Expert: - 12/15/2008

Question
I am a right-handed tweener and bowl with a 14lb. AMF Maximum Velocity drilled for leverage and sanded to 2000 grit. I weigh about 125lbs and am about 5'7". At the start of my approach, my feet are located between the 20 and 30 boards. My target on the lane is between the 2nd and 3rd arrows.

Recently I attended some coaching clinics where I worked on my technique. Before my technique was sloppy and inconsistent, consequently making my throws the same. A coach helped me out, and I now have a consistent approach. In the process though, I corrected my arm swing which used to start behind my back and end across my chest. This gave me a consistent arm swing but took away my revolutions and hooking power.

I am looking for a way to put some more revolutions on the ball while still keeping a consistent throw. I tried out some tips I read on bowling websites such as opening my hand in the backswing and keeping my hand at 7 o'clock until my release. Also, I tried bending my elbow and having a later release, but have not been able to put more revolutions on the ball. Could the rough ball surface be grabbing the lane slowing my revs? Is there anything else I can do to get my power back on the bowling ball?

Answer
Riccardo,
You describe your previous delivery and you more than likely spun the ball pretty good. The rougher surface no doubt helped in that case. But it may be effecting your roll by causing the ball to start rolling too soon.

Most centers have some oil between 2nd and 3rd arrow. Do your teammates confirm that?

How is your delivery? Working on your release is as easy as getting a small football and spinning it (try for a perfect spiral) into a couch or to a friend. The hand position as you throw the ball is very similar. Creating your muscle memory is the first step. Practice until you seldom wobble the football. Take that delivery to the lanes and work on just one step and delivery. You'll adapt the home practice to the lanes and your ball.

Let me know how this works. Thanks for the questions.