The Foundation / The Phantom / Ask The Phantom

tEMPS AND LANE CONDITIONS

kingpin900 — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 20:10:04 GMT

mY BOWLING CENTER TELLSS ME THAT THEY LAY OUT THE SAME SHOT WINTER AND SUMMER. SAME OIL PATTERN AND MACHINE . YET AS THE WEATHER HEATS UP THE BALL GOES DOWN LONGER. CAN YOU EXPLAIN WHY THIS HAPPENS?

"SAYINGS"

Phantom — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 10:22:26 GMT

This section will be updated often with some of my favorite sayings.

Some of the "sayings" will be thought provoking;
Some of the "sayings" will be famous - from famous people;
Some of the "sayings" will be will be from unknown authors;
Some of the "sayings" will be humorous.

ENJOY !!!!!

Phantom

Lane Machine Question

Vitug — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 22:30:05 GMT

The secondary title sums it up...

What's the difference between the "pad" and "brush" used in sanction technology machines? What is their role in the lane conditioning process and how do they affect the playing conditions? I know there are several variables, but if there are any noticeable differences between the two ways of applying oil on the Sanction Technology... what are they?

What's the difference between Sanction Technology (in a nutshell) vs the new Brunswick Authority 22 lane machines? I understand Sanction works like a inkjet printer, and that the new Brunswick technology involves "jets" that are dedicated to each board on the lane, instead of a moving part that Sanction Technology machines have. Also, like in the first question, what are the differences in the "results" of the applied lane conditioner if compared side by side?

ANSWER:

Your question is highly technical and could produce volumes of written explanation, but basically your answer is this:

The difference between a pad and the brush is in the application of conditioner to the buffer brush. The pad (or wick which is not Sanction Technology) sits with its bottom part in the conditioner tank where the conditioner draws up the pad and saturates the whole pad. When actuated at the programmed moment, the pad drops on the transfer roller which then exchanges conditioner to the buffer brush, then onto the lane.

The transfer brush is used in Sanction Technology in machines that have a conditioner pump. The pump pushes out a measured amount through a stream (or load), with the width of that load determined by the program - then onto the brush which smoothes the load out on to the buffer brush, which then goes onto the lane. These are two different ways to get conditioner onto the lane. The pad method has its drawbacks, as it is way less predictable in the amount that finally gets to the lane; whereas Sanction Technology is a precise measured amount that comes from the tank to the lane.

The difference between Sanction Technology and the Brunswick’s A-22, is that Sanction technology is measured by volume; where the A-22 is measured by distance. Sanction Technology also uses the speed of the machine to help in the front-to-back taper of the oil pattern. The A-22 has one speed and forces more or less conditioner in a programmed area to try to get the front-to-back taper, which is less controllable.

In these days of balls that have the ability to hook a lot, the differences seen on the lane are not that noticeable at first, but as the day goes on, each way of conditioning show different characteristics. The pad machines generally can not put enough conditioner on the lane to handle today’s balls. Sanction Technology (if programmed correctly), can put enough conditioner down and in the right spots to remain playable through any amount of linage. The A-22 can also put down enough for the whole day, but may have more of an issue of getting the oil down where it is exactly needed.

(Hope this helps, and I thank Kegel Tech John Forst for supplying the information).

Phantom

Pro Bowlers Tour - Memorable Moments on Video

mrbowling300 — Tue, 03 Jul 2007 10:22:38 GMT

I thought that people would like watching some of these old video clips from my collection:

http://www.mrbowling300.com

Also, I have a bowling discussion message board as well:

http://forums.mrbowling300.com

I hope you enjoy them!

Duckpins

Smitty300 — Thu, 10 May 2007 10:41:17 GMT

Hey Phantom,

I bowled duckpins a couple of times when I was on the East Coast. It was a lot of fun. Is there anywhere on the West Coast that offers this type of bowling?

Thanks,

Smitty300

Hello Smitty,

YES, duckpins IS a lot of fun, AND very challenging. For more info on duckpins, go to: www.duckpins.com

Phantom

Nationals

Smitty300 — Sun, 01 Apr 2007 12:42:24 GMT

QUESTION:

Hey Phantom,

I'm heading to Reno in June for Nationals. (I only bowl every third year when it's there.)

Is there a track shot on those lanes? Where's the best place to play? I hook the ball a bit, but not a lot.

I'm looking for a starting point and a strategy.

Thanks!

Smitty300

ANSWER:

Hello Smitty300:

The best advice that I can give you is to go to bowl.com/forums

There, you can read all the remarks from players that have already been there. You will see "what" some of the players used and "where" they played.

I am sure that you will find it very informative.

Phantom

*************

Is there a podcast version of the Phantom Radio show?

sportsfan — Wed, 28 Feb 2007 09:53:53 GMT

[b][u]Is there a podcast version of the Phantom Radio show?[/u][/b]

I had one quick question for "Ask The Phantom" - Is there a podcast version of the Phantom Radio show (or in the works?), so fans of the show can download the show and take it with them on their iPod or mp3?

