Article Research - POLL

[RobLV1]

I am attempting to do some research for an upcoming article. Could you please take a few minutes to help me out and answer the following questions:

1. How many bowling balls (besides a designated spare ball) do you bring with you to league each week?
2. Do you decide which ball to start with before you get to the lanes?
3. Is a ball change normally the first adjustment you make when the lanes begin to change?
4. If it is not, what is? a) speed b) lateral move on the lanes c) hand position d) loft e) other
5. When you change balls during play, do you always "ball down"?
6. If you are right-handed, when you "ball down" do you move your line to the right?
7. What is your current Book Average?

Thank you in advance for your help.

[bowl1820]

I am attempting to do some research for an upcoming article. Could you please take a few minutes to help me out and answer the following questions:

1. How many bowling balls (besides a designated spare ball) do you bring with you to league each week?
2. Do you decide which ball to start with before you get to the lanes?
3. Is a ball change normally the first adjustment you make when the lanes begin to change?
4. If it is not, what is? a) speed b) lateral move on the lanes c) hand position d) loft e) other
5. When you change balls during play, do you always "ball down"?
6. If you are right-handed, when you "ball down" do you move your line to the right?
7. What is your current Book Average?

Thank you in advance for your help.


Three
Yes, I know I'll start with what I using for a benchmark and see where to go from there.
No
E)other (It depends on what I'm seeing on the lanes.)
No
Mostly
Averages for last year: 193

[Hampe]

1. For THS leagues where I generally know what to expect, I'll usually have 2, max 3 balls with me. If it's a sport shot or a pattern I don't know, I'll have about 5 with me.

2. Yes, but I don't hesitate to switch if I see that ball's not working.

3. No

4. B

5. No, I'll often ball up and move in.

6. Generally, yes.

7. 190

[Amyers]

1. 2 because that's all I own
2. Yes
3. No
4. B
5. Yes
6. Yes
7. My book average hasn't posted yet but I was at 169 at the end of my league.

[Jaescrub]

1. Two
2. Yes
3. No
4. B
5. Yes
6. No
7. 126

[vdubtx]

I am attempting to do some research for an upcoming article. Could you please take a few minutes to help me out and answer the following questions:

1. How many bowling balls (besides a designated spare ball) do you bring with you to league each week?
2. Do you decide which ball to start with before you get to the lanes?
3. Is a ball change normally the first adjustment you make when the lanes begin to change?
4. If it is not, what is? a) speed b) lateral move on the lanes c) hand position d) loft e) other
5. When you change balls during play, do you always "ball down"?
6. If you are right-handed, when you "ball down" do you move your line to the right?
7. What is your current Book Average?

Thank you in advance for your help.

1. I take 5 balls with me each week
2. Depending on house, yes, I decide which ball to start with and see how the lanes read during practice.
3. No
4. depending on house it is either a or b and sometimes c
5. Not always, again depending on lane conditions, sometimes "balling up" is what is called for.
6. When I "ball down" I keep the same line I have been throwing
7. Current composite book average 225

[Aslan]

1. How many bowling balls (besides a designated spare ball) do you bring with you to league each week?
Four

2. Do you decide which ball to start with before you get to the lanes?
No, that would be stupid. However, I do have a general idea which ball I will try on each line in practice. So, I know that to start, I will use one of THREE balls...the other one will always be a ball down option. And THAT is decided through practice.

3. Is a ball change normally the first adjustment you make when the lanes begin to change?
No.

4. If it is not, what is? a) speed b) lateral move on the lanes c) hand position d) loft e) other?
I make approximately a 6-board (feet) and 1-board (target) in lateral adjustments along with slight adjustments to how close and far up the board I target before getting to a ball change.

5. When you change balls during play, do you always "ball down"?
Usually. But my system also allows for balling "up" if the lanes are dictating it.

6. If you are right-handed, when you "ball down" do you move your line to the right?
I don't move further out than where I started necessarily...but I do move back to where I started before the lateral movements left.

