Erin ... your turn. This is very interesting battle between two different styles. I eagar to learn.

:-)

Well, I do still agree with my premis. That the point to a spare ball is to be able to throw it in the same manner as your strike ball, but not have it react to oil. So that means a plastic/polyester ball.

If you choose to NOT use a spare ball, then you need to learn how to release the ball differently and target differently (vertically and horizontally). These are inconsistencies most bowlers cannot handle on a daily basis. Is that easier then picking up a plastic ball fit like your strike ball? I guess that's the question. I'm willing to bet that its easier to use a plastic ball for such things or else all the pros would not do it. And they've got really squirrley conditions.

Can you do it without a plastic spare ball? Sure, but you have to get really good at changing your hand, ball speed and targeting (vertically). I'd bet all the pros could do this, but their chances are increased by using a straight, non oil effected plastic ball. Now we peons are using house shots, and harder then house shots, but not TV conditions. So if they can use a plastic ball and excell, I'm sure that we can benefit from some of the same thinking.

I personally only use a plastic ball for 10 pins(RH). I could use it for 6-10s but I chop off the 10s. No matter how I move or adjust, I chop off the 10. If I use the strike ball for the 6-10, I have a better chance, but sometimes, rarely...I chope off the 6. So no method is perfect, until you reach a very very high competance level. But I do believe that for most people, a plastic polyester spare ball for corner pins is the best way to go. Only because most, nearly all, bowlers are not capable of changing their hand position or target vertically up and down the lane, so readily to pick up those spares all the time.

If I have really sloppy backends and very oily conditions, I don't bother with my spare ball. I know my strike ball is not going to react. For example...I didn't even put my spare ball through inspection at ABC Nationals. All Nationals, I missed NO single pin spares, and that included 10 pins. I was 100% for all my 9 count spare conversions. And I didn't use my spare ball. But I knew I didn't need it in those conditions....for me.

Erin

Well I think the best way to differentiate this discussion is to simply remember that this is the "Beginners Help" section. There is a reason driving schools don't use Ferrari, or Porsche cars. Beginners need methodology that will assist them in becoming better players, not methodology that will frustrate them to no end.

Learning a multitude of grips and releases is essential learning for advanced players, but it is too much too soon for beginners.

Right on Coach04 ... but sometimes this is good for the system

I have practiced breaking my wrist and coming straight through the ball. I can kill the hook even though its reactive resin. My problem then became targeting different spares. I found I could pick the spares up better using the 3-6-9 method (or close to it). Therefore, I dropped the idea of releasing the ball this way and focused on a consistent hook release.

I had not, however, considered releasing the ball this way exclusively for 10-pin spares. I'm sure I could find a way to target the 10-pin using the straight release. I'll let you guys know what happens during my next series.

Also, I'm not against getting a spare ball. I likely will get one in the future. Right now, I'm using an Ebonite Tornado (14lbs - my first ball). I have an Ebonite Prime Time (15lbs) that should arrive tomorrow. After having it drilled, I won't want to pay the Pro Shop another $30-40 to drill a (as I see it) non-essential spare ball...at least for a while.

Good point coach. Maybe this discussion would be better in the physical/mental forum.

The real key is to be able to repeat shots. You cannot do this if you are constantly changing your hand position for this or that leave. So a spare ball, allows you to use your most consistent release and not be effected by oil pattern. Therefore making it easier to pick up corner pins especially.

If you are able to get by without a spare ball, more power to you. But if you find that you miss 50% of your corner pin leaves, making those could elevate your average tremendously. Eventually, if you stay in the sport, missing even one corner pin a game can mean defeat. So while 50$ doesn't seem worth it now, it will some day.

Erin

dcompguru wrote "I won't want to pay the Pro Shop another $30-40 to drill a (as I see it) non-essential spare ball...at least for a while."

First of all, a spare ball is essential! Saying you don't need one is kind of like saying, "I want to improve, but I don't want to hook the ball." Secondly, it is essential right away, before you start developing bad habits in trying to make those corner spares with your regular ball. With the spare ball, you can release the shot the same, every time. Down the road you can work on different hand releases, but for now: K eep I t S imple S tupid. Everyone has a method that works for them. I throw my spare ball at most single pin leaves. The oil in the middle of the lane is constantly changing, so you need to adjust accordingly if you are trying to throw your first ball at the 4 or the 7. By throwing my spare ball at these pins, I never have to adjust more than a board or two, regardless of lane conditions. Any house, any shot, I know where I need to be to make those pins. Same goes for the 6, 9, and 10.

Dick,

I think you hit on a great topic, and that forum probably is the best place for it.

Dcomp,

You don't see the benefit right now because you are at a stage where it doesn't appear to be a big pay back on the investment. But as your average goes up, and a single missed corner can cost you the win, that extra ball becomes a lot more valuable. Picking up a ten pin to close a frame, then following it with a strike, and that ten pin just became worth 10 extra points. If your bowling for dollars that could be the difference between a payday or not...

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="VERDANA,ARIAL,HELVETICA,TAHOMA">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="VERDANA,ARIAL,HELVETICA,TAHOMA">Originally posted by Atochabsh:
...I also read somewhere that for your spare ball, it's better to get the standard drilling instead of the fingertip. The standard is easier to throw straight and the different grip is a reminder that it's a different ball....

I don't agree with this at all. Strongly don't agree. The MAIN advantage and goal to a plastic ball is that it will not react to oil, but give you the same hand feeling upon delivery. So have it drilled (spec wise) like your strike equipment.

Erin </font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="VERDANA,ARIAL,HELVETICA,TAHOMA">Personally, I didn't think it made sense either. I don't remember where I read it. All I know is I read it somewhere a few weeks ago and made a note of it, but like you said, it makes more sense for the spare ball to be drilled the same as the main one. If I was going to throw the spare differently, why not just throw my main ball differently.