Omar Khalid
When it comes to bowling, the layout and drilling of a plastic spare ball can impact your performance. The standard layout for a plastic spare ball is to drill it with 1/2 oz. negative side on the label, which helps the ball travel in a straighter path. Additionally, keeping the drilling consistent with your other balls is recommended to maintain a familiar release and feel. This means using the same weight, drilling technique (fingertip or conventional grip), and style of grips across all your balls. It's important to note that changing the drilling can affect your accuracy and swing mechanics. Some bowlers prefer to use a conventional grip for their spare ball, but this may require learning the backup ball drill technique. Ultimately, the goal is to achieve shot consistency and make spares with ease.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Drilling type | Fingertip, Conventional |
| Weight | 14 lb |
| Speed | 15 mph |
| Rev rate | 375 rpm |
| PAP | 5 x 3/4 up |
| AT | 13* |
| AR | 45* |
| Tilt | 11* |
| Rotation | 70* |
| Ball speed | Low |
| Ball rotation | High |
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What You'll Learn
The benefits of a plastic spare ball
Drilling a plastic spare ball is a topic that has been discussed at length by the bowling community. Many bowlers opt to have their plastic spare ball drilled in the same way as their strike ball to ensure consistency in their game. This means that the same weight, drilling, and style grips are used for both balls.
Another benefit of a plastic spare ball is that it simplifies the complexities of the spare game. It grants bowlers the ability to utilise the same angles and strategies, regardless of the lane conditions. This makes it a great option for both beginner and advanced bowlers.
Additionally, a plastic spare ball can help bowlers improve their precision. Its minimal hooking tendencies make it a reliable choice for straight-shooting attempts, allowing bowlers to perfect their consistent release. This is especially beneficial for those using a big hook or a thumbless technique, as it eliminates the need to drastically change their release.
Some bowlers also find that a plastic spare ball reduces the need to flatten their wrist during release, providing a more comfortable and natural throwing motion. Ultimately, the benefits of a plastic spare ball lie in its ability to provide consistency, precision, and simplicity to a bowler's game, allowing them to focus on improving their techniques.
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Drilling techniques for a plastic spare ball
Drilling a plastic spare ball requires a different approach from drilling a regular bowling ball. Here are some techniques and considerations to keep in mind when drilling a plastic spare ball:
Finger Hole Drilling: The decision to drill finger holes in a plastic spare ball depends on personal preference and finger size. Some bowlers prefer no finger holes, while others opt for drilling holes to grip the ball comfortably. If you choose to drill finger holes, ensure they match the drilling pattern of your primary ball. This consistency in drilling ensures a familiar feel across your bowling balls, promoting shot consistency and a seamless transition between balls.
Weight Consistency: Maintaining the same weight across your bowling balls is crucial. Using a plastic spare ball with a different weight can disrupt your timing and affect your performance.
Drilling Layout: The Freshour layout is ideal for plastic spare balls as it reduces ball reaction and hook potential. This layout involves finding the center of the ball using a quarter scale. Measure from both sides of the ball to the middle, subtract those numbers from each other, and ensure they sum to 90.
Drilling Depth: When drilling the finger holes, continue drilling until your initial mark is no longer visible. This depth ensures that the finger holes are permanent and do not come out during use.
Standard Spare Ball Layout: For the straightest shot, consider the standard spare ball layout. Drill the ball with the pin 6 3/4" from the PAP and add a balance hole on the negative axis point to legalize side weight. This setup guarantees reduced ball motion and a straighter shot.
Remember, the goal of a plastic spare ball is to provide a consistent feel and release, allowing you to put your normal spin on the ball while minimizing lane friction.
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Differences between fingertip and conventional drilling
When it comes to bowling, one of the most critical aspects of improving your game is understanding the different types of grips used to hold the bowling ball. The two primary grips favoured by bowlers are the fingertip grip and the conventional grip. Each grip offers unique advantages and caters to different levels of player experience and comfort.
The conventional grip is often recommended for beginners as it offers more control over the ball, making it easier to aim for the pins. With this grip, the middle finger and ring finger go all the way to the second set of knuckles, resulting in very little to no hook on the bowling ball due to the lack of separation time between the thumb and fingers coming out. This grip is similar to a house ball but with tighter holes fitted to the bowler's hand.
On the other hand, the fingertip grip is more common among league and tournament bowlers. This grip allows for better rotation and leverage as the fingers only go down to the first set of knuckles, causing the thumb to come out earlier than the fingers. The fingertip grip is advantageous for creating a stronger lift through the bowling ball, resulting in improved drive and rotation.