7. What is your current Book Average?
Fall/Winter: 165
Current Composite: 168

[Beagle]

I am attempting to do some research for an upcoming article. Could you please take a few minutes to help me out and answer the following questions:

1. How many bowling balls (besides a designated spare ball) do you bring with you to league each week?
2. Do you decide which ball to start with before you get to the lanes?
3. Is a ball change normally the first adjustment you make when the lanes begin to change?
4. If it is not, what is? a) speed b) lateral move on the lanes c) hand position d) loft e) other
5. When you change balls during play, do you always "ball down"?
6. If you are right-handed, when you "ball down" do you move your line to the right?
7. What is your current Book Average?

Thank you in advance for your help.
1. 3
2. Yes...benchmark ball
3. No
4. a, b and c. A or B first
5. No, depends on condition
6. No, try same line 1st
7. 200

[Geneo2u]

1) 4
2) yes, Medium hook, then ball up or down if adjustment not work
3)no
4)b
5)no, ball up and move left to find some oil.
6)not at first, balling down to me means i shouldn't have to move much.
7) 210

[coreyds012778]

1. How many bowling balls (besides a designated spare ball) do you bring with you to league each week? only own two
2. Do you decide which ball to start with before you get to the lanes? normally start with my hammer
3. Is a ball change normally the first adjustment you make when the lanes begin to change? no
4. If it is not, what is? a) speed b) lateral move on the lanes c) hand position d) loft e) other B
5. When you change balls during play, do you always "ball down"? if I change balls normally both can be played on the same line
6. If you are right-handed, when you "ball down" do you move your line to the right? no
7. What is your current Book Average? none, they did not count the summer league to book avg. finished with a 125

[MiggityMatt]

1. Two
2. Yes, Benchmark ball.
3. No
4. B
5. During league, yes. Tournament play could go either way.
6. Sometimes, yes. That's probably because, while I can hook the ball, I prefer to play straight up the boards. Also, I don't have a well rounded arsenal, so balling down is usually a significant drop.
7. 215, I believe.

[ALazySavage]

I am attempting to do some research for an upcoming article. Could you please take a few minutes to help me out and answer the following questions:

1. How many bowling balls (besides a designated spare ball) do you bring with you to league each week? 4
2. Do you decide which ball to start with before you get to the lanes? Yes, unless I am informed of an unexpected pattern change.
3. Is a ball change normally the first adjustment you make when the lanes begin to change? No
4. If it is not, what is? a) speed b) lateral move on the lanes c) hand position d) loft e) other - usually a lateral move on the lanes
5. When you change balls during play, do you always "ball down"? No
6. If you are right-handed, when you "ball down" do you move your line to the right? Depends on the reason for the move and the severity of the "ball down", if the "ball down" is to get the ball further down the lane than usually not, but if the change is an angle issue than typically yes.
7. What is your current Book Average? 213

[Shaneshu87]

1. 4
2. yes
3. no
4. b
5. no
6. not always
7. 180

[fortheloveofbowling]

1) 3
2) no
3) no
4) lateral
5) no
6) no
7) 224

[JJKinGA]

I am attempting to do some research for an upcoming article. Could you please take a few minutes to help me out and answer the following questions:

1. How many bowling balls (besides a designated spare ball) do you bring with you to league each week?
2. Do you decide which ball to start with before you get to the lanes?
3. Is a ball change normally the first adjustment you make when the lanes begin to change?
4. If it is not, what is? a) speed b) lateral move on the lanes c) hand position d) loft e) other
5. When you change balls during play, do you always "ball down"?
6. If you are right-handed, when you "ball down" do you move your line to the right?
7. What is your current Book Average?

Thank you in advance for your help.

1. Just two. Mostly becuase I don't have a four ball carrier. Two is usually enough. I will carry three for sport shot (four if i have never shot on the pattern before)
2. Yes - but that may change in warm ups
3. No
4. B - lateral move - i only change balls if I see loss of energy or if I need to move deep and into much more oil
5. Usually, but a dep move inside may mean ball up if i can't turn the corner with a hanf position change.
6. Not usually - the ball down is to not burn off so much energy - moving right usually doesn't help.
7. 181

[MICHAEL]

I am attempting to do some research for an upcoming article. Could you please take a few minutes to help me out and answer the following questions:

1. How many bowling balls (besides a designated spare ball) do you bring with you to league each week?
2. Do you decide which ball to start with before you get to the lanes?
3. Is a ball change normally the first adjustment you make when the lanes begin to change?
4. If it is not, what is? a) speed b) lateral move on the lanes c) hand position d) loft e) other
5. When you change balls during play, do you always "ball down"?
6. If you are right-handed, when you "ball down" do you move your line to the right?
7. What is your current Book Average?

