After I throw my strike shot, I almost always fall off to the right. Is there a common reason for this?

Generally speaking, losing one's balance to the right is a sure sign of late timing. Whether you have a four- or five-step approach, the ball position must not be too far behind the slide foot at the finish of the slide. When the slide foot has reached the foul line well before the ball, the bowler must pull down very hard with his arm and shoulder in order to release the ball properly. When this happens, most people will lose their balance and fall to the right.

There are two main causes for late timing: fast feet or late pushaway. When a bowler rushes the foul line, the feet move much faster than the armswing, causing the ball to be well behind the slide foot at the completion of the slide. Likewise, if you start the ball into the swing after the key step (the first step in a four-step approach, the second step in a five-step approach) has taken place, this will also cause late timing.

Chances are that one of the causes above is what you're experiencing. I suggest having a qualified instructor analyze your game; he/she can probably help you solve the problem.

I've been having wrist problems for quite some time now. Could you possibly recommend a wrist brace that provides support without being overly bulky?

The most popular wrist device sold in my store is Robby's Plus Wrist Positioner. It has double metal braces inside a light vinyl exterior. (This glove is so functional that a local orthopedic doctor purchases them from me for some of his patients.)

Master Industries also makes a fine wrist support in the Wrist Master 2. This glove is even less bulky than the Robby's, but is not quite as sturdy in its support.

The problem with most wrist supports is that they make your hand and arm perspire. For this, you can purchase a terry cloth wrist liner to absorb the excess perspiration.

Boy, am I glad you asked this question! One of the most irritating myths associated with bowling balls is that positive side weight makes them hook more. I have two words for that: No way!

Regardless of what Bo Burton said on TV earlier this year, side weight does not make the ball hook appreciably more on the back end. As a matter of fact, static balances are of little importance to the reaction of today's high-tech balls.

The reason your Ninja stopped hooking is probably surface-related. After bowling 20 games, the ball's surface has absorbed large amounts of lane conditioner and the sanding lines were smoothed out in the track. Both of these factors will greatly reduce the hook potential of your ball.

Try having your ball wet-sanded with 240-grit sandpaper and then cleaned with a reactive ball cleaner. That should restore the ball's hooking power.

Also, don't worry about the number of times you sand the ball; the process has no negative side effects.

Next issue, I will begin a two-part article that covers all of the factors that create ball reaction-both primary and secondary.