Learning to bowl again................

[Big Daddy]

So it's been about 20 years since I've bowled more than a game or two at a time. I used to bowl nearly every Saturday morning. I loved it! Then one day, I just stopped.

Fast forward 20 years and I'm in a company league. With my same old beginner ball, an Ebonite Galaxy 300 with a "standard" drill. It weighs 14 lbs.. I'll keep this ball, maybe, for a spare but will most likely re-drill it for a fingertip grip to match MY NEW BALL!! :O Yay!

I bought a Hammer First Blood (16lb.) from an online vendor. I know, talk about making a change! Anyhow, to my question(s); I'm a bigger fella, 6' 240 lbs., so I'm somewhat confident that I can handle a 16lb. ball but want to see if you guys think that the weight is unnecessary with this type of ball and if so, can I drill differently and/or adjust my delivery to compensate for a "too heavy" ball or does any of that even make sense at all? Secondly; are there any tips you'd like to give me for drilling and/or ball delivery to help my transition to a fingertip ball?

I'm really looking forward to my adventure in bowling and think that this relearning process will make bowling more interesting to me and perhaps raise my average to a respectable level.

I'm watching as many vids. on bowling technique as I can, by true professionals not that "5 step" hack I saw, and reading as much material as I can to help as well. Thanks in advance for your help or scolding for not using the search function! ;)

[dnhoffman]

16lbs sounds fine for you. I'd suggest finding a coach for a lesson or two. It will help you get back into the game much quicker and probably save you a lot of frustration.

[J Anderson]

First, welcome back! I hope you have a lot of fun in your league.

As for ball weight and the ability to handle a heavier ball, you are only as strong as the weakest link connecting you to the ball. For most of us that link is the wrist. The following link is to an article by Ron Clifton, explaining both why a 16# ball isn't always desirable even if you can handle the weight, and a good method of determining how much weight you can throw effectively.
http://www.bowl4fun.com/ron/tip14.htm

As for drilling, the fit is much more important to you right now than how the ball is laid out. In fact with this being your first fingertip ball, the drill won't have the information do a fancy customized layout. You do want to find a driller who is certified by the IBPSIA. It wouldn't hurt to get recommendations from more experienced bowlers as well. Once you've gotten used to throwing with the new ball, The pro can figure out what your Positive Axis Point is and you could either have the First Blood plugged and re-drilled with a layout that's more effective for you, (usually there won't be enough of a difference to make it worthwhile) or use that information for the next ball.

You should get used to throwing fingertip pretty fast, as long as the fit is right. Some drillers will have you throw the ball a few times just to make sure it's right and may even give you a few tips.

[Big Daddy]

Thanks guys. I'll click on the link you gave me J.

[e-tank]

if i were you, id buy a cheaper ball to get back into the flow before you punch up that new first blood

maybe a used or cheap entry level ball that will be easy to control and it wont be a big deal to have multiple drillings and other damage to it

[Big Daddy]

if i were you, id buy a cheaper ball to get back into the flow before you punch up that new first blood

maybe a used or cheap entry level ball that will be easy to control and it wont be a big deal to have multiple drillings and other damage to it

Oops! Already done. Lol! Oh well, if it doesn't work out I can buy another ball eh?

[e-tank]

Oops! Already done. Lol! Oh well, if it doesn't work out I can buy another ball eh?

one might say you drew....first....blood? haha

since the deed is done, enjoy your ball :)

[Big Daddy]

one might say you drew....first....blood? haha

since the deed is done, enjoy your ball :)

Well played Sir, well played!

[dnhoffman]

Don't worry about it... It's probably way too much ball or a waste of money, but it's your darn money man.... I blow more cash on bowling crap I don't need than I ever should, doesn't stop me though...

[Big Daddy]

Don't worry about it... It's probably way too much ball or a waste of money, but it's your darn money man.... I blow more cash on bowling crap I don't need than I ever should, doesn't stop me though...

True. You should see my guns, pipes, DE razors, motorcycles and car parts! Talk about way too much money!

[Big Daddy]

Ok, got my ball back from the Pro.. He drilled it for "skid-flip" "high track", whatever that means. Looks like he tailored it to the medium to heavy oil they have on the lanes. Can't wait to try it out!

[Bunny]

Cool! I think you'll really like the First Blood. It slams the pins!!

[Big Daddy]

Cool! I think you'll really like the First Blood. It slams the pins!!

Well, to be honest, I'm about half afraid to throw the darned thing! Changing your whole bowling style, regardless of how lame it is, is quite an undertaking. I've never thrown the ball like everyone else, I've always thrown with my thumb to the inside, near my leg and my fingers to the outside. TOTALLY straight ball! Kinda like you were carrying a six pack. Not sure how this is going to pan out for me. :O Lol! Gonna pop it's cherry (or mine!) league bowling Tues. night. Wish me luck!

PS: I think I'll have a few glasses of liquid strike before I venture out onto the boards. : )