1. some leagues 3 balls, (NO SPARE BALL, like Norm Duke) I just throw it with a different wrist release, and it does not hook!
2.Usually I do, pretty predictable, BUT not all the time.
3.No change my position
4. change where I stand, lateral movement
5. NO
6. NO
7. 143, I hope Aslan goes easy on me!!

[Aslan]

7. 143, I hope Aslan goes easy on me!!

Also realize that entire post is suspect given Iceman is a compulsive "fibber".

I find these responses interesting because when I joined the site, before I knew any better, I got TORN UP for stating that arsenals are unnecessary and people should just learn how to adjust their feet and shot. TORE UP. Yet virtually few answers do people tend to ball down as an early response.

One "variable" in this research is; pros "ball down" (as well as make all kinds of other adjustments). But they ball down because they can hit the same strike line within 3 inches EVERY shot. If a lower level bowler (< 175) like me or Iceman's make believe version of himself…answers this question…you have to remember that many times when our balls aren't striking…it's likely because we missed our mark by about a foot.

Thats why, despite an elaborate arsenal…I rarely switch balls on league night. Because 2 of every 3 bad shots I don't really learn anything from other than I suck at bowling and I already knew that….a ball change won't help. :(

[Amyers]

Also realize that entire post is suspect given Iceman is a compulsive "fibber".

I find these responses interesting because when I joined the site, before I knew any better, I got TORN UP for stating that arsenals are unnecessary and people should just learn how to adjust their feet and shot. TORE UP. Yet virtually few answers do people tend to ball down as an early response.

One "variable" in this research is; pros "ball down" (as well as make all kinds of other adjustments). But they ball down because they can hit the same strike line within 3 inches EVERY shot. If a lower level bowler (< 175) like me or Iceman's make believe version of himself…answers this question…you have to remember that many times when our balls aren't striking…it's likely because we missed our mark by about a foot.

Thats why, despite an elaborate arsenal…I rarely switch balls on league night. Because 2 of every 3 bad shots I don't really learn anything from other than I suck at bowling and I already knew that….a ball change won't help. :(

Unfortunately I have to agree with part of this myself. I am late changing sometimes not because I fear the changeover but because it's always in the back of my head (did I just miss or was it the ball). Otherwise your off base.

I think you are taking some of what is being said here the wrong way. What people are getting at with move the feet are bowlers who start with ball one thrown over the (take your pick arrow) hooks too much get ball two throw that over the same arrow hooking too much get ball three repeat and so on. They never develop the ability or the want to explore a different part of the lane or learn what the lane is giving them. They just stay in their little 4 board wide box all night long. When they have a bad night it's never their fault for not looking for a line that works it's the oil or the ball or some other bowler messing their line up as if they own it.

Arsenals are necessary and become more so if you have more revs/stronger equipment. I'm not afraid to move my feet or my line but I do reach a point where I'm not playing where that ball was designed to go or I'm onto my C game which really sucks.

Part of it is equipment and ability though if I wanted to I could stand there and throw the euphoria into the pocket on heavy oil and play with it from start to finish but that wouldn't be the best option I have. I've only seen conditions once where there wasn't enough oil for even it so most of the time I'm sure I could throw it 10 games or more.

An arsenal is about having the ball that matches up best with what the lanes are giving you and how you play. Not getting to the pocket, not that it mystically makes your C game your A game, or plays the line you want instead of what the lanes will give.

[bowl1820]

I find these responses interesting because when I joined the site, before I knew any better, I got TORN UP for stating that arsenals are unnecessary and people should just learn how to adjust their feet and shot. TORE UP. Yet virtually few answers do people tend to ball down as an early response.
(

The fact that people are saying they don't make a ball change normally as their first adjustment. Doesn't prove your statement "That arsenals are unnecessary and............"

