Honesty as league bowler with a 187 avg. I think having knowledgeable pro shop personnel who watch you throw, look at the equipment you are using and filling in the gaps where I guy like myself might lack that knowledge is so important. Equipment is very important but knowing how to set up the equipment to perform to its maximum for a bowler is really underrated and not talked about enough.

@willcannady4024

10 ай бұрын

I am stuck trying to figure out wether my ball is laid out correctly or I’m just throwing it wrong. My proshop is often understaffed and not able to assist me. I’ll have to travel elsewhere to find help.

@macgotthis

10 ай бұрын

It would be nice if the PBA had a list of top tear pro shops in ever state. That way people can go somewhere and get a proper fit.

@willcannady4024

10 ай бұрын

@@macgotthis seconded. I think storm has some vip pro shops but I have yet to look them up.

@BumAssGolfer

10 ай бұрын

@@willcannady4024 yeah that's tough. I made an appointment with my pro shop guy during a weekday, weekends are very busy or before league they don't have the time, so weekdays would be your best bet for done individual attention. Anyways he watched me throw about 20 balls. Gave me some tips and why he is going drill my urethane different than my reactives. It was helpful and now we have a rapport. Try making an appointment where you can get like 15 minutes of eyes on you throwing to determine what set up is best for your style release etc... That would be my advice.

@billnicholson1220

10 ай бұрын

I have a Rhino ball. I can’t get it to hook enough.

That is the truth, ball having the right holes drilled is very important. I am having that issue. now . My thumb hole is too big and and I use tape,but can never get it the same all the time.

I couldn’t agree more. Once you have a defined physical game, picking the right bowling ball is critical. Most good players are in the right part of the lanes, but fail, because they are not matched up with equipment. You absolutely can’t out bowl a bad ball reaction. To me learning how to watch ball reaction is a learned skill, that most coaches don’t teach.

@rivs2439

10 ай бұрын

This. This. THIS. You CANNOT out bowl bad ball reaction. Period. The minute I think "maybe I should use X Ball" I grab it. Because if you are thinking it, you already subconsciously are thinking of the reaction you want to see. Just hurting yourself trying to force reaction than trusting your mind and instinct.

Former veteran bowler on hiatus to heal up my left hand nerves in my fingers. Best I bowled lifetime was 222 with only heavy size 16 balls because those were the ones that fit my big hands. Form, technique, and Posture without a doubt are a must no matter the sport, but without the right equipment, it can change your entire results regardless how hard you train. That's why despite heavy balls, I pick those types of balls that can help my accuracy, avoid open frames, and get closer to beating my all time best. Remember- play smart, not always hard.

The right ball drilled the right way for your game is the biggest thing in addition to good shot making.

I am 56 years old and just getting back into bowling after years of back pain and no bowling. Just got a new bowling ball and need get some other supplies. Love your channel.

I restarted bowling in the 2012. I had not bowled in a league since I was in the 7th grade. I had one ball back then that went straight. I have over 9 balls now and I usually take 3 to 6 balls to league because we never know what the lanes are going to do or who we are bowling against. I have Strong, mid and weak balls and change balls based on what is going on. I never new any this about bowling until I started watching you and other bowling channels and it has helped a lot. I love the continuous motion balls versus the get and go side ways balls. Thanks JR for the valuable information you provide on balls, technique and how to train.

Bowling ball specs are huge to the individual bowler. I just updated all of my equipment before the season, I was away for about 7 years because of conflicts with all my kids sports. And going to the pro shop and throwing my dinosaur balls for them to find my pap and laying out the ball completely different then the old stuff is night and day!!!! I'm just a league bowler that averages 210. Also having my pro shop pro watch my 11 year old who just started bowling last Sept, get his 1st "strike" ball has made a huge difference in his game. In Sept 2022 his average was a 62. Oct 2023 he is to a 142 and just keeps getting better every week. He is actually bowling in the older teen league bowling with high schoolers as a 6th grader. He would love to get a jersey and personalize it. The gift card would be perfect for me to use on him and keep the youth of this sport growing. Love all the review videos JR!!!

My biggest challenge is throw the bowl consistency and hinting my target and staying behind the ball. I appreciate the way you dimenstate how to bowl the house shot and the different strategies.

