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 Posted 1/13/2007 6:10:13 PM |
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Administrator
 
Group: Administrators
Last Login: 4/25/2008 10:35:23 PM
Posts: 76,
Visits: 2,214
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YOU GOT QUESTIONS? ??????????????????????????????? "ASK THE PHANTOM" 
Name: Amy Loveless
Email: best815@gmail.com
QUESTION:
You talk to PBA Members and everybody that has anything to do with the PBA, so you are just the person to ask this question to. I want to know why it is that now that the PBA is back on the right track and their memberships are higher than ever, why is it that they are staying with the exempt tour? I always thought that the PBA was suppose to be the best in the world at the sport of bowling and now it is just the guys that are good for one week that get to bowl the rest of the year. They have always said that every week is a new start and nowadays that is not true. I just wanted to know what you think about all this and if there is anyway that we could get them to change this system. Thanks.
ANSWER: PBA Officials seem to think that a limited field of 64-players is an elite field. In their minds, they feel that those 64-players will make a decent living for the year because they are all cashing every week. There is some truth to that, because in the past there weren't 64-players who made a decent living on the Tour every year. In my opinion, the fields should be opened-up to more players and that they should go back to the old format of 18-games of qualifying and 24-games in the finals. That format is a much truer test of who the best players are for that particular week. Phantom
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| | Name: Scott Yee
Email: scott1693@hotmail.com
QUESTION:
Hi Phantom:
I have 3-questions that I hope you can answer.1). Do you think Randy Pederson will back in the ESPN booth next season? 2). With the TV ratings done 13% this past season- is there a format change in the works? 3). Please tell me the PBA will sack the skills challenge!! Thanks Phantom, Scott ANSWER: Hello Scott: Most questions that I receive have definitive answers, however all three (3) of your questions are asking for my opinion. They are good questions, so I will give you my opinions on them: #1). Randy is a good friend of mine and I think that he does a good job. However, there is something lacking with his relationship with Dave Ryan, and together they do not work very well together. Commentary is very important to the shows success and I feel that a change of either (or both), would help make the show more successful #2). I know of no changes in the format, but something different needs to be done in order to keep fan interest. It’s rather obvious that the current one is not working out too well. #3). In my opinion, most of the skills challenge is bad for the Sport. Norm Dukes towel bowling is awesome, but the lofting of balls over chairs and ramps is totally ridiculous and should never be done. Mike Machugas ‘headlong dive’ was an insult to the Sport as well. Phantom
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| | | Name: Jim
Email: jpg300@yahoo.com
QUESTION:
Hi Phantom: I have a technical question for you that I hope you can answer for me.
Would it be possible for you to give me an estimate of how much oil and lane cleaner (maintenance supplies) that a 24 lane bowling center should use if they condition the lanes twice per day? Thanking you in advance, Jim ANSWER: Hi Jim:
Please contact our chemist direct, for this information.
His name is: Dennis Sheirs, at: dennis.sheirs@kegel.net He would need to know what type of oil and lane cleaner that you are currently using, along with what type of lane machine. Are you also inquiring about lin-o-dusters? I am sure that he would gladly answer all of your questions.
Thanks.
Phantom
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| | | Name: PC Bowl Coach
Email: rmblack@cros.net
QUESTION:
I have coached our High School Bowling Club now for 7-years. Using information from Fred Borden, Jeri Edwards, Bill Straub (and some collegiate programs), we have always emphasized fundamentals and drills, over keeping score.
What irritates me is when we compete with other teams in their bowling centers (on their 'house conditions’), it is often difficult for our players to keep-up with poor fundamentals when their shots always end up in the pocket.
Do you ever see more difficult lane conditions becoming the norm again? I’m not talkingnecessarily about Sport Bowling, but something that rewards good shots and penalizes poor shots? Today, no one knows how good a bowler really is, and, unless you can stand directly behind them and see how many different ways they go over a target and end up in the pocket, you're amazed.
Do you ever see state High School Athletic Associations requiring more difficult lane conditions for High School matches and tournaments?
Great show with Del Ballard !!
ANSWER: Dear PC Bowl Coach:
High Scoring (or, Blocked Lanes) is a problem in our game on ALL levels. Making the lanes easy to hit the pocket seems to be the ‘norm’ nowadays in most leagues and tournaments.
