Bowling Site
	Clyde Higa BellaOnline's Bowling Editor

A New USBC Spec
The current spate of high-tech balls are manufactured with very porous materials which allows them to "cut" through lane oil. "Ra" and "RS" are going to play an important part in returning skill, ability, and talent back into bowling.

A Spare Ball Is Advisable
Is your average below 180? Is your goal to raise your average by 10 to 15 pins? Then the easiest solution is to get yourself a dedicated spare ball and practice so that you are able to pick up at least two more spares per game.

About Bowling Pro Shops
Too many bowling pro shops nowadays have ball drillers who think they can get away with drilling to their opinionated specifications rather than to their customer's.

Ball Cleaning Hints
The cover stock on your bowling ball is the most critical factor in ball reaction for modern-day bowling techniques. This is the reason I advocate that you must keep the surface of your bowling ball as clean as possible.

Bowling Ball Balance
Moving on from the different ball types, this article covers aspects that affect the balance of a ball, therefore influencing how it will roll down the lane.

Bowling Ball Basic Dimensions
It's a matter of competency - any good ball driller 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?

Bowling Ball Pins
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.

Bowling Ball Static Weights
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 Don't Understand My Bowling Ball!
It used to be "so simple" in the 1960's. There were four manufacturers of rubber bowling balls, you threw a full roller or semi-roller, and depending on the top weight and where it was in the ball, your finger holes were drilled up or down from, and left or right of, that top weight indicator.

Positive Axis Point
They would bring him a drawing that showed how the other person's ball was drilled. The drawing showed the finger and thumb layout in relation to the pin. He told me that in modern day bowling, your ball should be laid out and drilled relative to your PAP because every person has a different one.

The Bowling Ball Pitch
You shouldn't have to be bowling with a ball that hurts your hand. With so many combinations available to him or her, a sharp pro shop professional can, and should be able to, drill a ball that will be both comfortable and practical for you to throw.

The End of The Bowling Ball Matter
In two previous articles, we covered ball and bowler types, cores, locator pins, and positive axis points. This final article in the series will discuss the track, flare, center of gravity, and mass bias of a bowling ball.

Variety In Bowling Balls
As you get ready to add to your arsenal, keep in mind that you need a variety of ball types to expand your ability under differing lane conditions. Going with all aggressive cover stocks, all dull finishes, or all the same weight blocks would not be the correct choice of options.

Your Bowling Ball Arsenal
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."