Just started bowling and now im addicted. Give me money now now now and help feed my habit. Btw ur videos help a lot I was terrible and im getting so much better from ur videos along with a few other guys. Keep ‘em coming. Thank you.

I've been bowling league since 1981. Prior to 2015, I had a decent routine with only two strike balls and a 6/10 spare ball. Then I took three years off. When I came back, it felt like everything changed. I had to get new equipment, but the access to information (like this and other YT channels) made bowling a completely new and different game. You showed me the importance of staying on the inside of the ball. Brad and Kyle taught me about the importance of spine tilt. Art of Bowling taught me to apply pressure on the index finger to strengthen the wrist. New lessons, new attitudes, new things to look out for and improve upon every single day. Regarding the importance of the equipment you choose, I bowl league in three different houses. Two with AMF lanes, and one Brunswick. I have seven strike balls in rotation. I can only roll the original Envy and the Black Widow Hybrid 2.0 at the Brunswick house. The original Web and the Cherry Vibe are AMF houses only. The original Black Widow Urethane (black), the Purple Hammer, and the Black Widow Black/Gold can work in any house. A quick note on the importance of your pro shop selection: I tried out a new pro shop with a Diesel Torque, left a different ball with my existing layout. The PSO drilled the ball for a left-hander, even though I'm a righty. I took it to my old pro shop to get it plugged and redrilled, but it's beyond help now. Getting back, all of my balls have a similar layout. The only real differences are the covers and the pin location. They are all pin up. One has the pin to the left of the middle finger, a couple have the pin over the ring finger, and the rest are between the two. I start a little more inside with the stronger balls, and go a little straighter with lower-flaring and urethane balls. When it's colder, I don't have to move as much inside as the games progress. In the summer, I will be switching balls about three or four frames into the second game. Mostly because of the lack of humidity, but definitely because of the two-handers. With all that being said, thank you for all the knowledge you've given me over the last five years. I've cashed in a few tournaments during that time, which is far better than I did before my three-year hiatus. Keep up the good work, and just so know, some of us _are_ listening... 👍🏾

@underrated7602

5 ай бұрын

Solid info thank you ..I'm a newbie and still confused but this info helps

Bowling balls have definitely improved and made the game easier. But, the ready access to channels such as yours with advice and tips certainly make it easier for the average bowler to improve if they want to.

The best PSO's will help you understand why different layouts can actually help you score better on a more consistent basis. You briefly touched on moving whole zones. There are three phases now: shot making , balls/ball layouts , and reading what the oil/lane condition is telling you.

Thank you Sir, I watch you to help my Grandsons ,who is learning and having fun . And educate myself to help him succeed Thanks be well

I'm really trying my best to figure this game out after 49 years. But, it seems the most oddball releases in league are the most successful. And they all seem to be straight up the 10 board. Keep up the great work Brother 🙏❤

Boy can I relate to the "throw up the right side and be accurate into the pocket. That's the way I used to bowl and was usually fairly consistent using a Yellow Dot and Edge Urethane. Then came the synthetic lanes and the reactive resin. A whole lot more trying to figure out reading lane conditions today. At 77, I probably should be happy to just be able to do most of what I want to do and occasionally figure the lanes somewhat. But it is hard to give up the competitive spirit and it still becomes frustrating when I can't be so competitive. The body just doesn't want to do some things like previous. I wish I had people like you back in the 70's and 80's as, though my memory lapses at times, muscle memory keeps me doing pretty much the same as I've always done and didn't have the benefit of expertise like yours back then. Thanks for all your tips and info.

I think learning as much as possible about the game is so important! My first year in bowling league and I’m improving but love your channel to learn

Great info. It’s refreshing to hear your thoughts outside the box that 95% of what you see on KZread is pretty much the same

Ya know this is the exact reason I came to see you in the first place. You talk about the game in a way that makes sense to most of us that are decent bowlers that are looking to get better. You vocalize your struggles (or common struggles) and present solutions that seem possible, especially for those of us that throw just a few games a week. Thank you, and keep at it!