And you weren't "TORN UP" because you said "that arsenals are unnecessary and people should just learn how to adjust their feet and shot."

If you were "TORE UP" it was more for the continued belaboring of your idea that a good player just needed one ball and that by adjusting their feet and release could bowl on any condition, so arsenals are unnecessary.

and the thought that having a arsenal meant, that you would wind up making every little adjustment with ball changes to the exclusion of all else.

As many pointed out then, having a arsenal didn't mean you didn't make adjustments in feet and your release or shot.

You have a arsenal for bowling on differing conditions, different lanes and for making adjustments if needed And for the arsenal to be truly effective, you need to know your equipment. So you know when to either make a ball change or just adjust your shot and stay with the ball your using.

[Stormed1]

1. How many bowling balls (besides a designated spare ball) do you bring with you to league each week?

I usually take 4 plus my spare ball. Sometimes 5 if I drill something new

2. Do you decide which ball to start with before you get to the lanes?

I start with my benchmark and figure out whAat ball motion and strength I need from there

3. Is a ball change normally the first adjustment you make when the lanes begin to change?

No

4. If it is not, what is? a) speed b) lateral move on the lanes c) hand position d) loft e) other

Any of the above depending on what I'm seeing

5. When you change balls during play, do you always "ball down"?

No, sometimes I just change to a ball which hooks the same amount but with a different motion. It also depends on who's playing on the pair. Sometimes going stronger and moving inside of everyone is my move

6. If you are right-handed, when you "ball down" do you move your line to the right?

It depends on how much I ball down and what I am seeing.

7. What is your current Book Average? Current book average due to health issues 170 but prior to health issues was 215= for 20 years

[mc_runner]

I am attempting to do some research for an upcoming article. Could you please take a few minutes to help me out and answer the following questions:

1. How many bowling balls (besides a designated spare ball) do you bring with you to league each week?
2. Do you decide which ball to start with before you get to the lanes?
3. Is a ball change normally the first adjustment you make when the lanes begin to change?
4. If it is not, what is? a) speed b) lateral move on the lanes c) hand position d) loft e) other
5. When you change balls during play, do you always "ball down"?
6. If you are right-handed, when you "ball down" do you move your line to the right?
7. What is your current Book Average?

Thank you in advance for your help.


1. Two, but I have a couple in the locker that I don't really use too much as I feel that more than 2 I'm just chasing the lanes all night
2. I'll have one I start in practice with (benchmark ball) and change before scoring if necessary depending on reaction
3. No
4. Lateral moves on the lanes normally
5. No. Sometimes (especially now with a new game) I'll ball up and move left to get better read in the middle
6. Depends on the reaction. Most times play with the same line.
7. 185

[hoku41205]

1. How many bowling balls (besides a designated spare ball) do you bring with you to league each week? two besides my spare
2. Do you decide which ball to start with before you get to the lanes? I tend to start with the same ball every week, but i throw both just in case one feels better or i have a better look with the other
3. Is a ball change normally the first adjustment you make when the lanes begin to change? God no, I'll take a few frames to move left, right, up down,speed or change my hand position before changing balls
4. If it is not, what is? a) speed b) lateral move on the lanes c) hand position d) loft e) otheroh, haha, read above :)
5. When you change balls during play, do you always "ball down"?not always. sometimes i need something stronger to get through the carry down, or i started with a weaker ball and need more umph
6. If you are right-handed, when you "ball down" do you move your line to the right? when i was right handed (*tear*) and changed balls, I'd stay right where I was. I'm a firm believer and always coached my kids to change one thing at a time, unless you are bowling baker, otherwise you'll never know what to really fix.
7. What is your current Book Average? right handed: pre rotator cuff tear- 205, post tear-165, left handed- let's not mention that

[classygranny]

