Expert: - 9/11/2008

Question
I have a lot of people have told me that I am chicken winging the ball.  What is the so called Chicken Wing in bowling? What is the cause of it and what could be done to fix this problem.  Thank you for your help.

Answer
Rob,
A chicken wing swing is when your elbow moves away from your body as you swing the ball back. The swing is muscled, leverage is lost, but when the muscles tighten in the arm, a free straight swing is impossible.

The effort and swing inconsistency cause problems.

I'd check the fit first. If you've used the same ball for awhile, or never needed any adjustments (your adjustments could be physical changes in how you hold on to the ball).

Often too much effort is expended because the ball is being controlled (squeezed to much). Checking your grip, often slight adjustments can make a fit easier to hold on to (fresh finger grips, a piece of tape or two in the thumb).

Your local pro shop guy or a coach can observe your swing, up close and personal, and offer more advise.

Thanks for the questions.