Last season this was the very thing I struggled with. I’d have a decent look in game 1 and as soon as transitions happened I was clueless to what to go to. The highest avg I finished with last season was 208-209. So this past off season I invested in my equipment and got 4 new balls and worked on my game. The phaze II/eternity combination has been a breath of fresh air, so far I’m at 230+ in both of my leagues. It’s early but I can see the difference because I’m able to stay within the same zone when I change from the phaze II to the eternity when transition happens.

I agree with your assessment. I got back into bowling this past spring with a Rhino ball and was drilled by “Old School” Pros shop. All he asked me was do I bowl straight or hook. I told him I would like to learn to hook, and he drilled the ball based on that. I have been watching all your videos for tips, techniques, and drills I took the 12 lb Rhino and at first it was good, but I found the ball was not knocking pins good. A bowler suggested I go up in weight and better bowl and recommended the Black widow 2 hybrid like he was using. I read the reviews and bought the 14lb ball and had another shop drill it based on Rhino. After a month or 2 I decided to join a league. Well at first the ball was good but then started to miss the head pin left. I am not a high rev bowler, so I been trying to make adjustments and for me as a right hander I have more success bowling on the left side of the lane and using a loft. I have trying to get it down and get better timing on my approach (I have hop that I have been working on). My problem is consistently. I took the ball to another pro shop and they wanted to see how I bowl first and determined I need to get the ball redrilled, maybe surface or buy a less aggressive ball. I chose the first and waiting to see what happens when I get it back this weekend.

Just seeing this video from the hospital because an operation. Glad to have something really interesting to see while being here. Greatings from Mexico!

I started bowling league a few years ago (I'm in my mid-40s) and have gotten better. I have learned a lot from the different people I have bowled against/with. I'm lucky that they are willing to share what they notice in my bowling game which has helped me improve. I'm at that point where I have days that it just clicks and others where I'm overthinking or over adjusting what I'm doing. Some of the time, I know what did and can fix, but still get frustrated when those adjustments are just not working I still love the game and enjoy bowling with the different people in league

I've been bowling for 45 plus years and your info hits home every time I watch it. I struggle with surface and using polish to the point where I'm leaving two or three 7-10 splits in the pocket in league play. Guess I need to make a trip to bowler X since your only 20 miles away.

I quit in ‘82, hurt my shoulder, fell in love with golf and never looked back. After my back surgery and my son buying bowling equipment a few months ago, he got me hooked on bowling again, I was a mid 180 average then, I’m probably 155 now, average fluctuates. I’m as lost as last years Easter egg.

On a House pattern, I like starting with the ball that allows me to play a straighter line to the break point, then after making minor adjustments, eventually start making ball change before moving either inside or outside of my starting line.

I threw my first 300 last week with my first ball I drilled after a 15 year absence from the sport (black widow ghost pearl) in league. I had a few hundred games on the ball with the knowledge of what it would do on my house shot. My teammates throw over the second arrow right handed and I threw just left of that. The thing that really helped me improve my game was having the right fit for my thumb when I used to have a death grip and using the three point targeting system. I moved a board left every 4-5 shots and had a 741 series.

Bowling balls are just as important as shot making 100%. I think I remember either you or JR Pro Shop talking about needing about 3 boards of miss room with a ball in order to reliably hit the pocket consistently. When you start splitting boards, you’re in the wrong ball.

$100 seems to be steep but when its gone its gone, I'd rather have an autographed picture to hang on my wall in my office. Keep it up dude, you're knocking it out of the park. I had a fit done last year, but last week someone talked me into getting my fit and pitches changed again (coming out of the ball way to fast according to them).

My favorite core, the Turbine Core from the Cuda/C was brought back redux, then they bought back the pearl version and gave it HK22, i am complete once again, my favorite core back in my hand, throwback to 1995!

I literally just had a similar conversation with my PSO, for the last couple weeks he’s been telling me to get a stronger ball but I asked him to watch me throw a game and see what I’ve been working on and he decided we needed to go in the opposite direction!