I think a podcast version of the Phantom Radio show would be really good for reaching the younger up-and-coming generation - because most of them have grown up listening to iPods and mp3 players.

We will be doing this some time in the future...we can only load The Phantom with so many new things at one time. :hehe:

Admin

Adjusting lane machine from synthetic to wood.

bowler1 — Fri, 23 Feb 2007 09:16:52 GMT

QUESTION:

I was wondering what kind of changes you would need to make if you going put the USBC National shot on wood lanes.

ANSWER:

The first thing that you would need to do is check the lanes for topography. Before any professional laneman decides what oil pattern is to be used, they need to know what the SHAPE of the lane is.

Once that is determined, then (and only then) can an oil pattern be determined.

Phantom

Bowling Terms

Smitty300 — Thu, 08 Feb 2007 10:18:52 GMT

QUESTION:

Hey Phantom,

I know Chuck Pezzano was on your show a while back and answered questions regarding the origin of various bowling terms. My brother-in-law and I were bowling on the new Nintendo Wii system and when I told him he threw a "Brooklyn" strike he didn't know what I meant. I explained to him what it meant but he wanted to know what the origin of the term was. Apparently my memory isn't what it used to be because I couldn't tell him.

Phantom, what is the origin of the bowling term "Brooklyn"?

Smitty300

ANSWER:

Dear Smitty300:

Back in the early days of bowling in New York and New Jersey, the competition between those two states (because of the close proximity of the two), was fierce and very competitive.

If a bowler from New York threw a "cross-over" strike, the New Jersey bowlers would razz them by saying, "You threw a Jersey."

If a New Jersey bowler threw a "cross-over" strike, the New York bowlers would then refer that to a "Brooklyn".

On the: December 20, 2006 Phantom Radio Show, Chuck Pezzano talks about many of these type of sayings and their origins. Chuck is a long time historian of the Sport.

Phantom

The Phantom Files

Chris — Sat, 13 Jan 2007 18:14:44 GMT

The Phantom Files

(Note: I have been asked many times "how" I got started in bowling. In my published book, "The Tour Would Be Great "IF" You Didn't Have To Bowl", is the following story of how AND why it began. It's hard to believe that it is now 50-years!!. That 'book' is now in CD form and is "On-Sale" here on The Foundation web site. Get your copy today and enjoy).

A Defining Moment Brings a New Love for Bowling

By: The Phantom

On February 14, 2005, the bowling world received news they never wanted to hear. The great Dick Weber, suddenly and unexpectedly, passed away in his sleep. He was 75 years old.

Dick was a man who was loved and worshipped by everyone who knew him. In fact, he was even loved by millions who had never even met him. He was just that kind of guy.

He was to bowling what Arnold Palmer was to golf, Muhammad Ali was to boxing and Babe Ruth was to baseball; all wrapped in one. He almost single-handedly helped bring Professional Bowling onto the national scene (in the late 1950's) when Eddie Elias formed a singles Tour.

Everybody in bowling has at least "one" Dick Weber story.

Here's one of mine.

By 1960, all of us high school "jocks" were out of sports, married and settled down. All of us that is, except my good friend, Billy Hardwick. He was still pursuing his dream of becoming a "real" bowler and joining the newly formed PBA Tour. He was still practicing over 20 games a day and bowling "pot-games" every night. He was now the best in the San Francisco Bay Area. He had desire and determination and he was going to show all of us. I'm sure he was driven to this destination from always being laughed at and teased in high school.

In 1962, he put together a sponsorship package with all of his friends and family to go out on the PBA Tour. We all thought that he was crazy when he asked everybody to give him $100.00 (a lot of money back then). Somehow, he actually did convince a total of 20 people to be part of this syndicate . Most of us just shook our heads in disbelief as he set out to do battle with the greatest bowlers in the world.

He did join the PBA and went on the National Tour. That first year, he bowled in 17 events.
All of his relatives, friends and sponsors closely followed his new career. It was depressing; very, very depressing. He had failed to cash in any of the tournaments. When he came home, I remember him telling me how good those "Pro's" are. I asked him, "What are you going to do now?" He said, "I am going to work on my game some more and go out there next year and beat those guys."

I used to think that he was crazy. But now, I was sure of it.

True to his word, he did go out there again the next year (1963) and he totally dominated the PBA Tour by winning four titles, including the prestigious PBA National Championship. His mastery easily earned him the Bowler of the Year award. WOW!!! What a turnaround!!!

When he came home after that great season, he threw a big party for his friends and family. We were so proud of him. He told me all about the Tour and how great it was to be out there on the "road". He had a new car, new clothes and some fancy jewelry. He gave me a wristwatch that he had won and bought me a pair of lizard-skin shoes. He was on "top-of-the-world". I couldn't believe it. I was so proud of him, as was everyone in our small town.

I had diligently followed his progress in the sports pages of the local papers (when there was some coverage) and talked with him on the phone almost every week when he would call. But, I had never been to a PBA tournament.

I had heard of most of the Pro's, but had never met any of them. Now that my friend was a big-time national star, I told him I would go to the next tournament that was in the area. In 1964, he won the 1 st tournament of the year in Michigan . Then, he won the 3 rd tournament in Costa Mesa , California . He called me and said that I should have been there. I told him that I had to work, but I had planned my vacation to be at the tournament in Las Vegas later that year.

