On June 4, 2003, PWBA bowler Leanne Barrette conducted a chat on bowl.com. Following is a transcript of that chat.

Leanne Barrette (Jun 4, 2003 5:55:19 PM) Good evening everyone. Thanks for logging on. I'm ready to go.

beachbum89 (Jun 4, 2003 5:58:46 PM) Hi Leanne, my family and I are fans of yours. How do you prepare for a reverse block condition?

Leanne Barrette (Jun 4, 2003 5:58:46 PM) Thanks for being a fan. The sport condition we use is a lot like a reverse block condition. It usually requires me to play deep inside. Usually the further left I get the more room I'll have on the lane.

tubasam (Jun 4, 2003 6:00:05 PM) Hey Leanne. I have been bowling for about 2 years. I am left-handed and about a 160-165 average bowler. My question is no matter how much I try I can not get the 7pin. I always miss it. I have done everything imagiable and I was wondering if you had any sugestions?

Leanne Barrette (Jun 4, 2003 6:00:05 PM) Have you tried getting a plastic ball and changing your angle to the seven pin?

Andi (Jun 4, 2003 6:02:09 PM) Hello Leanne. What was different with the lane conditions from qualifying to the TV Show. It seems the scores where higher during qualifying for the Open?

Leanne Barrette (Jun 4, 2003 6:02:10 PM) After qualifying the lanes got a little tougher. On the TV show they were the toughest they had been all week. Sometimes that's from the TV lights. I just tried to play them a little straighter than I had all week, which is sometimes tough for me.

BowlersStar (Jun 4, 2003 6:02:22 PM) Hey.

Leanne Barrette (Jun 4, 2003 6:02:22 PM) Hi.

BowlersStar (Jun 4, 2003 6:03:51 PM) Uhh, Leanne, I am practicng for the state tournament. I use a fingertip (no finger grips) and an 11 lb. ball. I'm 12 but I am not experiencing anything that is getting better. My average has not gone up since I got this new ball (changed from plastic to a urathane) but I have bowled good with it, but I need info on lane conditions.

Leanne Barrette (Jun 4, 2003 6:03:51 PM) I'm not sure I understand your question.

Ring10 (Jun 4, 2003 6:04:05 PM) Hi Leanne.

Leanne Barrette (Jun 4, 2003 6:04:05 PM) Hi.

Guest (Jun 4, 2003 6:04:21 PM) Hi.

Leanne Barrette (Jun 4, 2003 6:04:21 PM) Hi John.

quadxxx (Jun 4, 2003 6:05:32 PM) Boomer, what's the trick to eating a healthy diet while living on the road for weeks at a time?

Leanne Barrette (Jun 4, 2003 6:05:32 PM) It is very hard to watch your diet while on the road. I try to stay at hotels with kitchens, etc. and I do alot of cooking in my room. And, I try not to eat too much late at night.

tubasam (Jun 4, 2003 6:06:35 PM) So you dont have any suggestions for me?

Leanne Barrette (Jun 4, 2003 6:06:35 PM) well, I think the best thing is to change angles and practice which one is easiest for you.

tom1963 (Jun 4, 2003 6:07:42 PM) Can you give me a tip on hitting the 1-2 pocet more often. I am left-handed and sometimes cross over.

Leanne Barrette (Jun 4, 2003 6:07:43 PM) You might need to move your feet right, or get a ball that doesn't hook as much as the one you're using now.

Andi (Jun 4, 2003 6:08:34 PM) Last time we talked in CA, you recommened the V2 Particle (great ball). Now what do you recommend with the new line coming out?

Leanne Barrette (Jun 4, 2003 6:08:35 PM) Ebonite has some great new balls out now. Last week I had my 2 highest blocks with the new Vortex 2 Strong. Great ball!

DR. CHIRO (Jun 4, 2003 6:08:47 PM) Hello Leanne.

Leanne Barrette (Jun 4, 2003 6:08:47 PM) Hi there.

tubasam (Jun 4, 2003 6:09:32 PM) Hey Leanne, what happened last week? I thought you would win it all.

Leanne Barrette (Jun 4, 2003 6:09:33 PM) The lanes were pretty tough. Had a good first match with Kelly. She really bowled great and deserved to win.

Ring10 (Jun 4, 2003 6:10:37 PM) Hi Leanne. What Ebonite ball do you use on most fresh conditions?

Leanne Barrette (Jun 4, 2003 6:10:37 PM) Well, fresh conditions are sometimes wet/dry so I would most likely use something particle. I really like the Apex Addiction.

