People are still amazed when someone enters the bowling center with as many as eight bowling balls. They get even more amazed when, in answer to the question, "How many bowling balls do you have?" my answer is, "three; but I'd like to have more, if I could afford them."

Once you have developed consistency in your individual style of bowling and you are ready to take your average to the next level, remember that there are varying lane conditions you will have to perform on. Chances are that the one ball you are throwing will perform better on one of the conditions, but not both.

If you plan to get serious about the sport of bowling, you will have to consider building and arsenal of balls that are suitable for varying lane conditions. In many cases, your average will be limited to the "arsenal" that you bring with you.

Here's a "Choc-List" of some of the factors that PBA bowlers and your local high average bowlers use when selecting what ball to throw on a given night of bowling:

1) Lane conditions - "Dry" or "Wet." (Old-timers may refer to them as "Slow" or "Fast") lanes. Most people only talk about two common conditions - "dry" lanes when your ball hooks easily and "oily" lanes when your ball tends to slide farther down the lane.

2) Bowling ball coverstock - is it an aggressive coverstock? Aggressive hooks more, non-aggressive hooks less.

3) Bowling ball surface condition - is it a dull or shiny surfaced ball? Dull hooks more, shiny hooks less.

3) The layout of the ball - is your ball drilled to hook quicker or later? Is it drilled to slide farther down the lane or shorter?

4) Should I throw the ball faster or slower? - In combination with your bowling ball characteristics, you may sometimes have to vary your ball speed to get a more favorable reaction when hitting the pins.

Please note that I am not complaining about not being able to purchase more bowling balls. I accept the fact that I can only bowl up to a certain level because of my limited arsenal of bowling balls. Quite frankly, I don't have the proper equipment when we have to perform under certain conditions..

In today's game, you have got to build up your arsenal of bowling balls if you want to take your game to the next level.

A Hui Hou! (See You Again!)