</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="VERDANA,ARIAL,HELVETICA,TAHOMA">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="VERDANA,ARIAL,HELVETICA,TAHOMA">Originally posted by dcompguru:
I've been bowling for about 3 mos. My average after bowling 46 games in 2 different houses is 153 with a high game of 219.</font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="VERDANA,ARIAL,HELVETICA,TAHOMA">WOW...i just have to say...for only bowling 3 mo's, your average and high game are rather impressive. I also have to say, your basic knowledge is considerable for such a short time. Good for you, and welcome.

Thanks. I'm a student for the game and try to learn all I can.

I have a Columbia Scout... is that considered a good spare ball, or should I get a practice ball?

I tried throwing a "straight ball" at 10-pins, where my fingers are around the 5 o'clock position and the thumb is at the 12 o'clock position. It hasn't worked at all... was thinking of just doing what I used to do. Standing 9 boards left and throwing a strike ball... but this time with a spare ball. I used the same ball I threw strikes with before, and it would hook a bit too much at the end.

The way I throw a strike ball... I'm a righty and I keep it in the same position throughout the swing... with fingers at the 9 o'clock position and thumb at the 11 o'clock. I tried the well-documented "turn the wrist during release" method, but doing this made me feel uncomfortable and contributed to inaccuracy.

I'm still on the quest to get those 10 and 6-pins, myself... hopefully I'll finally get over my fears and start hitting them to get better scores.

They're several different scouts...If its plastic, you should be able to throw it just like your strike ball and it won't hook very much at all unless the lanes are extremely dry. I stand on far left dot with my left foot and through over the 3rd arrow (RH bowler). If the lanes get really dry, I may move a board or two left to compensate.

I found this site yesterday. I have been bowling for about 26 years, though got away from it for many years until about 2 years ago. I bought a new ball (fingertip, 16lb) and have NEVER been able to get the 10 pin. I make about 1 in 6 tries. I thought it was me and I was going to take lessons until reading this. Now I'm going to get a spare ball. I'm convinced, so any specific recommendations would be helpful. I think with this, I could easily average 190s. I have a great strike ball, but miss everything on the right side (I'm a right hander) and end up with an average of 4 opens a game! I'm no longer having fun in my league because of this. Looking at getting an Ebonite Magnum at Dick's sporting goods. Please advise.

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="VERDANA,ARIAL,HELVETICA,TAHOMA">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="VERDANA,ARIAL,HELVETICA,TAHOMA">Originally posted by JeffAtl:
I thought it was me and I was going to take lessons until reading this. Now I'm going to get a spare ball. I'm convinced, so any specific recommendations would be helpful. I think with this, I could easily average 190s. Looking at getting an Ebonite Magnum at Dick's sporting goods. Please advise. </font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="VERDANA,ARIAL,HELVETICA,TAHOMA">Welcome to the Forum Jeff.
By all means take lesson anyway Jeff. Every athlete needs a coach to assist us to be the best we can be, not just the Pros. You cannot lose the a coach.

You are right. You are only picking up 10% of your 10 pins. You could easily carry a 190 average by picking up those one pin spares.

Nix Dick sporting Goods. A great place to buy Golf Equipmment but not Bowlers Equipment. Go to your local Bowling Pro Shop, they are uniquely qualified to handle your bowling needs.

I use an old Columbia blue dot plastic for my spares. In the 1970's this was my strike ball. I had mine plugged and redrilled. Columbia has reintrodued this ball of late. Maybe you should have it drill with 1/2 neg. side weight, but maybe some of our well educated and talented forum partners can give you more info on drillings.

Jeff, here is another thread on the subject.

http://www.bowlingfans.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php/topic/14/302.html

Thanks Darrell. After much thought and research, I ordered a Brunswick Target Zone. I was told by the Pro Shop guy they are all the same. It is on its way and hopefully I can have it drilled before my next league bowling night. It won't help me in time to save this league, but hopefully it will make a big impact for the summer league. Think I will have it drilled the same as my first ball (fingertip).

Jeff