Expert: Chip Aki - 11/17/2008

Question
I'm having a really hard time getting my hand under the ball on my release.  How can I fix this?

Answer
I would look at timing as the cause of this problem.  You need to wait on the ball and let it drop from the top of your swing.  This lets the ball lead your hand to the release area of the swing and helps keep the hand under the ball naturally.  If your approach speed is too fast, you have to pull the ball downward into the swing and release area and this will cause the wrist to break down or back.  Keeping the hand under the ball is more a matter of timing than strength.

If you had the chance to watch Mike Machuga on the show this past Sunday, he does this very well.

Good luck,
Chip