As a Classic 1950's Style Full Roller the bowling ball I use is paramount to any hope for success. Because I have low speed, low revs and zero tilt most modern bowling balls on house shots burn up instantly and provide no hit at the pins. Additionally, because of my low rev/zero tilt release I don't have the option of moving inside and throwing outside as the ball will not recover, it will just burn up and roll forward. As a result I am forced to use very weak bowling balls and playing the pattern from the extreme outside like it is a short pattern. To succeed doing this I need to use weak urethane and even sometimes polyester balls if the pattern is very dry. I have had little to no success with any resin balls, even if they are highly polished, they still die out for me. So I agree with you: The ball and the layout and surface on that ball are the primary keys to success.

Love your content lately JR! Thank you for all that you do and I hope to have half of the knowledge you carry one day. Keep rolling strong!

Finding what works for you is the key. Getting the ball to change direction at the range finder has been my key. Thanks for your insight

Love watching your drill videos. They're helping me get out of a slump.

I love the insightful info. So I showed up for the league this Wednesday and it turns out a friend and I were the only ones that signed up. It was on their website and everything. They apologized, and gave us a big discount on our games. I remember though they gave me a layout because they said other two handed bowlers like this one, I got done dirty

Lol, Im just returning to bowling after 10yrs due to health issues. Im in a Sports shot league and we bowled on the Wolf this week. I tried the Big Idea polished asymmetric ball, shot 170 -180, on advice from my proshop manager/driller he said buy this Pink Urethane Widow and keep it with you for dry shots. I threw that ball in our 4th game and shot 230. Its No wonder the PBA banned Ureathanes, that ball was MAGNIFICENT. It never over hooked or under hooked it just stayed where I rolled it and destroyed the pocket. The balls cover and weight blocks do matter a ton.

This is George Kilraine, from Warner Robins, Georgia, I do like your videos, it does help me with my bowling.

I have always said that having the right equipment a stronger ball or a weaker ball or even urethane drilled properly is a must. After that, layouts angles and adjustments are of utmost importance.

I have learned that I need an arsenal for every house I bowl league or tournament in. Some houses my new equipment does not work so I have to throw old equipment. Some houses my surface pieces don't hook and I have to go to a more polished or pearl piece. Darren Tang said you have to keep an open mind when bowling. Some oil patterns on paper don't play like the paper says in reality so you have to stack your bag with a variety of equipment. Sometimes my solid pieces work on one end of the house but don't work on the other. Sometimes it's lane to lane. Bowl with one piece on one lane and bowl with another piece on the other. It has become a bit complicated. I also throw all my stuff at least once during practice. I try to get a look that I like. Also gives me break point and what part of the lane each ball hooks or doesn't hook in. I have been bowling ever since I was 5 years old, started in duck pin bowling then worked my way to ten pin bowling. So yes matching the right piece with what's going on, on the lanes is big. Back in the day I one bowling ball, shot strikes and spares with the same ball. Now I have over 40, lol. I carry 3 to league, 6 to tournaments excluding spare ball.

I love what you do for the bowling community! One of my favorite channels to get tips and tricks. Thanks for the endless info !

I feel the right ball matched to the right condensation makes a big difference

As a lower rev rate bowler, I’ve find it equally as important to understand front to back motion as it is side to side. Like you mentioned I’ve gotten better results from 5”-5 1/2” pins to help retain more energy. Too strong of a layout I tend to leave more ten pins. It’s also important to watch how your ball exits the pin deck to help understand if the ball is deflecting or not.

Love the vids buddy keep them up very informative

Love your videos. Especially the most recent short vids with quick tips that I try to work on in practice. Keep them coming! Love the channel

Yes having the right ball helps out a lot . Going to bowling ball demo has helped me a lot .

Excellent insight. Thank you for the videos, JR! Been following your content for a few years now, and you've given some really good info over that time.

You’ve really been pumping out the videos. Love to see the passion behind it. I really enjoyed the video from a couple days ago about the balance. I’m making that a huge priority of mine cause I know how important it is.

Love your videos!! Thanks JR!

getting fit is huge. And having the equipment be a consistent fit is huge also.

Just started watching you a few weeks ago and noticed you are pumping out good videos! Thanks for scratching my bowling itch 😅. I’m looking forward to joining my first league so every video I’m soaking in the info, thank you!

