Advice column - The Fans Speak Out - Letter to the Editor

Bowling Digest, June, 2003 by Bill Elliott

I have been a YABA coach for the past 20 years and am constantly asked what causes the 10-pin to remain standing on a good hit. With all due to respect to Bill Spigner and his advice about how to avoid leaving the 1 O-pin on an apparent solid pocket shot ["Use the Conditions to Your Advantage," February 2003], I have a more simple and much less expensive approach, which seems to work most of the time.

What has worked for me and some of my students is to move your feet to the right approximately a half-step, which allows the ball to get a little tighter in the pocket. The reverse seems to work with leaving the 4- or 7-pin on what seems to be a good shot. Just move your feet to the left about a half-step.

I have a tremendous amount of respect for Bill's advice and have used it to improve my game--and as a tool to instruct the kids I coach--but I feel reluctant to advise them to go and spend money before trying this tip.

Bill Elliott
Bonner Springs, Kan.