When to add a spare ball to your arsenal?

[ukcatsbowler]

I am very new to bowling. I have joined a league with my 8 year old son that starts at the end of May. We have signed up for 5 lessons to get us a good start. The pro shop owner also gives the lessons. he suggested the storm tropical breeze or the ebonite cyclone. I settled on the cyclone. Obviously I use this ball for strikes and spares right now. It's the only ball I have. Will the cyclone work for a spare ball? Or as I progress would I want to use something else?

[jab5325]

Welcome to the game and Bowling Boards!

Not to sound like a broken record, but the best investment you can make is indeed taking lessons. Make sure you work with him/her until you're comfortable--it may/will take more than 5 lessons. Your PSO recommended a couple of great starter balls.

I'm not sure what your average currently is, but, once you get a good hook down, learning to use a plastic spare ball is imperative. So many new bowlers don't get/learn how to use one and instead try to flatten out their hand. That often times leads to delayed progress and a host of other problems because most new bowlers aren't Norm Duke.

You've found a great website and message board! Welcome aboard and please be sure to join in the discussion & post any questions that you may have.

[ukcatsbowler]

I average around 118. With a high of 166. That was using house balls. Ive only used my cyclone for three games only so far. Trying to bowl around 6 games per week at the moment in addition to lessons.

[Amyers]

This is probably a good question for your coach but in my opinion once you reach the point that your getting a consistent hooking motion from your ball it's time to get a spare ball.

[jab5325]

I average around 118. With a high of 166. That was using house balls. Ive only used my cyclone for three games only so far. Trying to bowl around 6 games per week at the moment in addition to lessons.

I wouldn't worry about a spare ball just yet. Focus on timing, hooking the Cyclone and hitting your marks. Once you're "there", then get a spare ball.

That said, you likely won't get "there" in 5 lessons. It's best to spring for another 5 lessons (or whatever it takes) than to buy a new ball of any type.

[ukcatsbowler]

Yeah I plan to go with his advice. Will do the lessons for as long as needed.

[NewToBowling]

I would also spread out the lessons. Get a few in. Practice on your own. Come back and let him watch you bowl. It's hard to identity what you're doing wrong unless some qualified is watching you. To a normal person everything may feel right but a qualified coach can point out small things that will make a world of difference.

[RobLV1]

I am very new to bowling. I have joined a league with my 8 year old son that starts at the end of May. We have signed up for 5 lessons to get us a good start. The pro shop owner also gives the lessons. he suggested the storm tropical breeze or the ebonite cyclone. I settled on the cyclone. Obviously I use this ball for strikes and spares right now. It's the only ball I have. Will the cyclone work for a spare ball? Or as I progress would I want to use something else?

When to add a spare ball to your arsenal? Yesterday!!!