However, this is not something new, as this practice has been going on for years. In my opinion, the influx of high scoring is directly related to the new technology of bowling balls. The balls of today exaggerate the lane conditions and are mainly responsible for the high scores. In the past, a bad shot did NOT get rewarded by a forgiving lane condition. An example of that is when you used to miss your target to the right (for a righty), the ball would miss to the right. Even if the lane was drier on the outside and it came back, the ball would be weak in the pocket and you seldom carried. I could site numerous examples.
In my opinion, the bowling balls are the culprit and need to be standardized. Bowling was more competitive (and popular) when the player was commended for his/her performance, not the bowling ball.
In closing, bowling centers of today have to put a lot more oil in the middle (blocked lane) in order to control these aggressive bowling balls. In essence, the lanes are being oiled for the balls and NOT the bowlers.
Phantom p.s. Thanks for the nice words about the Del Ballard Show.
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| | | Name: Chuck Tompkins
Email: Firefly33@sbcglobal.net
QUESTION:
Phantom: I just listened to your Phantom Radio Show with Tom Kouros and he mentioned the importance of keeping your head still when properly executing a shot. On the PBA Show last week, they showed a comparison between Earl Anthony and Walter Ray Williams, Jr. Earl's head was completely still, while Walter's was not. How can Walter be so accurate with his head moving as much as it does? Appreciate your response on this.
Thank you. Chuck ANSWER: Dear Chuck: That is a very good observation on your part, and that was mentioned by Randy Pedersen on the telecast. Earl was a pure stroker with NO head movement whatsoever; whereas Walter maximizes his ball speed (on almost every shot) with a somewhat violent release. However, upon review (using slow motion replay and stop action on a VCR), you will notice that Walter's head IS still at moment of release. Then, as the ball leaves his hand, his head does jerk to the left. I liken that to shooting a shotgun and the kick that happens upon pulling the trigger. In both cases, the bullet is already gone, when the movement occurs. I hope that answers your question.
Phantom
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| | | Name: Keith Bullock
Email: kayteeb@sbcglobal.net
QUESTION:
Please help me understand the pattern that is displayed on your front page regarding the USBC tournament. We are going there next month (Corpus Christi), and want to know what the shot is going to be like. Thanks in advance.
Thanks, Keith Bullock ANSWER: Dear Keith:
Basically, the pattern design is shown in 2-phases: Forward and Reverse, as the lane machine goes up-and-down the lane. The forward pass puts the shape of the oil pattern on the lane, and the reverse pass gives the pattern longevity. Keep in mind that the oil pattern is only one-piece of the puzzle and it doesn't necessarily tell you where to play. The lane surface usually will dictate that, based on the crowns, depressions, cross tilts, etc. Sometimes on a typical house pattern, the true lane characteristics are hidden by a huge amount of oil in the middle, which is commonly called a block. A blocked lane can have ratios as high as 5:1 (or more). The USBC pattern is NOT blocked. Good Luck in Corpus Christi. Phantom
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| | | Name: Jimmy B.
Email: jtsbrown@webtv
QUESTION:
I just listened to your Phantom Radio Show with Doctor Bowl Good and really enjoyed it. I remember his column years ago in Bowlers Journal magazine. I think that his name is Chuck Pezzano, a bowling writer from New York (or New Jersey).He used to be the PBA Tournament Director in the Eastern Region. Am I right?
Thanks, Jimmy B. ANSWER: Hi Jimmy, thanks for your note about the Show. I do know for a fact that it is NOT Chuck Pezzano. I know Chuck very well, and as a matter of fact, he will be on an upcoming Show, starting March 22. Dr. BowlGood also has an east coast accent (like Chuck's), but you will be able to tell the difference when Chuck is on the Show. Thanks again for your input. Phantom
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| | | Name: Ernie Thornquist
Email: mrtwitchy8@hotmail.com
QUESTION:
I've been watching the PBA for a long time and wanted your opinion on the new wave of bowlers. They all seem to hook the ball a lot more than the bowlers did years ago. My question is: I know that technology is helping to create all of this hook, but it seems that it is also creating a lot of bowlers that nobody heard of. In your opinion, is this good or bad for the overall game?