BowlersStar (Jun 4, 2003 6:12:03 PM) I stand to the second dot to the right, and I throw between the 2nd and 3rd arrows. It seems I always get 7 or 10 pins staying therefore my score stays low all the time because I'm not getting strikes and I'm not good at getting 10 pin spares. Any ideas?

Leanne Barrette (Jun 4, 2003 6:12:03 PM) Thats a tough question. Practicing those 7's and 10's might help.

DR. CHIRO (Jun 4, 2003 6:12:59 PM) Leanne, what do you do to stay physically fit? Have you ever experienced any back strains?

Leanne Barrette (Jun 4, 2003 6:12:59 PM) My back has been pretty good thankfully. I do have a left hip problem so my main emphasis is to keep my legs strong. I try to do alot of walking.

quadxxx (Jun 4, 2003 6:13:44 PM) So you like to cook? What's your specialty?

Leanne Barrette (Jun 4, 2003 6:13:45 PM) I love Italian and I have a pretty good chicken/veggie lasagna recipe.

tom1963 (Jun 4, 2003 6:14:58 PM) Hi Leanne, I have problems with my thumb sticking during release. It swells a little after the second game. Any ideas?

Leanne Barrette (Jun 4, 2003 6:14:58 PM) You might try getting your thumb hole a size bigger, and putting some tape in. Then when your thumb swells, just take the tape out.

LUNG4DAD (Jun 4, 2003 6:15:11 PM) Hi Boomer, hope you bowl well this week.

Leanne Barrette (Jun 4, 2003 6:15:11 PM) Hi Dad. Me too!

Guest (Jun 4, 2003 6:15:58 PM) I'm a 180-average bowler, but have been consistently bowling 150 games on the drier condition at our lanes. What advice can you give me?

Leanne Barrette (Jun 4, 2003 6:15:58 PM) How about a new ball? On the drier conditions, you might want to try the new Savage Flip by Ebonite.

tubasam (Jun 4, 2003 6:16:53 PM) Do you talk to yourself like Kelly does, and if so, does it help?

Leanne Barrette (Jun 4, 2003 6:16:53 PM) I talk to myself, sometimes not all that nice though!

tom1963 (Jun 4, 2003 6:17:42 PM) That was a classic match. I was standing up in front of TV. Both of you deserved to win.

Leanne Barrette (Jun 4, 2003 6:17:42 PM) It was a great match, thanks! Kelly has been way overdue for a title!

Ring10 (Jun 4, 2003 6:18:29 PM) Leanne, does the Vortex 2 Strong have a particle or reactive coverstock? Also, what ball do you go to when there is a good amount of carry down on the backends?

Leanne Barrette (Jun 4, 2003 6:18:29 PM) I believe the V2 Strong is reactive, and it also worked well last week when the backends were tighter.

BowlersStar (Jun 4, 2003 6:19:58 PM) I know, but do you have any information for me for getting it into the pocket?

Leanne Barrette (Jun 4, 2003 6:19:58 PM) You might try (in practice) moving your feet around on the approach.

tubasam (Jun 4, 2003 6:20:32 PM) Hey Leanne, what do you of think the Blade Reactive Hammer?

Leanne Barrette (Jun 4, 2003 6:20:32 PM) Well, I only throw Ebonite. I think Kendra Gaines will be on for a chat in the next few weeks, you might ask her.

tlouie888 (Jun 4, 2003 6:20:49 PM) Hello everyone, especially Leanne.

Leanne Barrette (Jun 4, 2003 6:20:49 PM) Hello.

quadxxx (Jun 4, 2003 6:21:12 PM) What would you be doing if you weren't a pro bowler?

Leanne Barrette (Jun 4, 2003 6:21:12 PM) I really enjoy working with kids, so maybe a teacher.

DR. CHIRO (Jun 4, 2003 6:21:45 PM) I'm glad to here you walk. Walking is very good for keeping the spine in shape. Do you have access to a Chiropractor when your on the tour?

Leanne Barrette (Jun 4, 2003 6:21:46 PM) Yes, at some of our events, a local chiropractor will offer their services, which is nice.

Andi (Jun 4, 2003 6:22:26 PM) It seems like the tour has a shorter schedule. How do you feel about that?

Leanne Barrette (Jun 4, 2003 6:22:26 PM) I don't really like the shorter schedule because I love to bowl. I would bowl 40 weeks of the year if I could.

tlouie888 (Jun 4, 2003 6:23:59 PM) Leanne, when is a good time to approach a great bowler as yourself? I would love to meet you one day, but the only time I see myself meeting you is at a tour stop. I hold all stars in the highest respect, but I don't want to disturb or bother them. I figure I don't want to bother bowlers while they are bowling and I don't want to bother you while you are at dinner or something like that. So when is a good time?