I’ve always really enjoyed watching your videos JR. It’s definitely increased my knowledge of the game since getting back into the sport a few years back. Knowing your equipment is huge and it’s so wild how one house can cause your ball to react one way, and a different house can cause a separate reaction.

Great shows JR, I’ve been bowling league since 1970 lots of changes in 50+ years. Averaged over 207 for last 30 yrs, 15 mph-300+rev-11* tilt. Best investment I ever made in bowling was a Jayhawks ball spinner and learned ball reaction what an eye opener. Bowling is great fun especially when you learn what to watch for (reaction). My problem today other than being old is dry heads and overactive backends at the same time. Most all companies make good equipment, Learn to watch ball reaction and pick up your spares your average will go up. You do a great job JR and you don’t have to be politically correct.

Good stuff JR, love your channel!

the right ball is important in league to me and its even more important on tougher patterns or tougher houses

At my center, they are older wooden lanes with high friction. The fronts get burnt up and my ball now has a tendency to roll out. Has been a frustrating start to the season. I switch pro shops about 3 years ago due to the old pro shop did not properly fit my hand. Found out they did not oval my thumb hole and had my fingers at reverse pitch. Always appreciate your videos, keep up the great work.

I enjoy watching your videos, they are informative and helpful. Also helped having you in person working with our youth a few years ago!

Helping a lot!!! Appreciate it

Thank you for all the videos you do and informational tips given. I appreciate the time and effort it probably takes to create videos

I watch ur content and learning all this new stuff is so complicated the more u know the better appreciate all the info

Getting old sometimes means big changes are needed. I considered myself a “par” bowler, but slowing down in ball speed with using strong and lighter balls has been tough to be consistent. I just changed from a 5 step approach to 4 and moved up on the approach from the rear dots to my toes now at the front. Voilà, my ball speed is up and now hitting the pocket more consistently with less crossovers.

@lesliemarrufo3374

8 ай бұрын

Same here but need change equipment. Started bowling again after 25 year layoff, 16 lb urethane ball ok but need to go lighter and not urethane.

Love how much info Is in your videos its helped me a bunch

Love your channel!! You are straight up and have the best info keep it up!!! 🎉

Thanks with all of your help

100%. If you're using the wrong ball/layout, you'll be continuously chasing the shot an never be able to get settled in.

Yep. My best series happen when I can stay in the same spot and then just adjust speed and loft. But house shot can also lull you into a false sense of security. Hit the pocket all day and get only one in a row.

All of these videos have a great help. I bowled in High School and my Coaches did not really “Coach me”. Thanks!

Loves the vids JR. Much appreciation to u for brining us the info!!!!

Slowly I have improved my game 170 average , your videos are one of my favorites , last three weeks bowled 600+ series feeling many things I have heard you go over are helping me , the smallest changes seem to make the most to my totals , next week we will see lol

EVERYTHING YOU STATE IS ABSOLUTE TRUTH FROM START TO END! AND I RELATE ENTIRELY TO LANE PLAY. AS A PSO THAT DOES IT RIGHT THANK YOU FOR YOU MESSAGE ON GETTING TO A SHOP THAT LOCATES PAPS!

Love your content. Tips are great and ball reviews are awesome. Keep it up. Thanks

I forgot who said it way back in the day, like 60's and 70's, 'if you don't have the right ball in your hand, you won't score' kinda paraphrasing there. But I think you get the point.

My pro shop guy always turns a lane on for a new customer to get an idea of their layout 👍

Just started my first league a couple months ago, watched your videos on how to grip the ball and drills that I could do at home and you completely transformed my game. Also watched your ball review on the black venom before buying it. Really sold me on it. Thanks for all the great knowledge man

Getting back in after a 20 year hiatus and your channel has really helped me stay motivated as I work the rust off. Love the content, keep it up!

