Q. I am from your area and read your column in the Oregon Kegler. I read the article on New Years resolutions and want to inquire about the coaching. What should I expect to get from a good coach? And where can I find one in my area?

A. Thanks for the question. At some point we all could use a coach. I go to a coach at least once or twice a year. I can't coach myself because I can't be objective enough with myself. It takes someone to watch carefully and pick out the small things that we can't feel or see. A good coach will watch you and make suggestions to you about you physical game. Help you to develop a muscle free swing that will let you repeat shots. This is the key to a great game. Not muscling the ball in the swing and smoothing out the approach so you can make good shots more often. Then after getting that part down go into the mental part of the game. We all need help with that from time to time. By the way don't expect to get deluged with information all at once. A good coach should only give you one or maybe 2 things to work on at any one lesson. Too much at once would cause overload and you won't improve at anything. You need to get one thing down at a time so expect several lessons to really see a difference.

You don't always have to get a USA certified coach. Some pro shops have personal that offer lessons. You can also ask at the centers desk some centers will know of a good non- certified coach in the area. If possible though try to find a certified coach then you are sure they have training. Good bowlers are not always good coaches. To find a USA coach in your area go to www.bowl.com click on instruction and the click on coaches in your state to find the closest ones.

Also you should know you can probably get a group of 5 or 6 lessons for around $150.00 That is less by far than a new ball and will last much longer. Good Luck with the lessons.

Q.   I am 60 years old and out of bowling for 22 years. I started back a year ago and averaged 182 and this fall league I am at 195 at three houses. I am a medium speed, medium rev stroker and the game is totally different than when I bowled before. I am a leverage bowler and everything I read is with today's balls put them on the alley early instead of "putting it out on the lanes" like I have always done. I am frustrated and need help.I still stay clean on spares but Have trouble stringing strikes. Is there a miracle ball out there that I can try to eliminate the frustration? Help would be greatly appreciated. All of the young bucks that I bowl with say that for the short time I have been back I am doing great but I carried a 220 avg before and I want it BACK.

A. Believe me if there was a miracle ball out there I would own it. Unfortunately there is no such animal. As for setting the ball down short, yes this is today's method but it is not written in stone. If you can learn to land the ball more like an airplane lands, on a lower swing plane it will help your game. I am also from your era and lift up a bit too much at release so I just try to let the ball go off my hand a fraction early but keep the follow thru strong and long. I still lift up on the ball some but the reaction on the lay down is not as touchy. Now for the ball, today we don't just have one ball as in the past. You should have a few one with high rg, one low and one in the middle. There are many other combinations out there. You will have to go to a pro shop you trust have them watch you bowl and make recommendations to you to fill out your arsenal.Also for control you will probably want to use a 15 lb. ball and maybe even 14. Most men today have gone to 15 for speed and control it will make no difference in the hitting power. Today's bowling balls have big motors and hit very hard.

Q.   Why do I always leave the 5 pin standing when hitting the pocket?

A. Your entry angle into the pocket is weak. Or the ball is too light. Either one can cause the 5 pin to stand. A heavier ball won't deflect as much as a light ball. Lower weight than 14 lbs. can lead to carry problems. If your ball is 14lbs. or more then you need to create more angle toward the 5 pin at the pocket. If this is the case I would suggest getting a coach to watch you and suggest a change in your game to help. If the ball is lighter then you may still be able to help the problem by moving a board or 2 to the right (left if you are left handed) to create more entry angle.

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