Assuming a dry lane condition, how would the performance of two balls differ based on one ball's being drilled with leverage weight and the other with axis weight? - Raul De La Vega, Quezon City, Philippines
THE BALL with leverage weight would tend to skid farther in the heads and hook more in the backend than the ball with axis weight. The ball with axis weight would start grabbing the lane surface sooner and hook less. Another important factor to consider is the RG (radius of gyration) of the bowling ball. Balls with low RG tend to roll sooner than balls with high RG. You should check the annual ball guide in BJI to determine the RG of the bowling balls on the market.

What kind of ball weights and surface would you recommend for a bowler who throws the ball relatively slowly? I've been having a great deal of difficulty keeping the ball in the pocket with today's new bowling balls. - Al Sadlowski, Manchester, Mo.
WHILE THE reactive resin bowling balls of today can do wonders for many bowlers, they are not always the best balls for all bowlers. Some bowlers might find a urethane ball - or even a plastic model - a wise choice, especially those who do not generate a lot of speed. These balls do not hook as much and tend to roll evenly down the lane. They are much easier to control on both strike and spare shots. Perhaps a step backwards in technology may be the right move for you.

A callus developed on the back of my thumb and I split the back of the thumb nail. This has caused me to lay off bowling for months at a time until the thumb heals. Any suggestions? - Michael Greenstreet, Buochs, Switzerland
THE CAUSE of a thumb callus on the back of the thumb is usually either an excessively large thumb hole or too much reverse thumb pitch. Both these factors induce the bowler to bend or "crimp" the thumb to hold onto the bowling ball, which causes the back of the thumb to rub against the rear wall of the thumb hole during the release. Consult your ball driller, but discuss the impact of a reduction in the amount of reverse pitch and/or the size of the thumb hole. Note that many ball drillers base their reverse pitch on the span of the bowling ball. While this is usually a good procedure, the amount of reverse pitch should be reduced to accommodate the reduced flexibility as a bowler becomes older and loses some flexibility.

I am a senior bowler who averages 179. I leave a lot of 10 pins, which I miss a great number of times. Can you give me some insight into making the 10 pin on a more regular basis? P.S. - I usually miss the 10 pin on the left side. - John P. Kelly, Bronx, N.Y.
THERE ARE two things you might try when shooting this spare. The first would be to drop the wrist at the release point so that the ball goes straight. If you use a wrist device, it might be wise to remove the device when shooting the 10 pin. Second, switch to a plastic ball for the spare shot. This ball will go very straight and assist you in getting over problem in converting this corner spare. It is important to remember to move your feet to the far left of the approach and throw the ball cross-lane over the middle arrow to the spare. That way, you're playing the percentages. While I have no hard and fast figures, my guess is that about 70 percent of today's pros, such as Gary Dickinson and David Ozio, switch to a harder-surfaced ball for all their spares.

My right hand swells during competition. I bowl about five times per week and sometimes the swelling affects my release. What I can do to minimize this problem? - Kevin Mullooly, Pittsburgh
THE SWELLING is usually caused when the flow of bodily fluids is increased to the skin surfaces, such as when the weather is warm or humid. This is why your hand decreases in size when the weather is cold or dry. The heavy amount of bowling you do also leads to increased swelling (friction induces warmth). In this instance, I suggest you have your bowling ball holes drilled to accommodate the swelling, then insert tape in the holes when your hand decreases in size, a trick most very active bowlers use.

Mike McGrath is a PBA and ABC Hall of Famer. Send your questions to him c/o Bowlers Journal International, 122 South. Michigan, Suite 1506, Chicago, IL 60603.