Thanks, Ernie T. ANSWER: That's a great question, Ernie. Since everybody has an opinion, here is mine. I think that it is BAD for the game. With no disrespect for the players of today, this new technology in bowling balls not only allows the players to hook the ball a great deal, but the balls (being more aggressive) do destroy the oil patterns at a much faster pace than it used to. When the oil pattern breaks down in the way that it does today, it creates unpredictable ball reaction. When lanes become unpredictable, the overall environment becomes a crap-shoot, and when this occurs it creates confusion for the players. Anytime the word confusion is used, it CAN'T be good. Phantom |
| | | Name: Phil Paskos
Email: pask@trip.net
QUESTION:
It's been a while since you've had Diandra Asbaty as a guest on your Phantom Radio Show. Do you have plans to have her on again in the future?
Thanks. Phil P ANSWER: Diandra was a wonderful Guest when we had her on the Show last time. She is also an exceptional bowler and ambassador for our sport. We would love to have her on the Show again soon. Stay tuned! Phantom |
| | | Name: Michael
Email: kocan80@yahoo.com
QUESTION:
Hello, I was wondering if you had any information on the Phoenix KOSI Software? I can't find any info for a trial disc or an unlock code. Can you please lead me in the right direction on where I could go? Thank you so very much.
Michael
ANSWER: Please contact Bruce Fitzgerald or Larry Vezina at the Kegel Company and they will be more than happy to assist you. Their Toll Free number is: 1.800.280.2695 . Phantom |
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Jens from Sweden
QUESTION:
Hello Phantom,
If I may, I'd like to tap your brain. I am responsible for the bowling coach training programme of the Swedish Bowling Federation. One of our top coaches is currently following an elite sports coaching/training programme arranged by the Swedish Sports Confederation. As a part of this programme, our guy is looking into the physical aspects of bowling. In particular, he is trying to identify the unique physical requirements of bowling in order to enhance existing training methods - as well as developing new ones. In short, he is trying to get a better understanding of what it takes physically to be a successful bowler. We haven't done any research on this subject before in Sweden . I was wondering if you are aware if any such studies have been made in the U.S. , or elsewhere.
Best regards, Jens
ANSWER:
Hello Jens:
Personally, I do not know of any scientific studies or tests that have been made regarding your question. However, I am sure that there have been. For further information, I would go to www.bowl.com and contact the Director of Coaching Bob Maki, and/or Team USA Head Coach, Jeri Edwards. They are both great coaches and very fine people. Hopefully, they will be able to help you. Please keep me informed on your progress regarding your question.
Thanks.
Phantom
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Tyler
2587@aol.com
QUESTION: Phantom, do local association directors and local bowling alley coaches get paid by the USBC? ANSWER:
Tyler :
To my knowledge, the local USBC Association Directors are volunteers. Local coaches are NOT paid by USBC, but they may or may not be paid by the bowling centers - that is strictly up to the local bowling center. For further information regarding the USBC, go to their website at: www.bowl.com
Phantom
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Terrance Polimogul
hr1107@cs.com
QUESTION:
Do you think there is a sharp contrast to the sport of bowling and the game of golf? If so, what are your opinions on the two sports? ANSWER: Terrance, I thank you for the question. There are many differences in the two sports; however there are also many similarities. Some of the obvious similarities are that both are individual sports that require many different physical fundamentals that need to be learned and repeated in order to achieve the success that is desired. Both can be played as strictly recreational, or (for those who are talented enough), can be escalated to a higher level based on ones abilities. On the higher levels, both require strong physical AND mental games. The contrasts (or differences) are many. The major one is that golf is basically played in the "air"(except for putting), whereas bowling is a game played strictly on a "surface". In bowling, most of the variables can NOT be seen, such as the "crowns and depressions" in the bowling lane surface, the almost invisible "oil" (and its movement) and a host of others that are too numerous to mention here. And we all know that we can see most of the obstacles in golf, such as; "out of bounds", "lakes", "creeks", "sand traps", "undulating greens" etc. Both sports are challenging and can be played for most of ones life and can be very competitive based on the standard handicapping systems that are commonly practiced. The Phantom
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Guru
gurugp@hotmail.com
COMMENT: Nice program last week with Mr. Curtis Woods. He should go back on the Tour and if he won, bowling may never be the same. Nice to hear his upbeat attitude.