I have a very good Pro shop proprietor who I have bowled with & against since High School in the 80's. Unfortunately, age and injuries to my back and knee have killed my ball speed down from almost 19 to 13 mph, but I still have my 400+ full roller revs. Because of this, I moved from 16 to 15 lbs. (and I am now switching to 14) and I have an entire arsenal of plastic balls, but ones with weight blocks. I was throwing a Pathogen Blue Dot as my #1, with a Radical Spy and a T-Zone as back-ups, but fortune smiled on me. I purchased a Clear Rose OTB ball from KR Strikeforce (14.5 lb.) for a dry lane ball and two things happened. This ball (at least for me) has the sharpest back-end hook (with continuation) of ANY ball I've even thrown (including reactive resin) and for some unknown reason my track shifted after getting this ball. This ball became my new #1. I am routinely playing my favorite line around 17 at the arrows to a 12 board breakpoint, but I often move into 4th arrow. Everybody I bowl with is amazed how much back-end hook and power I generate throwing a clear plastic ball with a rose in the middle. Over the summer, I bowl in a PBA Experience league and I am often the deeper than anyone on the pair. At the moment, until I can purchase a new arsenal in 14 lbs., I've been having to throw this ball even when the lanes dry out too much in the late game. That and missed spares (due to balance issues with the bad knee) have kept my average just under 200 lately, but it keeps recovering. (I used to be 220+ before the injuries). I sometimes wish I could throw "normal" equipment, but even in my youth my best balls were obscure ones: Red Pearl Twister, Ebonite Stinger, Brunswick Power Groove, Ebonite Clear Werewolf, etc.

Honestly I think its a combo of core and cover to actually be able to successfully maintain specific targets if you dont like adjusting.

You’re way of giving ideas to simplify the game is refreshing. Technology change and the options to choose is so overwhelming sometimes. Thank you.

Thank you for all the help you provide to the bowling community, we appreciate you!

Big fan of ya JR! Watch all the episodes! Keep up the good work man!!

I agree bowl choice is important, but as for me (inexperienced bowler), I just need the right mechanics before I look to a ball to do its job.

I have recently came across your videos, you have helped me out tremendously, especially your video about the different entry angles and how that leaves certain pins. I’m on a league, my average was 175, I have been practicing 10-16 games every weekend with 3 different balls, one being the storm natural, for the last 8 months. My average has gone up to 205, I bowl all 3 balls during the same game to learn what each one does and how it affects the other, plus it helps me to keep focus on 3 different standing positions and lane targets. I have so many questions about this game, I love it but once you think you might have an understanding, the humidity changes and the ball reacts different, lol. Please keep up the great work!

Enjoy hearing your take on bowling and coaching, has helped me more then anything from my locals.

Great content and agree on your take on the ball choices

This statement is so true, and i'm so surprised how many bowler nowadays do not know there equipment. Or even know how to match up with their equipment.

Watching that guy that stands in mostly the same spot and consistently shooting high scores, he must have the right equipment. Just learning that I throw asymmetric balls better than symmetric ball. Just getting back in to bowling after about 16 yrs and I think that my swing is so much better. The ball and the make of the ball no matter the core is very important. Don't forget the ball cover.

Appreciate all your help

Yes, this is why we came to your shop. I finally feel that I am back on track to my old league avg over 200s now the you helped me better layout my new ambush 😊

Great information as always JR. Keep up the great work.

your videos are so informative and have really transformed my understanding of the game.

Always great content!

Your little tips and tricks always seem to resonate with me well. You have definitely helped me throw with alot more consistency. Which in return has made me a better bowler overall!!

I have been bowling in leagues for a few years. In a practice session, I was using a ball you drilled for me and was having trouble leaving ten pins. No matter what move I made, I could not carry the ten pin. A more experienced bowler mentioned to me to try a different ball. This new ball had the same layout but had more hook potential. The new ball allowed me to carry the 10 pin.

Thank you for all your info it really does help 👍

Absolutely agree, been bowling for 37 years. Have changed and upgraded my equipment from 2000. My Ebonite Gyro was too heavy at 14 lbs. Bought a Black Widow 2.0 Hybrid at 15 lbs and have a lighter load with more versatility when lanes start to transition.

Love your channel JR!

I agree ,just as important to have the right ball & as to make the proper adjustments

Thanks for your expertise. As a retired 69-year-old with revs 250-275, trying to keep up with new technology is difficult with as many new balls that come out every other month. I bowl in a Bolero where 5 right is flooded and it's super flood in the middle. I don't know how to adjust anymore.

Thanks JR, I really appreciate your videos. Good info

Great feedback. I really needed to hear this.