Coming over top of the ball

[RobLV1]

The single most important thing to teach bowlers who learned to bowl before the introduction of reactive resin balls with dynamic cores, or those who were taught to bowl by others who learned before that time is that you don't have to hook a modern bowling ball: they do it all by themselves. In the old days the bowler's release had to come around the side of the ball to encourage rotation. Today, you just have to stay behind the ball until the thumb comes out and then rotate THROUGH the ball, rather than around it. Any certified Silver Level Coach should be able to show you how do do this very quickly. Unfortunately, the existence of U Tube has not eliminated the need for coaching except in the minds of those who don't realize coaching's value.

[AlexNC]

The single most important thing to teach bowlers who learned to bowl before the introduction of reactive resin balls with dynamic cores, or those who were taught to bowl by others who learned before that time is that you don't have to hook a modern bowling ball: they do it all by themselves. In the old days the bowler's release had to come around the side of the ball to encourage rotation. Today, you just have to stay behind the ball until the thumb comes out and then rotate THROUGH the ball, rather than around it. Any certified Silver Level Coach should be able to show you how do do this very quickly. Unfortunately, the existence of U Tube has not eliminated the need for coaching except in the minds of those who don't realize coaching's value.

Rob, re: the release what are your thoughts on keeping a firm wrist vs letting it break? I feel like I get a much better roll when I let my wrist break near the release, but it seems to limit my repeatability.

[RobLV1]

Rob, re: the release what are your thoughts on keeping a firm wrist vs letting it break? I feel like I get a much better roll when I let my wrist break near the release, but it seems to limit my repeatability.

Many modern elite bowlers let their wrist break; it's where they get their power. For a good example of a tremendous modern release, see if you can find some video of David Haynes.. past Team USA member. David's release features a wrist that is broken from the beginning of the approach, all the way up until just prior to the moment of release. It's a very effective way to roll a bowling ball.

[Amyers]

Many modern elite bowlers let their wrist break; it's where they get their power. For a good example of a tremendous modern release, see if you can find some video of David Haynes.. past Team USA member. David's release features a wrist that is broken from the beginning of the approach, all the way up until just prior to the moment of release. It's a very effective way to roll a bowling ball.

Rob. David does have a broken wrist for most of his delivery but I'm pretty sure he doesn't actually release the ball that way he cups it right before release which is what develops his power not releasing the ball with a broken wrist which only kills your power. Sorry Just didn't want Alex to get the wrong idea about his wrist breaking. What ever position the wrist is in before the release you've got to get behind the ball at some point before releasing it which is hard to do with a broken wrist or am I incorrect.

[Grouperdawg]

I've found for me, My worst throws r when my wrist breaks down, the ball doesn't hit with power, don't get the right revs. Sometimes I get away with it, but most of my pocket leaves come from this bad release. If I've bowled a lot of games and starting to get tired, sometimes I have one thought when get lined up and that's keep wrist firm. Maybe it has to do with my throwing style but I hav to keep my wrist firm or feeling like its firm

[AlexNC]

Rob. David does have a broken wrist for most of his delivery but I'm pretty sure he doesn't actually release the ball that way he cups it right before release which is what develops his power not releasing the ball with a broken wrist which only kills your power. Sorry Just didn't want Alex to get the wrong idea about his wrist breaking. What ever position the wrist is in before the release you've got to get behind the ball at some point before releasing it which is hard to do with a broken wrist or am I incorrect.

Its all good. I understood what he meant and was able to find some video. I was really just seeking clarification on his opinion for the moment of release as the ball passes the feet. (Letting the wrist unload vs maintaining a firm wrist.) The USBC Bowling Academy also has a video that talks about the two releases side by side. I guess the bigger question for Rob is his thoughts on the appropriate release as it pertains to different skill levels. There seem to be a variety of opinions from different coaches. In no way are any of them advocating the older style of giving lift or hitting up. But I do see a difference of opinions in letting the wrist break vs maintaining a firm but relaxed wrist. I have a lesson coming up and if I like the guy I will just do as is suggested; but I was still curious about Rob's feelings about it.

I don't want to hijack this thread either, but part of my struggles and questions probably go back to ball fit in general. I have gone from a span that was way to short, to one that is stretched with too much reverse pitch and have been frustrated with my proshop experiences in my area. No one wants to see you bowl (one shop even charges extra for that). They get frustrated when you ask questions or want to make changes - i don't get it - don't they want my money? Long story short, my span is probably 1/8 long on both fingers and with the reverse pitch that accompanies it the ball wants to fall off my hand unless I use excessive grip pressure or a ton of cup - which comes back to me having a better roll when I cup and uncup at release. I am trying a new proshop with the ball I just won - a bit of a drive but I don't care so long as I get some real service and a good fit. Its also run by the coach I'm getting a lesson from. My apologies. RANT OVER.

[RobLV1]

Rob. David does have a broken wrist for most of his delivery but I'm pretty sure he doesn't actually release the ball that way he cups it right before release which is what develops his power not releasing the ball with a broken wrist which only kills your power. Sorry Just didn't want Alex to get the wrong idea about his wrist breaking. What ever position the wrist is in before the release you've got to get behind the ball at some point before releasing it which is hard to do with a broken wrist or am I incorrect.

If you re-read what I wrote, you see that I referred to his wrist being broken "all the way up until just prior to the moment of release."

[Amyers]

If you re-read what I wrote, you see that I referred to his wrist being broken "all the way up until just prior to the moment of release."

I understood and figured Alex did too. I'm pretty sure you and I have discussed David's release before just didn't want somebody to take something the wrong way. Post highjack over. Lol

[rocketman1964]

What has helped me is to spread my index finger away from my middle finger, it helps me to get to the inside of the ball rather than over the top.