Gary Parsons ANSWER: Thanks Guru! I agree! The Phantom
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David Meyers
bowlingsicko@gmail.com
QUESTION:
Where can I listen to any of the old Phantom Radio Shows?
Thanks. David ANSWER: We started doing The Phantom Radio Show in 2002 and have all of those Shows on a CD. In 2003, we did 52-Shows and they are on 2-CD's - ("2003 Early Edition", the first half of the year, and the "2003 Late Edition", which contains the last half of the year). Please look for those copies which are available in our "Foundation Store", that is on the front page of this website. We are working on doing something for the 2004 Shows, but not sure yet of what to do.
Thanks and stay tuned. The Phantom
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Mark Pickford
pbapro300@carolina.rr.com
QUESTION: Do you think if Steve Sanders Generations Tour gets going well, that the PBA will drop the Senior Tour, or try to compete against the Generations Tour? ANSWER: In my opinion, the PBA will keep the Senior Tour. They need "Today's" player to have something to look forward to in the future. I still think that it is a shame that they don't market the Senior's that they have. The Phantom
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David Siokos
hotcorner300@aol.com
QUESTION: I've been bowling for a few years and I am going on my third year of league bowling and bowl on a flatter house pattern, bowl amateur tournaments, and other more challenging things, work with coaches, ask a lot of questions and most of all I spend a lot of time at the bowling alley practicing. These bowling alleys with the hold (in the middle) should not call their league: "men's league". I believe that they should be called high average leagues (not to be confused with leagues with good bowlers). ANSWER: I agree. We now have "Sport Bowling" which features a more challenging condition. Other leagues should be called something else..like "Recreational Leagues", etc. The Phantom
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Jason Grizzell
Grizzell@cox.net
QUESTION: Where can I go to learn to be a better bowler? Thanks in advance.
Jason ANSWER: I recommend getting a Coach in your area. Another "pair of eyes" is always a good idea when trying to improve your game. Be sure that your Coach has credentials and is qualified. The Phantom
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Anonymous
QUESTION: Phantom, I just started listening to your Show about 6 months ago, as I finally got a hi-speed Internet connection. I was really wondering if you have had any input about the 'standard' ball issue from other Tour guys. I, amongst others, (and I wish to be remain nameless for obvious reasons), have also expressed a desire for a ball that is standard and fair. My question is this: If, and when, will you be discussing this topic? I would really like to hear from Pro's, the PBA, and the bowling ball manufacturers on this matter. Let me know. Your fan,
A PBA Touring Player ANSWER: Thanks for your question and out of respect, I will keep you "anonymous". We have had Guests on the Show who have voiced their opinion about having a "standardized game ball". I am in favor of that and have been for a long time. ALL OTHER Major Sports have one. Some of the problems are: A). Most all of the top Tour Players are affiliated with a Ball Company and they are afraid to speak up for fear of losing their existing Contracts. B). The Ball Companies do NOT want any more restrictions placed on them. C). The USBC is afraid of being sued by putting additional restrictions. ALL OF THOSE FEARS are simply that: FEAR. A great man once said: "All we have to fear, is fear itself". In my opinion, in order for our Sport to gain the credibility it needs is to have a Standardized, Game Ball. Our Sport needs Sponsors. Sponsors are hesitant to come forward when there is a lack of credibility. The PBA should "step-up" and mandate their own rules about this problem. Thanks. The Phantom
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Bob Black
QUESTION: What is your opinion on the USBC proposed rule changes on bowling balls? I could live with the 1-inch Center of Gravity, but not the extra hole. But, more than likely, by the time the rules take effect (if passed), R & D will have answers to overcome them. BB ANSWER: As you know by now, USBC has omitted both of those proposals. Thanks. The Phantom
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Ejay
QUESTION: Hi Phantom.
Congratulations on a great web site - I just only discovered it and I'm stunned by all the info. I have a question that's been troubling me for quite a while: Why is it that my spare ball keeps rolling over the thumb hole, where as my strike ball doesn't? Mind you, it's not really a problem, since my spare percentage is (mostly - almost) satisfactory to my standards (overall average plus minus 200, home lane average 205 to 210) - it's just annoying, because it's always good for a chuckle among the other players, which is okay when you're training or just playing for fun, but sometimes it makes me nervous in tournaments.
