Release help
As I continue to struggle to develop a more modern release...one thing I can't seem to mentally wrap my head around is this:
First....the consensus opinion is that a modern release is a swing that starts with the ball to the inside...and the release is very relaxed...the hand rotates relatively little just from inside to behind the ball...and the fingers just kinda "flick" the ball in whatever angle of axis tilt desired.
So here's where I'm struggling...it SEEMS that your ARM is going back and forward...but your wrist/hand is rolling the ball sideways.
I think that's where I'm developing a bit of a mental block is I can understand staying behind the ball and rolling it end over end. I can also understand bringing the hand up the side (hand to the ceiling) because in BOTH cases...the hand and arm are going in the same direction. But it SEEMS that with a modern release...you need to get you hand to almost operate independently of your arm...like rubbing your head and stomach at the same time.
Anyone want to comment and attempt to remove one of Aslan's significant (and plentiful) mental blocks???
Anyone besides Hammer who is just going to quote a Bowlversity article???? (just kidding)
In Bag: (: .) Zen Master Solid; (: .) Perfect Mindset; (: .) Brunswick Endeavor; (: .) Outer Limits Pearl; (: .) Ebonite Maxim
USBC#: 8259-59071; USBC Sanctioned Average = 192; Lifetime Average = 172;
Ball Speed: 14.7mph; Rev. Rate: 240rpm || High Game (sanc.) = 300 (268); High Series (sanc.) = 725 (720); Clean Games: 198
Smokey this is not 'Nam', this is bowling. There are rules. Proud two-time winner of a bowlingboards.com weekly ball give-away!
sorry release is the one area I refuse to try and comment on I get lost in a second beyond the fact that mine works at least somewhat. My PSO commented how up the back of the ball I am I never once considered myself up the back of the ball especially tracking as far from the thumb as I do. I'm just as lost as you and I seem to get more confused the more I think about it
Could probably comment here, but I am not sure I would be ready for the chastising.
One thing I will say is I found it easier to work on my release (what little that has been) by using the one-step approach/drill. Works better than practicing with your full approach. Are you absolutely positive that you are getting your thumb out clean and early?
The other item I will be brave enough to mention, is that until your footwork and approach is very consistent, there isn't much use in working on your release as it may change once your approach is somewhat where you want it to be.
And I might add that you might find that that lesson with Mark Baker may make a huge difference.
OK - I'm done, will not put myself out there more than this, even knowing this may get challenged.
Proud member of bowlingboards.com bowling forums & winner of bowling ball give-away!
High Series - 704; High Game - 290 (a long time ago) Current Average - 150
Originally Posted by Aslan
As I continue to struggle to develop a more modern release...one thing I can't seem to mentally wrap my head around is this:
First....the consensus opinion is that a modern release is a swing that starts with the ball to the inside...and the release is very relaxed...the hand rotates relatively little just from inside to behind the ball...and the fingers just kinda "flick" the ball in whatever angle of axis tilt desired.
So here's where I'm struggling...it SEEMS that your ARM is going back and forward...but your wrist/hand is rolling the ball sideways.
I think that's where I'm developing a bit of a mental block is I can understand staying behind the ball and rolling it end over end. I can also understand bringing the hand up the side (hand to the ceiling) because in BOTH cases...the hand and arm are going in the same direction. But it SEEMS that with a modern release...you need to get you hand to almost operate independently of your arm...like rubbing your head and stomach at the same time.
Anyone want to comment and attempt to remove one of Aslan's significant (and plentiful) mental blocks???
Anyone besides Hammer who is just going to quote a Bowlversity article???? (just kidding)
Rather than focus on "playing the inside" take a look at the ball review for the Hammer Black Widow Red Legend in the giveaway thread.
The "old" guy named Curlie Becton.
I wouldn't say his release is great, but it's a mile better than yours.
He doesn't play the inside of the ball.
Start trying to replicate what he does, and don't obsess with trying to match some high level pro.
It's funny that you mention Curlie...because he's one of maybe 3 people I've seen in bowling videos that I've been able to watch and get anything meaningful from. I usually fast forward to the 3rd bowler because it's usually Curlie. He has what I'd call the "old guy release" where he doesn't bend his knee much and just almost seems like he just drops it. I know that's not what he's doing...but it seems that way.
