If I'm reading you right, I'm trying to get forward "spin", like a wheel stuck in the mud, with just a little axis tilt, correct?
Let me see if I can simplify this for you. There are two different elements that determine a bowlers style: axis tilt and axis rotation. To understand these two componants, visualize the two tires connected by the axle of a car. The two tires are standing straight up. This means that there is zero degrees of axis tilt. When the steering wheel of the car is turned, the wheels turn, the car turns, yet the tires are still standing straight up. This turn of the tires is axis rotation. In terms of a bowling ball, zero degrees of axis tilt means that the ball is rolling straight end-over-end. Ninety degrees of axis tilt means that the ball is simply spinning around a axis that goes right through the top and the bottom of the ball. Each bowler has their own unique amount of axis tilt and axis rotation. The idea for you is to stay behind the ball to keep from developing too much axis tilt, yet release by turning through the ball rather than around it to increase your axis rotation. Think of it in terms of two parts to the release: where your hand is when your thumb comes out of the ball, and where your hand is when your fingers exit the ball. Your hand should be behind the ball when the thumb comes out, but turning through it when the fingers exit the ball. Does this make sense?
If I'm reading you right, I'm trying to get forward "spin", like a wheel stuck in the mud, with just a little axis tilt, correct?
Robs theory is rather than spin your wheels when stuck in the mud, call a tow truck.Originally Posted by axslinger
Or in bowling terms, rather than lift the ball, project it down the lane.
Axs, what works for me in terms of a release is thinking about Projecting the ball towards arrows as if I'm trying to throw the ball there (in the air). Of course I'm rolling the ball and its landing just over the foul line but by THINKING i'm trying to push the ball to the arrow I'm stay behind the ball longer and accelerate through my release (that produces more revs). Keep in mind this works for ME because I was coming around the side of the ball too much (I still do) and was coming around too early.
I still do come around the side of the ball more than I should because I think about coming around the side of the ball by rotating my wrist and shaking hands with the pins etc.. But what I discovered is that by cupping my wrist I naturally started putting my fingers on the inside of the ball. (Meaning the fingers are closer to my leg than my thumb at the point of release) If I do nothing else when my thumb comes out and the ball rolls off my fingers my axis of rotation is about 30 degrees. Preloading the ball in this position can be thought of as leading with your index finger... as least that is how I think of it... And doing so allows me to make slight changes in my axis of rotation by spreading my index finger out more or less.
Think about the saying " amateurs work the outside of the ball and pros work the inside of the ball ". Look at some videos of top players and not just the very highest rev guys. You will see the hand position on the back swing and even all the way to the bottom inside the ball. At the bottom at least square until the thumb comes out and then rotate with the fingers. On your push away focus on directing your ring finger and the inside of your elbow towards your target and try staying inside the ball. Having said that there are plenty of great players that get around the ball earlier and spin it a little more. Tom Baker is a perfect example of almost suitcasing it and i would love to have his game. The key is consistency so you can get a read on your ball reaction regardless of the axis rotation generated by your release. There is a huge variance in axis rotation and rev rate among top players.
Tom Baker is a really bad example. He throws a full-roller and is one of very, very few players who can get away with that roll using modern equipment.
Baker is defined as a spinner. Here is a reference for you: 11thframe.com-august 25 2013 article.
Last edited by fortheloveofbowling; 11-07-2014 at 01:48 PM.
Tom Baker is FAR from a full roller.
A full roller has 0* of tilt, and some amount of axis rotation
In this clip, at 3:49 there is a slow mo from behind of Tom Baker, and when they focus on the ball, there is clearly plenty of axis tilt.
Tom Baker is more of a spinner.
O.K., Mike anything you say.
Find some clips of Tom Smallwood. He throws a full roller.
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