My strike balls roll quite close to the thumb hole, but always smoothly, except one of them, one that's drilled quite neutrally (I hope that makes sense), like the spare ball. I guess it has something to do with my release - I just can't figure out how to correct it. I know I tend to release a bit early - could that be the reason? Any ideas what to do?
Thanks in advance, and have a nice day - or do you prefer night, being a phantom?
Cheers,
ejay ANSWER: For this somewhat "technical" question (problem), I have referred to the Head Teaching Pro at the Kegel Training Center, Randy Stoughton.
He comments: The "problem" is in the release along with the ball type. The release is causing the roll to locate itself over the thumb hole. The type of ball, 3-piece pancake weight block keeps the ball roll in the same place all the way down the lane. Your strike ball is probably doing the same thing, but the dynamic core design inside the ball causes the ball roll to flare away from the thumb hole. The flare dynamics built into the core allows the ball to roll smoothly and flare away from the thumb hole in your case. Laying out dynamic core designed bowling balls is an art form for just that reason. If the core pin is placed in a flare safe zone, the ball roll misses all the gripping holes and the extra hole, if used. The pancake weight block doesn't have enough RG differential to cause the ball roll to flare much (if any), which is why your spare ball keeps rolling over the thumb hole from start to finish. Like you said, it really isn't a performance issue because the roll of the ball is performing the way you want it to and that's what really counts. If this was your strike ball and the ball was rolling over the thumb hole, then we would be recommending a release change or timing change to produce a roll change. One of the recommended changes to "Lower" your ball track would be to get your fingers to rotate counter clock wise during the release to cause more of a spinning roll as opposed to a high roll, like you have now. Your release now is more like a "yo-yo" release that is end-over-end. This kind of delivery keeps the change of direction to a minimum and produces a "heavy" rolling ball which is great for spares. Walter Ray Williams, Jr. uses this release for all of his single pin spares and/or whenever he chooses to use his polyester spare ball. His ball also bounces a little as it goes down the lane to cover the 10-pin. He is also regarded as the World's best spare shooter, so it can't be too bad! Thanks for your compliments about our web site. The Phantom
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Dave Milichichi
davemilichichi@yahoo.com
QUESTION: I am a 48-year old man. I used to throw a full-roller (a very good full-roller), one of the best in the SF Bay Area. I switched after about 20-years. The reason that I switched was because a great man and bowler by the name of JOHNNY O, said: "If you switched to a 3/4 roller you would kill 'em", (like I wasn't killing them already). So, I switched and now I throw a sad, 7/8 roller. However, if I stand behind the approach, I throw a killer 3/4 roller. Why can't I do that while walking 4-steps on the approach? ANSWER: (NOTE: I received this e-mail from a man that has changed his game. Not knowing exactly what he means, I have asked Randy Stoughton (Kegel Training Center Manager) to help me with it. The following is his answer.....) "This man is having some serious issues with "what he wants" vs. "what he needs" vs. "what he can physically do". So far, all we know is that he was a full roller for 20-years and someone told him he would be great if he would change over to a 3/4 release. The problem appears that he isn't getting that killer "end result" that JOHNNY O promised him that he would. I don't get what he means by ."If I stand behind the approach I throw a killer 3/4 roller." If he isn't happy with the 7/8 roller (whatever "that" means) then I advise him to go back and bowl with the killer full roller and stop worrying about why he can't get the 3/4 roll he thinks he wants (or needs). If he thinks he has to change to a 3/4 roll, have him get "one-on-one" coaching with someone who can help him in person. The Kegel Training Center is the perfect place for this change to take place. I'm good, but not good enough to advise someone (I have never seen before) on what he needs to change to fix a problem that I don't really understand. Best advice I can give is to practice the release technique by throwing a small sized football, underhanded with a spiral, into his couch or chair. The hand motion that is required to throw the spiraling football is the same motion / technique as rolling a bowling ball with a 3/4 roll. Do the football release 10-times, and then try the bowling ball 3-times. Then back to the football again and then back (again) to the bowling ball. Do this exercise 5-times, then increase the bowling ball throws to 5-times for the next 5-exercises. Do that for 5-times and then increase the bowling ball to 10-throws for 5-times. Then go to the lanes and try to do the one-step approach with the new release. Bowl at least one-game with the one-step approach before moving on to the full 4-step approach. " Randy Stoughton
Kegel Training Center Manager
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