accessories such as shirts, finger grips, and thumb inserts. Representatives of the USBC also attended. Whatever is needed by a bowling center to be able to open their doors they are there. The reason I went to Bowl Expo this year was because for the first time Bowling Writers Association of America was invited to take part in this unbelievable gathering. It is a great opportunity to meet people involved in all areas of the business and meet past and present celebrities of the game. It was a great time and very informative and I will go back next year.

Q. Where can I look on the Internet for bowling's all time records, also for coaches in my area and for other information on bowling?

A. The web site address is www.bowl.com in there you can find almost anything you ever wanted to know about the game. There is a coaches listing, a section called records and stats and many articles pertaining to the game of bowling. I also recommend a visit to the Bowling Hall of Fame site which has a section called Hometown Hero's. If you are in a local Hall of Fame or have had a 300 game or 800 series your name will be listed. So go there and see your name in print. The site address is www.bowlingmuseum.com.
 

To Ask Bob a question write askbob@clearwire.net
All questions will be answered.