1st Time Ball Buyer

[SportsAnatomy]

Greetings,
I am a 140 bowler and have been bowling in a handicap league for the past 3 years. I have been using the same 14LB house ball for the past three seasons. I'm a right handed bowler but I line up left of center and roll a ball that breaks tightly left to right. Any recommendations for a ball that fits this atypical style? Thanks for any and all feedback.

[Jessiewoodard57]

I know you will hear this from many but I would suggest you ask fellow bowlers about the local Pro Shop owners to find out who will meet your needs best. IF they try to sell you a top of the line ball run! They should hook you up with an entry level resin ball with a moderate backend reaction. Best of luck to you and welcome to the addiction.

[Amyers]

The first thing you need to decide is if your going to go with a finger tip grip which is more the normal these days or if your going to go with a conventional drilling which is what most house balls are drilled. If your going with a finger tip grip any entry level or mid level ball will do pick whatever color you like best to get started it doesn't really matter. If your going with a conventional grip it really doesn't make any real difference what type of ball you purchase you can go plastic or entry level reactive. As Jessie mentioned don't let them sell you a top of the line ball you don't need it at this point and honestly most bowlers never really do.

If you can get coaching in your area it can be helpful to start early so they can help you learn to properly throw the ball.

[jab5325]

Instead of buying a ball, invest in lessons first.

[Amyers]

Instead of buying a ball, invest in lessons first.

If he already had a fitted ball then I would agree with you but lessons without a properly fitted ball aren't really going to help. I know my coach if you came for lesson #1 with a house ball is go buy a ball LOL but the importance of good coaching can't be understated.

[JasonNJ]

Before you buy a ball, I think you need to decide what kind of style you want to bowl. Right now it sounds like you bowl straight with backup ball motion. Or if you want to switch to a more conventional style and hook the ball right to left.

If you stay the same style, I think you would have to have the ball drilled like a lefthander where the ball will naturally hook left to right.

Definitely find a good pro shop and have him watch you throw a few balls, he can then recommend a good ball for you.

[Mike White]

Right now it sounds like you bowl straight with backup ball motion.

I'm a right handed bowler but I line up left of center and roll a ball that breaks tightly left to right.

I think we need more clarification on the word tightly, to know if he throws a straight ball.

If you stay the same style, I think you would have to have the ball drilled like a lefthander where the ball will naturally hook left to right.

Definitely find a good pro shop and have him watch you throw a few balls, he can then recommend a good ball for you.

Drilling a ball "left handed" doesn't make the ball naturally hook from left to right, what it does is by changing the pin / MB location, control of flare pattern so the ball is less likely to roll over the holes in the ball.