A video I shot last week.

[Eternal Bowler]

Unfortunately, and this might come as some kind of unpleasant surprise, both my strike ball and my [undrilled] spare ball weigh 12 pounds. You now all know my weakness (pun partially intended).

On the plus side, it's better than last year when I was throwing 10 pounds (and conventional-grip)...needless to say, I couldn't carry to save my life; I've gained some weight since last spring and also some strength, so I've managed to throw my 12-pounder (fingertip) with the same speed/revs as my 10-pounder...maybe with slightly increased speed/revs.

I've tried balancing the weight of the ball in my left hand before. I might do that again.

[noeymc]

no one here is making fun of u and like the dudesaid 14 is a good weight to be at

[JaMau24]

Unfortunately, and this might come as some kind of unpleasant surprise, both my strike ball and my [undrilled] spare ball weigh 12 pounds. You now all know my weakness (pun partially intended).

On the plus side, it's better than last year when I was throwing 10 pounds (and conventional-grip)...needless to say, I couldn't carry to save my life; I've gained some weight since last spring and also some strength, so I've managed to throw my 12-pounder (fingertip) with the same speed/revs as my 10-pounder...maybe with slightly increased speed/revs.

I've tried balancing the weight of the ball in my left hand before. I might do that again.

Hmm. Well if you think you are up to it, I'd think about getting a 14 pound ball. Reason being is, you probably notice a lot with your 12 pound ball that you'll leave 5 pins and 5-7 splits and maybe some 8-10 splits that are all pocket hits. The reason is, the ball is too light and the pin(s) can actually move a 12 pounder with ease, and you don't get any drive through the pocket. I think if you learn the proper arm swing with a 14 lb pound ball (which is the minimum that the ball isn't moved a lot by the pins), it'll improve your game greatly, as you'll notice the pin carry will increase greatly. It's not as if you'll have a lot of work to do to perfect your arm swing either, because it's not bad as it is. There are just certain things you can do to make the swing more effortless and allow you to throw heavier balls with more revs and speed.

Kameron Doyle was/is a young kid at around your age that is skinny as well but learned to throw the heavier equipment exceptionally well.

Again, consult with your/a coach and watch videos to learn a more easy arm swing.

[Terrier]

Another reason to move up to a 14lb ball is that manufacturers use the same core in their 14-16lb balls for a given model. Generally, they use a "generic" core for 12-13lb balls, though some of Storm's higher end gear look like exceptions to this trend. Just be aware that most balls <14lbs do not have the same core as what's listed in the product description.

About your starting arm position, imagine that the ball is 14+ lbs. It might help you realize why it's not a good idea to hold the ball out away from your body -- it's hard on the forearm and biceps to hold it like that for long. And if you were to try that bending back of the wrist with a heavier ball, you'd be gripping it too hard to avoid dropping it. It's better to fix that backward bent wrist now before it becomes a bad habit, because you're going to get a heavier ball at some point.

[JaMau24]

Another reason to move up to a 14lb ball is that manufacturers use the same core in their 14-16lb balls for a given model. Generally, they use a "generic" core for 12-13lb balls, though some of Storm's higher end gear look like exceptions to this trend. Just be aware that most balls <14lbs do not have the same core as what's listed in the product description.

Great point that I forgot to mention.

[Zaxmazr]

When I was buying my new ball, the guy said that "14 is the new 15" in terms of popularity with league players.