Expert: - 9/18/2008

Question
hello my name efrain what i to ask is a couple of weeks ago
i went bowling and i was trying to cuping the bowling ball
and try to keep wrist very stiff what happen was is that i felt pain forearm and my lower part of my bicep and with that i was putting to much strain on my arm and muscles and suggestion to relieve this pain.
                                        thanks
                                       efrain

Answer
Efrain,
Cupping the ball, through the entire set-up, swing and delivery is a lot of strain on your muscles. The violent effect on your arm as you deliver the ball could cause substantial injury.

Relax in setup (keep wrist straight, no tension), relax the tension in your arm during swing (keep the wrist uncupped), swing the ball normally, as the ball falls from the top of your swing, let your wrist curl (now your wrist is cupped) before allowing the arm to descend. At the bottom of your swing, your cupped wrist can uncup and deliver the revs and side turn you intend.

Don't change your play until your arm heals. Start VERY slowly, using  practice session(s), to gauge ease of execution and to get a feel for the new swing.

It would benefit you to have eyes on what you're doing. Try to find a coach to help with the process. A dramatic change like you describe should be undertaken with a coach or spotter to see that both your intention and execution are occurring according to your plan.

Thanks for the question.