This seems odd to me....

[AZBowla]

While I'm waiting for my new DV8 Marauder to arrive, I have been working on my form and physical game. Did lots of reading and watching videos, and finally got the chance to put it all into practice during some open bowling with the kids today.

One of the things that I noticed that I was doing before today was that I was not making use of my balance arm. Usually when I throw the ball, my other arm ends up in my lap, with my hand resting on my thigh instead of out and away from me like it should be. So today I made a conscious effort to keep my balance arm out instead.

I'm sure my form looked much better but I actually noticed a decrease in hook and pin carry than when I throw the ball my old quirky "wrong" way which is not what I was expecting - I'd be OK with missing my mark until I get used to throwing the ball the "right" way, but I thought the point of putting my balance arm out was to open my shoulders up and impart more energy to the ball, resulting in more hook.

Is it just because I'm not used to doing this? I'm sure it will just take some practice before I don't have to make the conscious effort to stick that balance arm out there instead of bent up in my lap like a chicken wing, but I thought I'd ask the experts in here if they've noticed the same thing, or maybe had some pointers for me to help improve.

Then again, my poor beat up 10+ year old never been resurfaced old ball might just be showing it's age and when the new one arrives I'll notice a difference. I guess I'll find out later this week when I get the new ball drilled. Anyway just thought I'd ask and see what you folks think.

[billf]

My balance arm is the key to my game. When I lap it, as you described, I get crap for carry. Were you putting it out to the side or did you put it out in front (thumb down) and then swing it to the side?
http://bowlingknowledge.info/images/...09_article.pdf

I had to learn to release the ball earlier doing this and then the movement and carry were phenomenal.

[AZBowla]

My balance arm is the key to my game. When I lap it, as you described, I get crap for carry. Were you putting it out to the side or did you put it out in front (thumb down) and then swing it to the side?
http://bowlingknowledge.info/images/...09_article.pdf

I had to learn to release the ball earlier doing this and then the movement and carry were phenomenal.

Ahhhh, that's the problem - I was putting it out to the side instead of in front of me. (smacks forehead) I know better than that! Ugh, OK that explains it. I'll have to practice that some more. Gotta remember: 1. Out front 2. Thumb down.

Thanks! I feel like a dunce now, but that makes total sense.

[GoodGorilla]

slowinsky rocks. Anyhow, how far forward should your balance arm go forward? And, how high do you raise the balance arm at release? My balance arm has been going forward and staying there until rotating backwards at release, but I have not given it any thought. I am definitly not raising the balance arm at release right now, I probably should.

[dutchlefty]

My balance arm is the key to my game. When I lap it, as you described, I get crap for carry. Were you putting it out to the side or did you put it out in front (thumb down) and then swing it to the side?
http://bowlingknowledge.info/images/...09_article.pdf

I had to learn to release the ball earlier doing this and then the movement and carry were phenomenal.

Thanks for the link Bill.. usefull information. I'll keep that in mind next time practicing and i'll watch my own recordings once again. Keep it comming..

[MisterSinister]

There is a pro here in NY, who doos not extend his balance arm. It ends up on his leg, and from what you are describing your arm does the same thing. His name is Brian Zeisig, he is considered to be one of, if not the best bowlings in NY. He has even won a PBA tour title.

[billf]

There are exceptions to every rule. So for each of us, personally, we must decide, can we be the exception or should we go with the conventional wisdom to improve in our sport of choice?

[AZBowla]

There is a pro here in NY, who doos not extend his balance arm. It ends up on his leg, and from what you are describing your arm does the same thing. His name is Brian Zeisig, he is considered to be one of, if not the best bowlings in NY. He has even won a PBA tour title.

Interesting! I'll have to take a look at his style to see if it's similar to mine.

[GoodGorilla]

Today I went strict on slowinski's suggstions. I have no idea how it affected my game, but I did get a 200 and a 242 today out of 3 games. The second game my line broke down and it took me the rest of the game to find another line.

[rab91787]

I open my shoulders up a ton and my left arm naturally starts out in front and then ends up to my side. I could see that if you didn't have it offsetting your right arm that you would lose a ton of leverage and have difficulty maintaining your balance. 200 and 242? Nice bowling!