Expert: - 7/28/2008

Question
I am having problems with my release.  Sometimes, I see that I have a helicopter spin instead of the "hook".  My uncle said that I am my thumb is at a 9:00' position at my release thus creating a forward spin.  What is the proper hand position at the release?  And how can I increase my rev rate.  I am a right handed bowler using a 15lb pound.  I appreciate any feed back.

Answer
TJ,
Improving your release depends a lot on your mechanics to the point of delivery. One of the easiest ways to fine tune and solidify your muscle memory is a one step drill.

Start near the foul line, just like you'd set-up at the beginning of your approach.

Hinge the ball into your swing, the way you would the first step or two (depending on how many steps you take).

Swing the ball to the top of your backswing. When it's just behind your butt, slide your foot forward, in front of your body and feel the ball at your side, as it releases.

You don't have much time to over turn, or exert unnecessary forces on the release. Throw a couple and gauge what's happening. You will see and feel the better shots and poor shots are very obvious.

The more successful shots should have your hand coming up the back and around the side of the ball, but not so late that your thumb gets turned over the top (pointing perpendicularly to the direction of the swing).

Your thumb should be pointed forward and upward with the ball rolling off and out of your hand. Work on the release. Increasing rev rate while you try to solidify your release will be counter productive. You will learn neither well. When you feel comfortable with the drill and you execute successfully the majority of the time, incorporate the delivery into your full approach.

When you deliver the ball well a majority if the time with your full approach, your timing and release direction should have improved. You will hit or be close to your target down lane a majority of the time, improving your scores. Then you can concern your self with an improved rev rate.

Thanks for the questions. Please write back when the release issue is overcome.