Leanne Barrette (Jun 4, 2003 6:23:59 PM) I think the best time is after our practice session, the day before the tournament actually starts. We have pro ams and usually have more free time to talk to people.

tubasam (Jun 4, 2003 6:24:58 PM) Hey Leanne. Recently I got 9 strikes in a row and then I choked and didn't get my 300. Any sugestions to calm my self down when I am going for the 300?

Leanne Barrette (Jun 4, 2003 6:24:58 PM) Just try to block out nervous thoughts. Deep breathes always help me.

quadxxx (Jun 4, 2003 6:26:40 PM) Do you have a standard pre-shot routine? What is going through your mind just before you start your approach?

Leanne Barrette (Jun 4, 2003 6:26:41 PM) Everyone makes fun of my pre-shot routine. I am fidgety, just trying to get my legs comfortable. A pre-shot routine is good, and keeping it the same is a great idea.

Ring10 (Jun 4, 2003 6:27:51 PM) What mental techniques do you use during match play to stay focused?

Leanne Barrette (Jun 4, 2003 6:27:52 PM) I keep my focus by staying within my area, my settee. I try not to look around to see what others are doing. Sometimes I will even read a newspaper or magazine just to keep me in my own thoughts.

tom1963 (Jun 4, 2003 6:29:05 PM) Leanne, how many bowling balls do you take with you during competition and do you bowl any regional tournemants in PA or New Jersey?

Leanne Barrette (Jun 4, 2003 6:29:05 PM) I have about 24 balls with me right now. Ebonite has so many great balls and when I do well with them I tend to keep them with me for a long time. I dont think I'll make it to any east coast regionals this year, sorry.

teamzim (Jun 4, 2003 6:30:40 PM) Hi Leanne. Great showing on a tough match. I'd like to ask you how many hours of practice you suggest per week?

Leanne Barrette (Jun 4, 2003 6:30:41 PM) It depends on your schedule. When I was home I usually practiced about 2 hours 4-5 days a week. Anyone that can fit in a day or 2 of practice, even for an hour is good.

tlouie888 (Jun 4, 2003 6:32:04 PM) Most of the time I consider myself a decent bowler, and I carried a 198 average for the 2000 season. In the 2001 season I only bowled in a sport condition/challenge league and only averaged 154. Mentally, I am in the dumps and don't know what to do. So far I have taken this year off to work on my game, but I still don't see any improvement. Any suggestions?

Leanne Barrette (Jun 4, 2003 6:32:04 PM) I have some friends that bowled the Sport leagues and their averages went down as well. I suggest a regular league on some decent conditions to get you back in the swing of things.

Andi (Jun 4, 2003 6:33:08 PM) How much do you practice a week, and what are the main things you would work on?

Leanne Barrette (Jun 4, 2003 6:33:09 PM) My practice varies, but usually about 2 hours a day. I practice on my new equipment, how it compares to each other so I can make proper adjustments when I get on tour. I practice spares as well.

Guest (Jun 4, 2003 6:34:52 PM) I have noticed that when you bowl you tuck your little finger. What does that do to the ball?

Leanne Barrette (Jun 4, 2003 6:34:52 PM) I have tucked my little finger since I was about 10 years old. It changes my hand position and gives me more rotation. My coach, Rod Ross, has helped me untuck it and that gives me a whole new roll on my ball, which is what I was doing at the US Open.

quadxxx (Jun 4, 2003 6:35:11 PM) Its gone public now that the Tour is in dire straits. Do you think there will be bowling beyond Rockford in a couple weeks?

Leanne Barrette (Jun 4, 2003 6:35:12 PM) I sure hope so!

tubasam (Jun 4, 2003 6:36:01 PM) Are you good friend with Wendy Mcpherson? I live in her home town of Hednerson, NV, and I see her at my home lanes a lot and I was just wondering.

Leanne Barrette (Jun 4, 2003 6:36:01 PM) Wendy and I have known each other since we were little girls. We even bowled state tournaments together, and of course, we won!

teamzim (Jun 4, 2003 6:37:24 PM) How often does a pro bowler need a chiropractor? And, how do you know when you need one? Seems like everyone is always seeking chiropractic care on the tour from the lady announcers point of view.

Leanne Barrette (Jun 4, 2003 6:37:24 PM) Everyone has their own needs from the chiropractor. My hips usually get out of whack. Driving in the car all day is hard on your back and legs. Some girls get massages, some go to the chiropractor.

big bowler (Jun 4, 2003 6:38:25 PM) What do you suggest to help stop "topping" the ball at the point of release?

