My Story - What to do

[MisterSinister]

First, don't let anyone tell you that your doing anything wrong. You bowl how you want, or however you need too. Everyone who hates can go you know where. I don't use my thumb, so I get those odd looks, and comments as well. I tell them all the same thing, you bowl your way and I'll bowl mine. This isn't ice skating, or gymnastics where your judged on your style. In the end, only the scores matter. Second, I used to know a guy who threw a backup ball. He was pretty good, but like you he struggled with the 7 pin. If you have not tried a plastic ball, do it. I hook the ball a lot, and the only way I can pick up the 10 pin is with plastic. My plastic ball is also lighter, allowing me to throw it a little faster, giving it less time to hook.

[Tampabaybob]

So then I'll assume you are shooting predominately down around the first arrow right? That should give you quite a strong back end from deep outside. When I'm playing that shot on the right hand side I know I leave a lot more ten pins. That's when I move more towards second arrow or twelve board and that usually helps.

One of the previous comments about a plastic ball was right on the money, and I notice you didn't mention that you have one. I bought a $20 plastic Roto Grip world ball last year, polished the heck out of it and only use it for my ten pin and six pin. Damn thing wouldn't hook if I was throng it in the parking lot ! But that's what you want, something that won't hook no matter how much rotation you put on it. See if your local pro shop has any used ones and just have them re-drill it. Cheap and effective. Then all you need is to work on your accuracy.

Bob

[Davec13]

Don't worry about what people say. If they are mad cause you are out bowling them so be it. I have thrown a back up ball for 10 pins in the past but never tried an entire game like that, so I can't offer any advice on that. Someone mentioned moving back 6" if you are leaving a 7 pin and that would be the only thing I could advise you on. Just like leaving a 10 you move back half a step and change the angle enough to carry the 10 or in your case 7 pin.

[Demoman]

Thanks guys for the honest and positive feedback! I think I finally found a home here without know it all jerks trying to kill my spirit. I almost never returned to this game because of this injury and I bowl because I love it and mister s your right screw what people say. Tampa yes I play around the one and move in depending on conditions. No I don't have nor tried a plastic ball for spares and I'm certainly going to pick one up and try it as well as all of the approach feedback you guys have shared. Seriously a big thank you to everyone who has replied and understood or tried to understand my situation - you people are top notch and I will certainly keep you all posted. I have thrown a few 700 series in practice this way so I know it can be done and I will get it consistent! Thanks again

[billf]

Screw those who want to snicker and make an issue out of something that's none of their business. Giving the line, revs and rotation of the Asian gentleman in the video, I would suggest watching videos of Parker Bohn III. His style comes to mind first as the left hander who would match up the closest. As for the 7 pin I will have to pay more attention next week. We have a left hander with that style that hooks at the 7 pin on the rare occasion he leaves it. Given he averages over 240 I'm sure it's a good line to use. If I see him before then I will ask. He is a real nice guy so I know he will share the knowledge.

[Greenday]

I finally figured out what I need to do in order to make my cross lane shots (I'm a righty btw). For my ten pin, I stand on the 29 board and aim for the third arrow. I hit it dead on every time. For the six pin, I move to the 26 board and hit the third arrow. Since I started doing this two weeks ago, I haven't missed it once. My ball goes straight and nails it. Haven't experienced super dry conditions since doing this though so I don't know how it'll do if my spare ball hooks. But if you can throw a straight ball, I'd try to figure it out like that.

[Demoman]

Just so I'm clear should I move back a half step on my initial approach or try to finish 6" from the line? Or both? Thanks billf I need to start watching more lefties in my league as well - I'm usually to focused on my own game I need to learn to watch others. Green day I'm glad you got your spare down! I can't throw a straight ball but I'm going to try a plastic and some other great suggestions from this board.

[Keithalw]

Demoman this place has been a wonderful place to ask questions rather you accept the advice or not. I dont think I have ever been giving one bad comment or even seen one really... btw a guy who helps me out on my game from time to time is actually a lefty so i will ask him if he knows any tips for ya... itll be a few days but ill still ask and let ya know

[Greenday]

Green day I'm glad you got your spare down! I can't throw a straight ball but I'm going to try a plastic and some other great suggestions from this board.

The only way I can throw a semi-straight ball is because it's a plastic ball. If I use any other ones, the hook will screw it up.

[vgw]

I agree that you should try the plastic first. Look at your angles and line and adjust. Take a game or two of practicing the shot and figure it all out. Other options would be to work on a kill shot, where the ball doesn't roll much. You could even consider drilling the ball with reverse side weight if things got real bad.