In today’s bowling world, there is an increasing demand for many players to reduce ball motion rather than enhance it. As bowlers have become more proficient with more fluid physical games leading to more efficient energy transfer, ball speeds and rev rates have increased. Higher rev rates lead to ball motions that transition too quickly, leading to over/under reactions on the lanes. Many bowlers want an alternative.
Accordingly, more and more bowlers are now looking for smoother and more reliable ball motions to add to their arsenals. For example, bowlers have sought out layout solutions such as the Rico (45° x longer pin to PAP distance x high VAL angle) and the Boomer (long pin to PAP distance and very large VAL angle with the pin under the thumb). These are intended to produce smoother and more reliable ball motions. In addition, we have also seen some changes in the bowling balls themselves with the evolution and popularity of weaker equipment, such as the Storm IQ Tour series (RG of 2.49″ and 0.029″ differential) and the Hammer Arson Low Flare (RG of 2.48″ and 0.020″ differential).
An example of the Hammer Arson Low ...
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About Joe Slowinski
Joe Slowinski, a USBC Gold Coach, is a freelance bowling coach who works with bowlers around the globe. He is currently on assignment with the Philippines. Slowinski is the former Director of Bowling at Lincoln Memorial University, where he served as Program Administrator and Head USBC Collegiate Men’s and NCAA Women’s Coach. The Portland, Maine native has served as the Administrative and Men's Head Coach at Webber International University and served for four years as a Master Teaching Professional at the Kegel Training Center. Slowinski is also the former Director of Coaching and Coach Certification for the National Sports Council of Malaysia. He has coached international teams at the World Championships, Pan American Games, South American Games, and European Championships, helping Belgium win a Gold medal at the 2022 EBF Championship of Champions and coaching Brazil to Gold medals at the 2015 Pam American Games and the 2014 South American Games. He was the 2018 NTCA DII/III Coach of the Year and the 2010 NCBCA Men’s College Coach of the Year.