It can be intimidating to listen to conversations about bowling balls nowadays. There are, of course, United States Bowling Congress (USBC) general specifications with regard to overall weight, size, and shape of the bowling ball. However, the inner workings of each model are as different as the people who participate in our sport.

Anyone who purchases a bowling ball and has it drilled, regardless of average, should learn some bowling ball jargon. It's a matter of competency - any good ball driller can, and will, take the time to explain the bowling ball in depth for you. A little knowledge will go a long way when you go to the pro shop to have work done on it. If they can't explain, how can you expect them to be able to drill your ball well?

By the way, the same question applies to your present (or potential) coach. Paraphrasing, "how can you expect them to be able to teach you properly if they cannot explain the different aspects of your bowling ball to you?"
I always joke with my students that the ball must be round since squares, ovals, triangles, etc. will not roll properly down the lane. The ball measures between 8.5 inches to 8.595 inches across (diameter) and can weigh no more than 16 pounds - there is no minimum weight specified - surprised? (The main reasons for the minimum 6 pound ball revolve around the manufacturing process and durability of the product and not anything to do with specifications.).

When talking about measuring, drilling, and balancing a bowling ball, however, the terminology and references are to inches, fractions, and degrees. Your understanding of how a ball is divided up should give you a better feel of how well it is being drilled. Here, then, is the "Choc-List" for the basics of the ball with respect to understanding the proper reaction and balance

1) The circumference or distance completely around the bowling ball (circumference) is 27 inches and the circular reference (CR) is 360 degrees.

2) Half the ball, then, is 13-1/2 inches and the CR equals 180 degrees.

3) One-fourth of the ball is 6-3/4 inches and the CR = 90 degrees.

4) Finally, one-eighth of the ball is 3-3/8 inches and the CR = 45 degrees.

If it's your desire to become a better bowler in today's game, you must learn more about bowling ball construction and dynamics.

A Hui Hou! (See You Again!)