1. How many bowling balls (besides a designated spare ball) do you bring with you to league each week? Two, sometimes three (in summer months)
2. Do you decide which ball to start with before you get to the lanes? Our THS is fairly consistent, so yes. Except during the season change in oil - then no.
3. Is a ball change normally the first adjustment you make when the lanes begin to change? Usually not, depends on how the ball is reacting
4. If it is not, what is? a) speed b) lateral move on the lanes c) hand position d) loft e) other Lateral move on the lanes, possibly a change in loft or less loft. Sometimes a change in target, farther away/closer up
5. When you change balls during play, do you always "ball down"? If I only have two balls with me, not always depending on what I started with. In the summer, when I have the third ball with me, I usually do
6. If you are right-handed, when you "ball down" do you move your line to the right?Usually, not always, depends on what reaction I'm getting with the current ball. I typically know how much difference there will be between each ball
7. What is your current Book Average?184

[Davidjr113]

1. How many bowling balls(besides a designated spare ball) do you bring with you to league each week? Three in Winter, but I have more in my locker in my home house. One in Summer when bowling in a league in the town where we have a Summer trailer

2. Do you decide which ball to start with before you get to the lanes? I have a strong idea, but could change in practice

3. Is a ball change normally the first adjustment you make when the lanes begin to change? No

4. If it is not, what is? a) speed b) lateral move on the lanes c) hand position d) loft e) other lateral move on the lanes

5. When you change balls during play, do you always "ball down”? No, I ball up if moving inside as lanes breakdown

6. If you are right-handed, when you "ball down" do you move your line to the right? Usually

7. What is your current Book Average? 184 & 176 in sanctioned THS leagues last season

[Blacksox1]

I am attempting to do some research for an upcoming article. Could you please take a few minutes to help me out and answer the following questions:

1. How many bowling balls (besides a designated spare ball) do you bring with you to league each week? 3
2. Do you decide which ball to start with before you get to the lanes? no
3. Is a ball change normally the first adjustment you make when the lanes begin to change? no
4. If it is not, what is? a) speed b) lateral move on the lanes c) hand position d) loft e) other b
5. When you change balls during play, do you always "ball down"? no
6. If you are right-handed, when you "ball down" do you move your line to the right? no
7. What is your current Book Average? 215

Thank you in advance for your help.

My pleasure !

[J Anderson]

I am attempting to do some research for an upcoming article. Could you please take a few minutes to help me out and answer the following questions:

1. How many bowling balls (besides a designated spare ball) do you bring with you to league each week?
2. Do you decide which ball to start with before you get to the lanes?
3. Is a ball change normally the first adjustment you make when the lanes begin to change?
4. If it is not, what is? a) speed b) lateral move on the lanes c) hand position d) loft e) other
5. When you change balls during play, do you always "ball down"?
6. If you are right-handed, when you "ball down" do you move your line to the right?
7. What is your current Book Average?

Thank you in advance for your help.

1.Three, but the spare ball is a Storm Mix, (Urethane cover with a pancake core), and one is drilled lefty so I can warm up with either hand.
2. No.
3. No.
4. First move is almost always left to catch more oil.
5.I usually start with a Virtual Gravity Nano, and if I have to change I go to a Roto-Grip Shatter. If I'm bowling lefty I usually start with a Storm HyRoad and might switch to a Nano.
6. No.
7. 186 righty, 167 Left-handed.

[J Anderson]

7. What is your current Book Average? right handed: pre rotator cuff tear- 205, post tear-165, left handed- let's not mention that

165 with your non-dominant hand is nothing to be ashamed of. At least you're still bowling and having fun.

[Blomer]

I am attempting to do some research for an upcoming article. Could you please take a few minutes to help me out and answer the following questions:

1. How many bowling balls (besides a designated spare ball) do you bring with you to league each week?
2. Do you decide which ball to start with before you get to the lanes?
3. Is a ball change normally the first adjustment you make when the lanes begin to change?
4. If it is not, what is? a) speed b) lateral move on the lanes c) hand position d) loft e) other
5. When you change balls during play, do you always "ball down"?
6. If you are right-handed, when you "ball down" do you move your line to the right?
7. What is your current Book Average?

Thank you in advance for your help.

1. 2
2. No, during warm ups
3/4. No, lateral
5. No
6. Yes
7. 160, was my first season