having multiple balls and being 175-190 average bowler

[fokai73]

with some high handicap bowlers, I see them drag multiple bowling balls into leagues. Beside the normal two ball and spare, I see many bring in 4 to 6 balls. Yet, their game stays in the range of 175-190 average.

I noticed a bowler in a first shift league, whom I've rarely seen shoot 600 series, bring 6 bowling balls. He couldn't pick up left side spares with his spare ball, and some times he tries to hook at it. Then I noticed several other high handicap bowlers bringing 4 to 5 bowling balls in the same league. The highest league average in this 80 plus ppl league is 205!! Granted though, this house you don't know what you'll get week to week. But, it's not the only house I see this happening. I know of 3 guys I do ball work for who all carry 4 bowling balls, one 5. Their Average range is 179 to 192 and the house is a high scoring house. They've been at those averages for the decade I've known them.

I was on the same boat over decade ago. I brought 4 balls and couldn't get passed 193. And I remembered a gold coach giving me advice one day when I visited his proshop. (he didn't want to sell me a NIB) He told me to have a spare system, which he introduced me to the 4th arrow system. Then he told me to bring one strike ball - "the benchmark" lol. After lessons about understanding my footwork , adjusting hand, roll, and speed, blah blah blah... I broke 200 the last half of the season. And then gained 18 more pins the next season even playing away from my comfort zone, around the 4th arrow.

Also, about 5 or 6 years ago, my good friend was also stuck at 190's. I helped him with his game, advised him to get his gripped rechecked, and also gave the same advice about condensing his bag. He brought 2 balls for summer leagues that year, a spare and a strike ball. To make a long story shorter, today he can adjust his hand, revrate, speed, and such...he can stay on the track or just outside the track all night long week after week by adjusting - not switching balls. His average increased in the last few years every year, to now, HIGHER THAN MINE. He and I both credits bringing one strike ball which helped elevate our game.

Finally, maybe some bowlers will benefit with less balls being brought to leagues. I mean, lessons by the pros are important, but using one ball may help a bowler learn to adjust speed, roll, rev rate, to name a few. Reading ball motion and the lanes are things I learned too with this "method". Not everyone will agree, but with bowling balls being pump out every few months, it gets confusing. Every new ball out hooks the last, yet the conditions don't change???

Edit: My good friend brings 3 balls these days. but the extra ball is for "just in case".....

[NewToBowling]

I agree. I'm guilty of buying more balls than I should but honestly I only use two (Haywire and Respect). And can probably get a way with just one. I think work on physical game is far more important than working on an arsenal. Not to say they should be mutually exclusive but bringing 5-6 balls really is going to just stunt your physical game as you mentally think a new ball will magically make your game better.

[fokai73]

I agree. I'm guilty of buying more balls than I should but honestly I only use two (Haywire and Respect). And can probably get a way with just one. I think work on physical game is far more important than working on an arsenal. Not to say they should be mutually exclusive but bringing 5-6 balls really is going to just stunt your physical game as you mentally think a new ball will magically make your game better.

Coaching from the right person is of the upmost importance. I've seen so many coaches over the years and less than half are great coaches. Of the coaches I've seen, my top 3 coaches that I've worked with are... Baker, Jasnau, and Somoff.

I do have to credit other non paper coaches who were/are in the industry as well...

[sharkey53]

I've been on the fence about buying another ball. I've only been bowling for about a year, use one ball that I love and have put up great scores with. It's a Brunswick Strike King (entry-level performance) but I was thinking about upgrading to something that is higher performance. Not sure if its really necessary but its very tempting to want more equipment.

I'm also one of those people with a 170's average so I don't want to get too carried away right now.

[KYDave]

I have 3 balls I always take. But I also bowl a few different centers and the shot is a lot different place to place. Even the same center is different day to day depending on who is running the machine and who you are bowling behind.
I have never used a spare ball. I just change angles and my release. Very rare I ever hook at a spare unless it's double wood or a wicked washout/split

[fokai73]

I've been on the fence about buying another ball. I've only been bowling for about a year, use one ball that I love and have put up great scores with. It's a Brunswick Strike King (entry-level performance) but I was thinking about upgrading to something that is higher performance. Not sure if its really necessary but its very tempting to want more equipment.

I'm also one of those people with a 170's average so I don't want to get too carried away right now.

IMHO, I think your next ball should be a true spare ball. You can increase your average by improving your spare game and other parts of your physical game. If you have access to a coach, go see him or her. Develop a spare system that works for you. Talk to you PSO for advise too.

I know someone in the 186 range, another person besides the ones I've already mentioned. well, he thinks every ball will fix his problems. I don't know who his PSO is, but he bowls in a high friction house, but he was told to get a Black widow, then vivid, and nano.... the last three balls he purchased were the lock, snap lock, and scandal..... some PSO's are shady I guess.... all about the Deuces....

[sharkey53]

IMHO, I think your next ball should be a true spare ball. You can increase your average by improving your spare game and other parts of your physical game. If you have access to a coach, go see him or her. Develop a spare system that works for you. Talk to you PSO for advise too.

I know someone in the 186 range, another person besides the ones I've already mentioned. well, he thinks every ball will fix his problems. I don't know who his PSO is, but he bowls in a high friction house, but he was told to get a Black widow, then vivid, and nano.... the last three balls he purchased were the lock, snap lock, and scandal..... some PSO's are shady I guess.... all about the Deuces....

I've thought about that as well. Right now I'm trying to shoot straight at spares instead on hooking the ball in. Finding a lot more success doing that even with the ball I have.

Was at the shop today and the PSO watched me roll a few balls so at least he has an idea of my style when it comes time to make a decision.

[Blomer]

I'll be honest, I bring 4. I bring a hybrid, peatl, a ball for the dry and a spare ball. It has helped, but also hinder my game as I would at times flip through all the balls as I'm struggling, instead of sticking with one.

[JasonNJ]

That was me for a while. I was bringing about 4 balls to league plus my spare ball. I have now cut it down it down to 2 balls, one solid and a pearl and my spare ball. This just simplifies everything for me so on the nights I do struggle, I'm not switching balls every shot.

[Blacksox1]

On league night, I will bring 3,4 or 5. A plastic 14#, pearl 14#, hybrid 14#, solid 14#, solid 15# for heavier oil. I use a triple roller and carry a two ball tote when bringing 5. Once practice time ends, I seldom use more than 2, plastic and another.