Q. I have been having trouble with my shoulder lately. After 1 or 2 games it gets extremely sore. I think it is arthritis setting in. What would you suggest? I don't want to give up bowling.

A. First thing I would do is drop down the weight of the ball. Most bowlers fight this suggestion because they think it will cost them carry. This is a rumor in many cases it will help your carry. The new reactive balls finish so strong today that the lighter weight may carry better.

Q. I have the dream of going pro but I know I am not ready. What steps can I take to get ready?

A. There is many good amateur scratch tournaments to bowl in. These will help you to gain confidence and experience. If you check with the better local bowlers in your area they will tell you of any organized weekend scratch tournament tours. You can also bowl in PBA regional competition without joining the PBA until you have cashed twice or won after that you have to join. If it is big bucks you are after many of the Megabuck tournaments have higher prize funds than PBA tournaments. These are mostly held in Las Vegas under the name of High Rollers or Eliminators.

Q. My ball was drilled to fit me but my thumb goes up and down in size. I use tape but I am constantly changing it. I like my thumb tight for feel but if I get 1 piece of tape too many I hang up. Is there any help for my problem.

A. This has been a problem forever. There are many kinds of tape, grips and inserts on the market that are all supposed to be the answer. I think I have tried them all at one time or another. I have found just recently what I think maybe a great solution. It is new to the market place and is not widely available at the moment. To almost everyone reading this it will most likely be the first time you have ever heard of this. It is called the Magic Carpet. It is the same size as a piece of bowlers tape but is actually made of nylon carpet. It takes up the space of about 3 pieces of bowlers tape. So you need the thumb to be big enough to allow for this space, if you need more space taken up you can tape the front of the hole. It won't take much extra tape. Place the carpet directly behind the knuckle of the thumb at the back of the hole. Magic Carpet makes the thumb hole feel so tight that you think the ball stick but when you try it you will find that you come out very clean. The reason for this is the air space between the fibers of nylon will not allow any suction to build up so the release is clean. When you first try it you will think it is to rough it might make the skin red on you thumb the first time but this goes away after that. I also had to loosen it during competition once and I tried sanding it worked like a charm and felt even softer after I sanded it. They are extremely durable and you will find you use a lot less tape and create the best feel in thumb hole you have ever had. If you want to try some until they are more widely distributed you will have to contact me to get them. They cost $1.50 ea. you can reach me by e-mail at the bottom of this article or send me a self addressed stamped envelope with the money for the amount you want to Bob Korth 750 Hemlock Ave. Central Point, Or. 97502 I will get them in the next mail.