The big-hook bowlers do best at my home center, yet they haven't been much of a factor on the PBA telecasts, where it seems the bowlers who throw the ball relatively straight are thriving. What is causing the change in guard on Tour?
- Martin Cusack, Mt. Pleasant, N.Y.

THE CONDITIONING of the lanes on the PBA tour is being supervised by John Davis of the Kegel Company, who tells me he strives to make the conditions fair and equal to all bowlers, with the emphasis on accuracy over raw power. Because of this emphasis, more players have a chance to compete, while those bowlers who throw a straighter shot are not unduly penalized against the big hook bowlers. Frankly, it's great to see bowlers like Tom Baker re-emerging as competitive forces today. The big-hook bowlers still do well, but they must develop some accuracy in their games to compete. A great example of a bowler who hooks the ball a lot and still has accuracy is Pete Weber, who has already won this year.

My teammates just invited me to compete in the ABC tournament for the first time in Reno at the National Bowling Stadium. Do you have any recommendations on how to play the lanes?
- Marvin Gardner, Hanford, Calif.

FOR THE past few years, the righthanders have played the lanes inside the fourth arrow; this seems to be the best shot. I would suggest you get to the Staduim a few hours ahead of time and watch a number of bowlers who are scoring well and throw the ball like throw it. Since this is your first ABC, you should know that, besides the bowling itself, the ABC is truly a showcase of all the latest bowling products. Every major bowling manufacturer has a booth at the ABC; they feature the latest balls, bags and shoes, wrist supports, and many other helpful devices. Allow yourself a couple of hours to visit all the booths. They are staffed by quality personnel who can answer any of your questions about the new products.

I bowl with somebody who has no slide, throws a tremendous hook ball and scores well on many occasions. I've been considering changing to this type of release to create more power. What are your thoughts?
- Norman Hull, Palos Verdes, Calif.

THERE HAVE been a few bowlers who have done well with no slide; in particular, Pete Tountas, Gene Rhoda and Harry Smith of past years, and Jess Stayrook and Rudy "Revs" Kasamakis of today. But in most cases, I would not recommend a no-slide release. First, it puts tremendous pressure on the back and knee muscles, which can lead to problems after extended play. Secondly, a good slide gives the bowler more time to feel the shot going through the swing, thereby allowing an easier reaction to a shot that may be going off-line. Lastly, today's bowling shoes feature multiple slide soles; a bowler can change his soles to accommodate the slide characteristics of every bowling center.

Most times, I bowl near my 200 average, but there are occasions when I seem to either miss the head pin right or throw the ball through the nose, although my timing still seems to be OK on those occasions. Any suggestions for getting back on track when that happens?
- Peter Barrington, St. Paul, Minn.

DURING periods of inconsistency, I suggest you check the direction of the pushaway. Ideally, your pushaway should be taken straight out in front of the pivot point of your arm. If the pushaway takes your arm towards the center of your body, the backswing will usually drift away from your body and then the follow-through will be inside target, resulting in a shot that goes through the nose. If the pushaway is taken outside the pivot point of your arm, the backswing will go behind your back and usually cause a shot that goes away from the head pin. A straight pushaway will follow your armswing towards the intended target.

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.