I just got back into bowling about a month ago when some friends from work asked if I wanted to go. When I used to bowl, I was using one of my dads older balls. It wasn't plastic but didn't have a core so all hook was generated by me. When I started back up I dusted off the old ball (Bullet). Since there wasn't a huge amount of hook, I would start with my right foot (I know, left foot is what i should line up with) on the five board. Aim at the five board arrow and averaged a 150. The main reason for my post is, a buddy encourged me to throw his ball.

I think the ball is an older Track Ball, as it was labled RKO-React i think, and didn't find that ball to purchase online. Anywho, with a ball that is actually made to hook I had to change about everything. I ended up with my right foot on the 20 board. Aimed at the 15 board and basically played the oil the whole way. My ball seemed to drift to about the 13 board 3/4 the way down the lane and broke into the pocket almost everytime. I ended with a 210 (new high woohoo) Open frame the first frame due to finding a new line, and in the 8th leaving a sleeper.

I know i need to post a video for better critique, but was wondering is this a normal line to play? It seems everyone plays an outside line. Also my birthday is this month, so I'm thinking about asking the wife if i can buy a new ball from the Pro Shop for my birthday. So should I be looking for a highly reactive ball and maybe changing lines, or getting a medium reactive? Ball suggestions are welcome also. I'm sorry for the long post, but might as well make a first impression with a great wall of text.

Let me first welcome you to the site, and back to the sport many of us love, and some of us even love to hate at times.

Now on to your question. As a first ball a mid-level ball drilled finger tip should be the way to go. You won't outgrow it easily like with a entry level reactive, and the top line balls might be a little hard to control. I would say a ball from Brunswick's BVP line or an Avalanche, Hammer's Raw Series, maybe a Columbia Jazz, Ebonite's Clash or Bash, or Roto-Grip's Planet series. There might be some others out that I'm missing that others can fill in with.

As for the line to play, there is no normal line. Different people will play different lines due to their ability, the lane conditions for that day and the ball they are using. There have been times when I've played the line you are describing, and other times further out or more inside.

Welcome and Congrats on the score.

And yes that is a normal line to play with a reactive ball. From your left foot that would put you close to 22-23 throwing across 15, that's a fairly good line you don't cross too many boards so it sounds like you found a realy good line. And technically there isn't a wrong or right line to play as long as you put ten in the pit. The line is dependent on your ability to play a line, the reaction of your ball and the pattern that is on the lane.

You should definately go fingertip grip, either standard or Vacu-grip drilled. I'd go with either and entry level ball like Storm Street Rod balls, Scout Reactive, Hammer Rayzr, Global 900 L-Link S30, Roto-Grip, Mercury, Saturn, or SuperSonic.

On normal house shots, there's a line usually between 10 and 5 where you'll go from a lot of oil to very little oil. The key is to play a line that starts out in the oil and then moves outside of that line. If you pull it, it will sit longer and still hit the pocket. If you miss right, it will hook earlier and still hit the pocket.

It's basically adult bumper bowling.

Dante, welcome to the Forum, and back to bowling. Yes, a down and in shot is normal, and when used can be very productive. Getting a medium reactive ball and playing that line should allow you to have a controllable hook in you effort to become reacquainted with the game. As time goes on, you may look for a ball that hooks more or even less. It would be good to start in the middle and be able to make that decision when time comes. Then you will have 2 different balls tha give you an option, depending on the lane conditions.

Good bowling.

+1 for Roto-Grip Saturn! I've had two and it's the best ball I've thrown in that price range, besides it's big brother the Pluto.

I'm thankfull for all the information. I went today to buy a ball from the Pro Shop. Being as impatient as they come, I wanted a ball he already had. Also funds aren't as great as they used to be. I picked up a brand new 15lb Hammer Vibe. One of the guys that work there, says it's got great action and very forgiving for a new bowler. I can't wait to use it tomorrow, and I'll post on the results. Thanks again!