Many bowlers tend to think of it as nothing more than a decoration on the ball. Still many others tend to get confused when detailed explanations are given about what it is. "It" is that colored dot, about a quarter-of-an-inch (or so) in diameter, that your ball driller pays so much attention to when he or she lays out your span and finger holes; usually based on your request to have more, or less, hook.

I want to inject here that according to experienced ball drillers, the most frequently requested ball reaction (and therefore, the most reviled) is, "I want my ball to go long and hit the pins hard," or something to that effect.

Anyway, back to the colored dot. When the bowling ball is manufactured, the core of the ball has to be suspended in a mold so the cover stock material can be poured around it. A small rod is used for that purpose and when that rod is removed, a small whole is left, which is then filled in with colored plug material. This is what is called, "The Pin," and it marks the top of the core in the bowling ball.

So here's my "Choc-list" for understanding, "The Pin":

1) High-performance bowling balls have varying shapes and sizes of cores which affect the motion of your ball as it goes down the lane. Your ball driller must pay attention to where "The Pin" is placed on the ball.

2) There are "Long Pins," and there are "Short Pins." The longer the pin is, the further the core is away from the surface of the ball where your holes are drilled.

3) Any high-performance bowling ball worth its weight in gold will have "The Pin" prominently recognizable. "Beware of cheap imitations."

4) "The Pin" placement within your grip, in relation to the center of gravity (CG) of the ball, will make or break your scores. The CG is marked by a tiny punch hole on the surface of the bowling ball.

5) Most companies build their cheap (economy, inexpensive) line of bowling balls with no regard to where "The Pin" is, although you may be able to spot the plug hole because they color-coordinate it to the ball.

Even with only this very basic knowledge, you should be able to select a more reliable ball and ask your pro shop owner some intelligent questions when he lays out your next ball for drilling.

A Hui Hou! (See You Again!)