I don't think I would be far off if I stated that, "80% or more of the people bowling today walk into your local pro shop, buy the nicest looking ball, and place their fortune in the capable hands of the ball driller." What other choice do they have if they don't know about bowling ball specifications?

One of the first subjects for any of my students is basic bowling ball knowledge and, in particular, "static weights." It is important because bowlers need to understand why their ball doesn't hook, or react, as much as they think it should. I have experienced too many beginners trying to make a ball curve when the drilling pattern is set up for minimal hooking potential. In the current, high-tech sport of bowling, with all things being equal, the bowler with the better ball reaction will generally emerge as the person carrying the most pins.

Here's my "Choc-list of Static Weights" that result from shifting or moving the center of gravity (CG) away from the center of your grip:

1) Positive and Negative Side Weight - the "positive" side of the ball is the one that is facing into the pins as it makes its turn to the pocket. Looking down on your holes, it will be the right side for right-handers and the left side for lefties. Positive side weight has the potential to make the ball hook more. The "negative" side is the opposite side and therefore, has the potential to make the ball hook less.

2) Finger and Thumb Weight - as you can probably surmise, the CG is shifted more towards either the finger or the thumb holes to have an effect on the ball reaction. Finger weight will make the ball go longer down the lane while the thumb weight tends to make the ball roll earlier.

3) Top and Bottom Weight - these static weights have the similar affect as finger and thumb weight. The lighter the bowling ball, the less top weight and vice-versa.

There are USBC specifications for each static weight - 1 ounce for each of the side weights and finger/thumb weights and 3 ounces of either top/bottom weight. These are measured on a "Dodo Scale," which is found in any pro shop. I am sure that your favorite ball driller will be more than happy to demonstrate how its used to check the "balance" of your bowling ball.

A Hui Hou! (See You Again!)