We all are looking to add a few more pins to our averages. A common question is will a new ball improve my average. For most bowlers it seems that a new ball always seems to help to improve your game.

For a new bowler who does not have a ball, getting your own bowling ball that is fit properly will add many pins to your score. For a bowler who owns their own bowling ball but it was not fit for them or for the bowler who had their ball drilled years ago, upgrading to a ball that fits will improve their scores. Also, the newer balls with their advanced cover stocks and high tech cores will definitely help them knock down more pins.

If you are the type of bowler that averages 180 - 200 then you most likely understand the importance of owning good fitting properly drilled equipment. What the bowler may not realize is the importance of good practice habits. Bowlers who average just below that 200 barrier may not be able to break that barrier because they have tried to find that magic ball that will knock down more pins when what they really need is some fine tuning in their game or a little more experience in adjusting to varying lane conditions quickly enough. Note: (Many bowlers can add a quick 5- 10 pins to their average by purchasing a plastic spare ball and learning how to shoot spares properly).

After reaching the 210 + level bowlers usually understand ball surfaces, ball imbalance, and how to use them on various lane conditions. These are the bowlers who seems to own every ball made. At this level choosing the right ball can make a difference between carrying those few extra corner pins a game.

There is also the bowler, regardless of average, who just has to have a new ball every time a new one comes out. I find myself fitting into that category from time to time. Having the feel of that new ball or the excitement of trying something different is a big mental boost to many. At times I drill a new ball just to get me out of slump - it seems to work most of the time. New bowling balls are clean and get a better reaction than a bowling ball that is not very well maintained. We all know that we don't clean our bowling balls the way we should.

Another reason why an addition to your line-up of balls can help your average is the varying lane conditions that bowlers can face. With today's varying lane conditions it can be to your advantage to have an assortment of ball surfaces and pin layouts in your bag. Ex: If you go to bowl in league or a tournament and the conditions are very dry and the only ball you have in your bag is a ProActive ball, you will probably find that it reacts too early and you may have trouble scoring with this type of ball on this condition. If you had a couple of different bowling balls you may have been able to score.

If bowling is your sport and bowling is what you enjoy. Then indulge yourself and try the latest thing on the market. Just make sure your pro shop is keeping your best interest in mind. The pro shop operator that doesn't want to drill you a new ball simply because they don't think you are ready or could not handle may just have a little bit of an ego problem, thinking that they are that much better than you. There is nothing wrong with having the best equipment in your bag. Just don't think that by buying the best it will make up for a lack of practice and knowledge. ENJOY AND HAVE FUN!