As promised, I did go to Las Vegas . While there, he introduced me to all the guys, including the icons , Don Carter and Dick Weber. I was totally impressed with these two gentlemen.

The following year (1965), I again planned my vacation to go to the Vegas tournament. Billy had won the Firestone Tournament of Champions (beating the great Weber) earlier in the year and now I was a huge fan of the Tour, eagerly watching it every Saturday on ABC-TV.

Once again on my vacation, I showed up in Vegas. While standing in line to check-in at the old Showboat Hotel, Don Carter looked at me once and called me by my name. I almost fainted. How did he remember my name?

Later that day, I was standing on the concourse in the bowling center and Dick Weber also called me by my first name. How did he remember? It had been a year since I had met them for the first time and that was only briefly. How could they possibly remember me?

I thought about the "class" that these two super-stars had. The fact that my friend was successful doing what he loved AND the " class " these two superstars portrayed is why I really "fell-in-love" with bowling.

I'll never forget Dick Weber. I'll never forget where I was on February 14, 2005.

(EDITOR'S NOTE: This is one of more than 40-stories that are contained on that 3, CD set. Don't miss out on your opportunity to hear Len Nicholson (A.K.A. The Phantom) tell some of his favorite stories about many of the Tour's All-Time Greats, including: Earl Anthony, Don Carter, Jason Couch, Billy Hardwick, Jim Godman, Dick Ritger, Bob Strampe, Norm Duke and many, many more).

To order this 3 CD set, contact June Davis: june.davis@kegel.net

ALSO, be sure to tune-in to Phantom Radio each and every week for the interesting and informative interviews with bowling celebrities.

In February 2007, The Phantom paid tribute to "The Man" for the entire month. Go to: "Past Shows" to hear these Classics.

HERE is another story that is on the CD

ENJOY.......

The Beginning

The year was: 1956.

The place was Hillsdale High in San Mateo, California.

My first recollection of Billy Hardwick was that of disbelief. What a sight it was.

He was a sophomore, a year behind me in school. He was all of 5’3” and weighed-in at exactly 99-pounds. He came out for the Varsity football team. The Coach, Frank Collins, said that he was too small to play, but since we were a new school and needed players, he told Billy that he could hold the blocking-bags during practice. He also told him that because of his size (or lack of it) that he wouldn’t be able to issue him a team uniform. But, Billy had guts and said that he still wanted to play. I can still vividly remember that cold and rainy day in September. There he was in his ragged, old sweat-shirt, sweat-pants and wearing his tennis shoes. They were those old “high-top” canvas style and the laces were tied around the tops about 4-times. His skinny, little ankles were way too small to fill-up the tops of the shoes and it looked like he was walking around with two small “sacks-of-potatoes” hanging off of the bottoms of his legs.

I was the Captain of the team and one of the school’s “jocks”. I was a big guy, about 6’2” and very close to 200-pounds, which was fairly big for a junior in high school back in those days. When I saw him standing there, I instantly knew that I just “had” to do something to get everybody to laugh at this scrawny, little guy. Even back then, I had a sick “sense-of-humor”.

The field was very wet and muddy that day, and the first chance I had to block him and his big blocking-bag, I put a little bit “extra” into it. The poor little kid had no chance. He went slipping and sprawling and sliding before eventually ending up on his back in the middle of a huge mud puddle. On his way down, all you could see were arms and legs going in every direction as he tried in vain to maintain his balance. It was an absolute riot. Even all of the Coaches were laughing.

I intentionally humiliated him once again when I reached down to help him up and purposely stepped on his foot with my football cleats. He let out a scream and rolled over (face first) in the mud. Now, he was covered from head-to-toe in the sloppy quagmire. It was hilarious. Everybody there was howling. Everybody that is, except for Billy. Looking back though, I was a big “bully” for doing that to him. Even though he never said it, I am sure that he hated me for doing that.

Basically that was the end of his football career. He did play on the basketball, baseball and cross-country teams. Despite his slight stature, he was a fierce competitor. As the years went by, he would eventually prove “that” to everybody. His burning desire that he possessed soon became evident when a new bowling center opened in our town and he was finally able to find (and, master), his sport.

During that first year, we became the best of friends, and that friendship has been a close one for 6-decades. I owe him a lot from what he has taught me and the countless doors that he has helped me to open. We have (personally) endured a lot together and I have countless stories about him. I will be telling some of them here……at least the ones that are suitable for print!!!!!

Billy went on to enjoy a great career, eventually being inducted into the prestigious ABC (USBC) and PBA Halls of Fame, along with several other Halls.

He is alive and well - and although retired, he now owns a bowling center in Memphis, Tennessee. I still see him now and then and occasionally talk with him on the phone. If you see him, tell him that I said hello.

By the way, he did pay me back. Yeah, he was the rotten egg that got me into bowling!!

Archived Questions

Chris — Sat, 13 Jan 2007 18:10:13 GMT

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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