Bill O'Neill uses old-school and modern techniques in his game-Bowlers Journal...

[Hammer]

This article shows how O'Neill combines old-school and modern techniques in his game. An important segment to take out of this article is the part that says to go from a cupped hand position to uncupped requires a light grip on the ball so at the bottom of the swing the weight of the ball uncups the hand after the thumb comes out. You can't think about doing it you have to just let it happen. It happens too fast to think about it anyway. When I do practice I try to see just how light of a grip I can put on the ball at the release. When you get it right it might feel to you like you are dropping the ball onto the lane.
It takes a little while to get used to that feeling. Your mind will trick you into thinking that you can controll more with a tight grip but don't fall for that. Here's the link: http://www.billspigner.com/pdf/1210_Bill_BJI.pdf

[MICHAEL]

This article shows how O'Neill combines old-school and modern techniques in his game. An important segment to take out of this article is the part that says to go from a cupped hand position to uncupped requires a light grip on the ball so at the bottom of the swing the weight of the ball uncups the hand after the thumb comes out. You can't think about doing it you have to just let it happen. It happens too fast to think about it anyway. When I do practice I try to see just how light of a grip I can put on the ball at the release. When you get it right it might feel to you like you are dropping the ball onto the lane.
It takes a little while to get used to that feeling. Your mind will trick you into thinking that you can controll more with a tight grip but don't fall for that. Here's the link: http://www.billspigner.com/pdf/1210_Bill_BJI.pdf

Just got finished watching the Summer fling, championship, ( or something name to that effect), where O'Neill destroyed Rash! HE IS BACK, and looks to be a player this coming fall!

Thanks for the info on his techniques! I think I will look into it a little more and give the idea a try!

[Amyers]

Good info interesting seeing someone blending classic and modern technique. Now if it was just as easy to apply as read

[RobLV1]

Several years ago I co-authored an article for Bowling This Month with Coach Mark Hamill where we identified the differences between Traditional and Contemporary bowling styles in an effort to help bowlers to develop what we called a Transitional style. O'Neill typifies this style as does Chris Barnes and several others. One of the things to keep in mind is that the release that Mr. Spigner is talking about is only one option. O'Neill uses what is called by Del Warren, a "lift and turn" release as does Chris Barnes. Lift and Turn releases depend on the weight of the bowling ball causing the thumb to exit the ball. Interestingly, Sean Rash uses a "turn and lift" release which relys on more traditional short release timing (the time between the exit of the thumb, and the exit of the fingers from the bowling ball). Both releases can be very effective as demonstrated by both of these great players.

[Aslan]

I have no idea what he was talking about. I don't know why, but I always read Bill's articles and think, "Wow....this seems very interesting and informative...but I have NO IDEA wth he's talking about. I read it 2-3 times and then just give up. This is where me...my style of learning...I need an actual coach and an actual demonstration...otherwise I struggle.

I had this problem when I was getting instruction from John Gaines. He "told" me what he thought I needed to do...but I couldn't grasp "how" to do it. I wanted to say to him, "Would you mind showing me what you mean?" but I was too intimidated. I mean, if you've ever met Mr. Gaines...he's like 6'6". If you didn't know who he was, you'd think he might be a basketball player. I think thats one of the downsides to getting instruction from a pro versus a "teacher"...sometimes you're afraid to question them because you think it's disrespectful. I always have that problem when I get instruction from Barry (Asher). He'll be telling me something and I'll think..."but wait, I don't get that...how is that going to help....nevermind...he's a PBA Hall of Famer...you're a nobody...just listen and nod."

My release is something I'll have to work on next time I meet up with Rob. I can't seem to cup and uncup the ball...I can't seem to stay behind it nor under it. I tried the drills ftlob recommended and nearly dislocated my wrist...I'm obviously not doing it right. Like Hammer said...it needs to happen naturally and lightly and you don't have time to think about it. Meanwhile, my attmepts....it's NOT natural...I grip the ball so tightly my fingers swell up...and I'm trying SO hard to think about it that it's a miracle the ball actually releases at all.

[MICHAEL]

I have no idea what he was talking about. I don't know why, but I always read Bill's articles and think, "Wow....this seems very interesting and informative...but I have NO IDEA wth he's talking about. I read it 2-3 times and then just give up. This is where me...my style of learning...I need an actual coach and an actual demonstration...otherwise I struggle.

I had this problem when I was getting instruction from John Gaines. He "told" me what he thought I needed to do...but I couldn't grasp "how" to do it. I wanted to say to him, "Would you mind showing me what you mean?" but I was too intimidated. I mean, if you've ever met Mr. Gaines...he's like 6'6". If you didn't know who he was, you'd think he might be a basketball player. I think thats one of the downsides to getting instruction from a pro versus a "teacher"...sometimes you're afraid to question them because you think it's disrespectful. I always have that problem when I get instruction from Barry (Asher). He'll be telling me something and I'll think..."but wait, I don't get that...how is that going to help....nevermind...he's a PBA Hall of Famer...you're a nobody...just listen and nod."

My release is something I'll have to work on next time I meet up with Rob. I can't seem to cup and uncup the ball...I can't seem to stay behind it nor under it. I tried the drills ftlob recommended and nearly dislocated my wrist...I'm obviously not doing it right. Like Hammer said...it needs to happen naturally and lightly and you don't have time to think about it. Meanwhile, my attmepts....it's NOT natural...I grip the ball so tightly my fingers swell up...and I'm trying SO hard to think about it that it's a miracle the ball actually releases at all.

ITs not knowledge, Aslan,,, its a neurological problem,,, take a deeeeeeep breath,,,, now let it out and say, I wish I had the Gift!! I wish I had the Gift, I wish I had the gift,,,, ( while saying this, click your heels together 3 times! good luck!!

[mike_thomas93]

I've felt that way at first when I first got into the semi-roller after I got out of full roller. I've attempted a few times to put more revs on the ball, but I always seem to have trouble with the uncupping at the bottom of the swing. I'd like to get that dialed down, just so whenever I feel the need to rev up a little more.