ASK BOB May 2004

Q. I do what I call "pull the ball" Which means that I throw the ball to the left of my target. I don't mean by a board sometimes it is 5. I would not worry about it except sometimes I do it 2 or more times in a row. I am not sure what I could be doing wrong. Is there anything I could look for that would cause you to do this?

A. There could be several reasons for this the most likely one is carrying the ball before starting the push away. You need someone to watch you to make sure but if you aren't moving the ball in coordination with your first step. The result is you have to hurry the arm swing this causes you to muscle the ball in the downswing and causes a pull every time. Get a local good bowler you know or a coach to watch and see if you are carrying the ball for a step or more before moving it forward. If you are start the ball sooner and the problem is solved.

Q. I am right handed and I can never play the same line all night. As the night goes on my ball quits driving in the back end. It slides through. I'm assuming that it is because the oil gets carried down to the back ends? Is this common?

A. This is very common and it is called oil carry down. If you start leaving weak ten's or a bucket or some other tell tale sign. Move your feet and spot right 1 or 2 boards this should help or change to a more aggressive ball.

Q. I sometimes pull out the side of the ball instead of staying under the ball. I really hate when I do this. How can I fix this?

A. I think you mean overturn or chicken wing. Try this think ring finger.As you are going thru your approach think aim at the mark and follow thru with your ring finger. This will keep you behind the ball longer.

To ask bob a question write to sosbob@charter.net