Expert: - 3/3/2008

Question
QUESTION: HI my question is on the issue of backup throwing. I broke my wrist in the ninth grade, and use to throw a straight ball but since i broke my wrist i have developed a back up. My question is  that no matter how hard i have tried i cannot throw right handed hook but i have become very good at a backup. would it be a wise idea or good to try having a ball drilled for a left handed full roller? my approach is short and i usually go second dot second arrow and throw slower. i have had many bowlers comment on how i can get the ball to hook so well being right handed. so any help would be appreciated thanks.

ANSWER: Josh,

If you tried to throw a right handed hook for twenty minutes one afternoon versus practicing three times a week for three hours for six weeks and couldn't get it, then your physical wrist problem could prevent it.

Do what you have fun doing.

Not one professional bowler, male or female, has been successful throwing a back-up. If you aspire to be a pro, you may have problems ahead. If your happy, doing what you do, averaging what you do, have fun.

Where did the left handed full roller question come from? If you back the ball up, the rotation wouldn't be that of a left handed full roller.  Similar to a Left handed player, your layout would look like it's for a lefty, but the layout should match your ball speed, axis tilt and rotation.

Is your approach, on the left side of the lane? If you want to compete with the back-up, try aiming and angling the ball into the 1, 2 pocket.  Working into the pins from the left side, should benefit you.

Thanks for the question. Hope I made sense. Good bowling.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: thank you for the advice i do throw from the left side . I have a slow approach the ball goes long then breaks to hit the pocket usually on the left side . the full roller came from some one who said that they would be interested to see how this drilling pattern would work for me that is all.  i currently use a Columbia HYJINX and really like it  goes long with hook on the back end thanks you for your time

Answer
Joshua,
A full roller layout works for a particular type of release. The layout would not be an experiment that you would benefit from, as the amount of turn will dictate much of the ball reaction. But that's why they call them experiments!

Good luck and good bowling.