I'm not saying you have to throw a straight ball, like you said there is no one way to do it. Of you can do that on sport pattern that's awesome. I would say use a plastic ball, and go with less of a backup hook, but like you said, what your doing works. I throw a plastic ball, straighter than my normal ball for 10 pins, with not thumb, and I convert about 90% as well. Its all good either way.