Expert: - 11/13/2009

Question
QUESTION: in the bowling delivery should you keep your elbow locked or not? is it correct to lock the wrist all the way through the delivery also? thnks a bunch....

ANSWER: LD,
The more controlled your swing, the more difficult to duplicate what you're doing (unless you practice, practice practice). Some top players can do it because of hours of practice, but most players have a relaxed swing and create the pre-delivery position in their downswing.

I'd suggest, as you move the ball into your swing the elbow will lock as the arm extends fully. Depending on your skill level, if you don't completely extend the arm, popping the elbow can be a benefit. But the technique is used by high level players to add energy and turn to the delivery. Watch Pete Weber in slow motion and you'll notice the effect.

Locking your wrist tightens the ligaments and muscles of your arm, which severely restricts your range of motion. If you are attempting to improve your delivery, relax the arm, let the ball swing, and at the top of the swing, let the ball and wrist roll forward and lock it there to gain the option of unlocking the wrist at the bottom of your swing to help with revs and rotation.

There are so many influences on a bowler's skills, that far and away, consistency can contribute to your improvement quickest. Thanks for your questions.

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

QUESTION: thanks for the above...this may be a dumb question but i have to ask it....do you chase the oil, what i mean is do you try to keep the ball in the oil or not.... or look for the dry  areas first or what is the sequence one should look for and be aware of? thanks again

Answer
LD,
NOT a dumb question. Probably the key question for most bowlers.

Your skills will often dictate what you can do. If your not afraid to chase the oil, do it. But realize you will be in at some point where the ball, layout and your skills no longer allows the ball to react properly to carry well. So, a ball change and the inevitable adjustments will sometimes cost with a split or big spare.

Chasing the oil usually means moving onto seriously more oil, I don't throw very hard so my speed and some strong ball choices don't make a move to much of an adventure. But, I've also experimented with balling down (changing balls to a weaker ball and weaker drill), to stay in the area that's starting to hook too much.

When a player has more speed moving into more oil automatically means stronger ball and/or stronger layout and/or slowing down or all of these.

You should have an idea where your equipment works on any specific lane condition. So, try some shots in, in practice, to get a feel for what to expect if you have to move in. Playing your favorite line (or A game) usually is your first choice, being ready for the lane to change and having an idea of what to do is important. Thanks for the question. Good luck.