When deciding between fingertip and conventional drilling for a plastic spare ball, consistency and comfort are key. Some bowlers prefer to drill their spare ball in the same way as their strike ball to maintain consistency in their shot and feel. This is especially important for beginners, as changing equipment can affect their timing and feel for the ball.
However, some bowlers choose to use a fingertip grip for their strike ball and a conventional grip for their spare ball, although this may impact accuracy. Ultimately, the decision between fingertip and conventional drilling comes down to personal preference and comfort. Experimenting with different fittings can help determine which grip enhances performance and suits the individual's bowling style.
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How to maintain a plastic spare ball
Maintaining a plastic spare ball is essential to ensure optimal performance and longevity. Here are some detailed instructions on how to maintain your plastic spare ball:
Cleaning and Polishing:
- It is important to clean your plastic spare ball regularly, especially after each bowling session. Use a suitable cleaner to wipe down the ball, removing any oil, dirt, or grime that may have accumulated during play. This helps maintain the ball's surface consistency and prevents the build-up of dirt in your bowling bag.
- Some bowlers recommend polishing your plastic spare ball occasionally. Polishing can enhance the ball's performance, especially if you bowl on wood lanes or lanes with specific conditions that require a polished surface. However, others suggest that a polished surface may cause the ball to hook more, so it is essential to understand the lane conditions and the desired ball reaction.
Drilling and Grip:
- When drilling your plastic spare ball, it is generally recommended to maintain the same drilling pattern as your other bowling balls. This includes the finger tip inserts and thumb slug. Having the same drilling pattern allows for a consistent release and feel across all your bowling balls, improving shot consistency and accuracy.
- The grip used on a plastic spare ball can vary depending on personal preference and your bowling style. Some bowlers use the same grip as their strike ball, allowing them to build consistency. Others may use a different grip, such as a conventional grip, but this can affect accuracy. Experiment with different grips to find what works best for you.
Weight and Feel:
- Maintain the same weight across all your bowling balls, including your plastic spare ball. Using balls with different weights can disrupt your timing and affect your performance. Consistency in weight helps you develop a consistent swing and release for all your shots.
- Ensure that your plastic spare ball feels the same as your other bowling balls. This includes factors such as weight distribution and surface texture. A consistent feel across all your balls will help you develop a consistent bowling technique and improve your overall game.
Mental Advantage:
The mental advantage of having a plastic spare ball in your arsenal is significant. Knowing that you have a dedicated ball specifically for spare shots boosts your confidence and eliminates doubt when facing challenging spares. This mindset allows you to focus on executing your shots with precision and accuracy.
By following these maintenance tips, you can ensure that your plastic spare ball remains in good condition and performs optimally, helping you improve your spare conversion rates and overall bowling scores.
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The weight of a plastic spare ball
Some bowlers prefer to keep their plastic spare balls at the same weight as their other equipment, ensuring consistency in their game. This consistency in weight helps maintain the same timing and swing mechanics, preventing any disruption in their performance. It is recommended to keep the same weight, especially for beginners, as it allows them to focus on developing their skills without having to adjust to different ball weights.
On the other hand, some bowlers opt for a lighter plastic spare ball, believing it provides advantages in certain situations. A lighter ball, weighing between 11 and 12 pounds, is thought to be easier to control and throw harder and straighter. This can be beneficial when dealing with spares that don't have a sleeper, as the lighter weight allows for better deflection and accuracy. Additionally, a lighter ball enables a faster throw without needing to muscle it, which can be advantageous for spares that require a quicker approach.
While the weight of the plastic spare ball can impact performance, it is a personal preference. Bowlers should consider their skill level, comfort, and specific spare scenarios when deciding on the weight. Some bowlers may even find success without a dedicated spare ball, using their regular strike ball for spares with slight adjustments in their technique. Ultimately, the weight of the plastic spare ball should align with the bowler's overall strategy and feel for their equipment.
It is worth noting that the weight of the ball is just one aspect of drilling. The drilling pattern and grip type also play a role in the overall performance and feel of the plastic spare ball. Consistency in drilling and maintaining the same grip style across all balls are crucial for achieving a seamless release and improving accuracy.
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Frequently asked questions
The Freshour layout is ideal for plastic balls as it helps to reduce the ball's reaction and hook potential. The standard spare ball layout is to drill the ball with a 1/2 oz. negative side on the label.
Plastic balls are great for spares as they are slippery and react minimally to friction on the lane. This allows the ball to go straight and makes it easier to hit single pins.
If you do not have an adjustable bowling ball for measuring your grip, you can place your fingers onto the surface of the ball and mark around each finger when the placement feels comfortable. You can also measure your span using a compass or calipers, then reduce the measurement by about 1/8 of an inch.