I see your point about emulating a more moderate level pro than high level youngster. I just don't know if, at 40 years old with significant wear and tear on my feet/knees/ankles...if it's realistic that I can develop a poor man's Dick Allen or Mike Fagan release. It may be more realistic to accept that I'm not 19...and maybe direct my focus/resources on developing a release like the most successful senior PBA bowlers.
I first tried to emulate WRW...but his release is unconventional. I then tried to emulate Earl Anthony...but his release was using old technology and was by no means "modern". So then I tried to adapt my natural loft and modern swing concept and emulate Mika...but his release is also unconventional (in terms of how far out he lofts it), and then I looked at Parker Bohn III to try to find a release that was successful....works for an older guy...but is fairly modern in execution. But it seems like Parker is a lot more "on the side" of the ball than "through" the ball. So recently I've been looking at Fagan's...which is one of the more fundamentally perfect releases in the game. But man...he gets SO LOW...and is able to get that hand rotated, thumb out, and wrist snapped so fast. I'm gonna dig up some Dick Allen footage as well...another release that is fundamentally solid.
But that gets back to an even older topic....muscling, getting some hand into the shot, and the perfectly relaxed swing. We all talk about relaxed swings and not "muscling"...yet I see the pros torque the hell out of their bodies and pull that arm down, and snap that wrist....theres not a whole lot of "relaxed" going on for many of them...or at least it doesn't seem like there is.
But thanks all...yes CGranny...my coach said the same thing about release...that we gotta get timing and the approach fixed because it sets the foundation for everything else; including the release. And I WILL get a lesson from Mark this summer...barring any unforeseen tragedy. I'm aiming for late July/early August so whatever I "learn" I can incorporate into my game before sweeps the middle of September. I set it as a goal this season so a lesson with Mark IS going to happen.
I've been thinking of going to a 3-step approach to see if I can simplify things in the approach a bit. Or maybe go back to a 5-step approach like when I was experimenting with Joe Slowinski's DYDS approach...to try to make my 1st/2nd step smaller and more fluid. I can do a 1-step in practice...but I'd be reluctant to use a 1 or 2 step approach in competition.
In Bag: (: .) Zen Master Solid; (: .) Perfect Mindset; (: .) Brunswick Endeavor; (: .) Outer Limits Pearl; (: .) Ebonite Maxim
USBC#: 8259-59071; USBC Sanctioned Average = 192; Lifetime Average = 172;
Ball Speed: 14.7mph; Rev. Rate: 240rpm || High Game (sanc.) = 300 (268); High Series (sanc.) = 725 (720); Clean Games: 198
Smokey this is not 'Nam', this is bowling. There are rules. Proud two-time winner of a bowlingboards.com weekly ball give-away!
I've had the most success with the 5 step approach with a short sliding first step and a hinge pushaway but everyone's different.
I am a proud member of Bowlingboards.com bowling forums and ball contest winner
Current arsenal
900 Global Badger Claw - Radical Ridiculous Pearl - Spare Ball Ebonite T Zone
I've been thinking of going to a 3-step approach to see if I can simplify things in the approach a bit. Or maybe go back to a 5-step approach like when I was experimenting with Joe Slowinski's DYDS approach...to try to make my 1st/2nd step smaller and more fluid. I can do a 1-step in practice...but I'd be reluctant to use a 1 or 2 step approach in competition.
Bowling, regardless of the number of steps taken, is based on a four-step approach. Going to a 3-step is a REALLY BAD IDEA!
How about worrying about developing Aslan's release?
Pick a release that works for you (physically and mentally), and stick with it. Focus on only that release, and stop worrying about emulating anyone. Then, because it gets committed to muscle memory, you can get a repeatable release.....and then a repeatable approach.
Bowling today is about being to have something repeatable, and knowing your equipment/game. Once you have that down, it doesn't matter if you're 2-handed, Mike Fagan, Earl Anthony or Aslan....you'll be averaging 200+.
I have coached Aslan off and on over the past two or three years. I am familiar with his physical game as well as his outlook and attitude. That's why I'm not worrying about developing his release. As a coach, it's my job to give him what he needs to get where he wants to be.
Not saying you're not doing your job, and I agree with you.
You know Aslan much better than I/us on the board, but from what I see....over-thinking/over-analyzing can be just as big of a problem than a flaw in release or approach.
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