Leanne Barrette (Jun 4, 2003 6:38:25 PM) Try to keep your thumb up at all times, it's easy to do.

teamzim (Jun 4, 2003 6:38:45 PM) I met you in Tacoma, WA for an Ebonite demo day. So glad to see you back on TV where you belong. Thanks again for taking time to come up here and help!

Leanne Barrette (Jun 4, 2003 6:38:45 PM) That was a great Demo Day, you guys were so nice, thanks!

quadxxx (Jun 4, 2003 6:39:56 PM) What do you do with your off-time while on the road during the weeks. Does boredom ever strike out there?

Leanne Barrette (Jun 4, 2003 6:39:57 PM) Well, if I am bowling well I don't really have too much time off. We usually spend one day driving to the next city, and the next day is for laundry, errands, etc. Sometimes we'll do something fun like a ball game or a movie.

bowl333 (Jun 4, 2003 6:40:42 PM) What do you think about adding a color to the oil on the lane?

Leanne Barrette (Jun 4, 2003 6:40:42 PM) I think thats a great idea so people can see the so called hazards, like out of bounds, etc. Good idea.

FLA Female Bowler (Jun 4, 2003 6:41:21 PM) Hey Leanne, any Florida tour stops for you ladies this year?

Leanne Barrette (Jun 4, 2003 6:41:22 PM) No, unfortunately we won't be down there this year. Too bad, always good crowds in Florida.

BowlersStar (Jun 4, 2003 6:42:14 PM) So Leanne, when I move around my feet (like you said), should I keep my mark (1st and 2nd arrow) the same?

Leanne Barrette (Jun 4, 2003 6:42:15 PM) You should probably just experiment and see what works for you.

FLA Female Bowler (Jun 4, 2003 6:43:11 PM) How do you get so many rev's on the ball.

Leanne Barrette (Jun 4, 2003 6:43:12 PM) I'm not exactly sure about that one. I have hooked the ball since I was a little girl. I have a big hand with long fingers, that helps. And, I have a pretty quick release.

quadxxx (Jun 4, 2003 6:44:08 PM) I guess your pre-shot routine is a little awkward sometimes, especially when you get the feet tapping thing going. But it's hard to argue with 26 titles!

Leanne Barrette (Jun 4, 2003 6:44:09 PM) I've been trying to control it some but what would my friends give me grief about if I were plain?? Ha ha.

tubasam (Jun 4, 2003 6:45:19 PM) I tryed out for my high school team eariler this year and I qualifed with the highest average of a 186 and then as the leauge started I slipped slowly down to the 160's and I was wondering is there a cure for inconsistancy?

Leanne Barrette (Jun 4, 2003 6:45:19 PM) Well, we all go through slumps. Practice is the only thing that really helps me, and my coach of course!

Guest (Jun 4, 2003 6:45:52 PM) Leanne, do you know if the PWBA has any plans to have a tournament in Arizona?

Leanne Barrette (Jun 4, 2003 6:45:52 PM) We are currently scheduled to bowl in Mesa. I think the first week in October.

FLA Female Bowler (Jun 4, 2003 6:46:24 PM) Do you ship your equipment on a PWBA tourning truck like some of the PBA bowlers do?

Leanne Barrette (Jun 4, 2003 6:46:24 PM) I have an Expedition so I lug it all on my own.

tubasam (Jun 4, 2003 6:47:02 PM) Is the tour coming to Vegas anytime soon?

Leanne Barrette (Jun 4, 2003 6:47:02 PM) I dont think we're coming there this year. First time since I have been on tour that we havent bowled in Vegas.

teamzim (Jun 4, 2003 6:47:55 PM) Do you use different hand positions when you face different lane conditions, or do you prefer changing balls? Or both?

Leanne Barrette (Jun 4, 2003 6:47:55 PM) I do a little bit of both, depends on how much the lanes change. I only really have 2 hand postions that I feel comfortable with, but I have lots of bowling ball choices.

quadxxx (Jun 4, 2003 6:48:44 PM) I stumbled across your Web site recently. Any plans for future development of the site?

Leanne Barrette (Jun 4, 2003 6:48:44 PM) I have my friend Travis doing that Web site for me. He's in college and sometimes pretty busy, but he's working on updating it.

big bowler (Jun 4, 2003 6:50:08 PM) What is the key to good carry when you have slower ball speed?

