Getting Fitted at a Bowling Ball Pro Shop

Holy hell, what a guy. My first ball was done in such a hurry, but sadly as a newbie I had no clue what was correct, what to expect from a pro shop owner. After a year of bowling I got another ball from a proper driller, and what a difference it was. If only I had encountered someone like this the very first day

Just had my first lesson with Ron a couple weeks ago. He gave me just enough info to not get overwhelmed and drills to improve my game. I'll be booking many more lessons with Ron. He also connected me with a group going to the Open Championship on May 30th/31st. I expect my average to increase dramatically as I work with Ron more

Love Coach Ron's tip about having your PSO drill all of your balls. My PSO is an hour's drive away. Over the last four years, I've come to trust my local center's PSO, who does a wonderful job. Then during COVID, he moved out of state. I gave the new PSO a try and . . . now I'm back to my guy who is an hour away. Should have never left him . . . .

I started reading some of the negative comments below and some of you people need a attitude adjustment. You couldn't find help if it bit you in the ass. Ron Hoppe is the greatest coach ever. I met him many years ago in Dubai where he helped field a arab bowling team for the olympics. Now he is in my neck of the woods the pacific NW. The proshop you are seeing in the video is none other than Haleys pro shop ran by Jeff Miller one of the top machinist around. I'm 57 years old and have been bowling since I was 10 and a few years back I threw in the towel not being able to throw a 200 anymore. With Mr. Hoppe's Excellent approach to my problem and New equipment I have successfully maintained a 198 average in two leagues and have bowled a couple of 280 + games the last 2 years. So if your are in Burlington WA. and want to run into Norm Duke or some other pro hanging out at the pro shop with Mr. Hoppe then stop in and get your game recharged. Thanks Ron for the cleanest release I've ever had.

this guy has reached the final level. also wish my pro shop had someone as helpful to drill my arsenal

Following Bill Taylor's guide for fitting a bowling ball has saved my hand along with many others I've worked with. The way I look at a thumb hole being pitched and sized correctly is this. If it has to be cut on a whole bunch in order to get the ball to work for you, it wasn't done right the first time. When the fitter uses the bevel knife and sand paper to tweak and tweak and tweak...it wasn't close to start with and it can't be duplicated. That's when they sell you a "mold" in order to duplicate. That shouldn't be necessary. I trust Bill Taylor's book and his philosophy. Not everyone does. I'm in Texas. :-)

Really enjoyed this video. It's so great to listen to the wisdom of an experienced ball technician who's seen it all, and has kept up with the times. Ron is an absolute treasure. Thanks for the video!

Excellent video, loads of quality information. Ron seems to be highly knowledgeable, I'd love to see more videos with him.

Not too many pro shops around. And definitely not too many pro shops with people like Ron. Very good info

I'm a fairly new bowler. Started about 3 months ago. Got a top quality pair of shoes a couple of weeks ago. Now I'm ready to get my ball.... This presentation has greatly helped my understanding of the importance of a proper fit. Now...I need to find an IBPSIA trained tech in the state of Florida.

I have been buying bowling balls since 1979. Lots of things can be bought on-line, but that is not wise for bowling balls because half of what you are buying is custom drilling. Almost the entire job of a pro shop employee is to is expertly fit and drill bowling balls. A qualified pro can take your bowling hand and determine the best layout (sizes, distances, and angles) while you are watching youtube with your other hand. That is really nice having a personal alley.

I wish we had a pro shop and a person like him in my city.

Love that info about the owner statement. I'm just an enthusiastic bowl player of my own. Just start doing training of my own in 2 days now. Thank you!

I still watch bowling tip videos but this video is still by far the best video on how to get the proper fit in you bowling ball.

It helps to get a recommendation as to what pro shop to use. I like the tray of finger inserts shown for sizing. better than simply sticking my fingers through a 2-dimensional metal plate. Next time I want the thumb hole drilled first, then put my thumb in the ball and have the finger hole center points marked.

11:18 used to be my hand when I was younger.  Now my hand looks pristine after league night.  My thumb is slightly sore, but no blisters, no cuts, no blood.  It's all about fit of the ball.

Outstanding video - well done!

Awesome amount of information! Thanks for the video!

Ron is a legend.

Informative. Thanks