Leanne Barrette (Jun 4, 2003 6:50:08 PM) I think the angle of entry to the pocket is the key to good carry. I try to keep it tighter in the 1-3. If I have too much angle, I leave corner pins.

Guest (Jun 4, 2003 6:50:59 PM) How do you pick your bowling balls for the shot?

Leanne Barrette (Jun 4, 2003 6:50:59 PM) Well, we have practice sessions and I get to try all of them and I usually narrow it down to 8 or 10, and go from there.

tlouie888 (Jun 4, 2003 6:52:11 PM) Do you still bowl in leagues when you aren't on tour? If so what is the highest average you have carried? I know you would just tear up a house shot!

Leanne Barrette (Jun 4, 2003 6:52:12 PM) I bowled league with some friends this year since I was home for more time. I averaged 224, and I got most improved! They all laughed at me. My last average in league was only 202.

Guest (Jun 4, 2003 6:52:22 PM) Hey Leanne.

Leanne Barrette (Jun 4, 2003 6:52:22 PM) Hi.

Guest (Jun 4, 2003 6:52:54 PM) What is your most memorable moment on the pro tour?

Leanne Barrette (Jun 4, 2003 6:52:54 PM) Probably winning the 1999 WIBC Queens in Indianapolis.

BowlersStar (Jun 4, 2003 6:53:33 PM) I have tucked my little finger too. I started that about 2 weeks ago and I'm just wondering, is it bad, because won't this damage it after a while?

Leanne Barrette (Jun 4, 2003 6:53:33 PM) I dont think it will damage it, but I do have a big callous on mine.

Guest (Jun 4, 2003 6:54:18 PM) Hey Leanne, what is the hardest thing about bowling in a title match on TV?

Leanne Barrette (Jun 4, 2003 6:54:18 PM) I get pretty nervous. Unlike the first couple days of the tournament, there is only one match going on and it's all eyes on you!

Bowlah (Jun 4, 2003 6:54:37 PM) Leanne, do you find yourself using different wrist positions or do you use mainly your A game and just switch balls?

Leanne Barrette (Jun 4, 2003 6:54:37 PM) I use a little of both.

Guest (Jun 4, 2003 6:55:25 PM) Does the Tour have any plans to come back to Arizona?

Leanne Barrette (Jun 4, 2003 6:55:25 PM) Mesa in October.

quadxxx (Jun 4, 2003 6:56:26 PM) Do you have any specific career goals, for example number of titles, majors, earnings?

Leanne Barrette (Jun 4, 2003 6:56:26 PM) Well, after 17 years on Tour I have accomplished a lot of my goals. I would like to win more majors, I only have one. I think if I keep bowling good, the all time title mark is reachable.

FLA Female Bowler (Jun 4, 2003 6:56:59 PM) Would you be interested in giving the PBA a shot, just like Anika did in golf?

Leanne Barrette (Jun 4, 2003 6:57:00 PM) I dont think so, but she sure did a great job didn't she? I was pulling for her.

tom1963 (Jun 4, 2003 6:57:45 PM) I have problems at times getting proper spin on the ball. I'm left-handed and put my thumb around 3 o'clock. Should I change hand positions?

Leanne Barrette (Jun 4, 2003 6:57:45 PM) Yes, you might try keeping your thumb up toward the 12 o'clock area.

tubasam (Jun 4, 2003 6:58:07 PM) Have you seen Bruce Almighty yet, and if so did you like it?

Leanne Barrette (Jun 4, 2003 6:58:07 PM) Haven't seen it yet, but I want to.

Guest (Jun 4, 2003 6:58:52 PM) What is your most memorible moment on tour?

Leanne Barrette (Jun 4, 2003 6:58:52 PM) The 1999 WIBC Queens, my first major after 19 titles.

teamzim (Jun 4, 2003 6:59:39 PM) Do you ever find yourself bowling "up the boards" or do you always swing it being a hi rev player? What do you go to on totally flat lane conditions?

Leanne Barrette (Jun 4, 2003 6:59:39 PM) Just last week I played the lanes a little more up the boards when I had to. It really cuts down the over/under that I get.

BowlersStar (Jun 4, 2003 7:00:21 PM) For hooking your ball, what main sorce do you use (spinning the wrist..etc?) I take my pointer and middle finger and I use those to put a good curve on it.

Leanne Barrette (Jun 4, 2003 7:00:22 PM) Yes, I also use my index finger to change my rotation.

Leanne Barrette (Jun 4, 2003 7:01:11 PM) Our time is up, thanks to everyone for all your questions. Keep watching.

Leanne Barrette (Jun 4, 2003 7:01:28 PM) Good luck to everyone, BOOMER.