Expert: Chip Aki - 3/4/2009

Question
As a result of a slight birth defect, my right arm does not fully extend.  it is a
very minor problem that hardly affects anything else I do (I am a professional
pianist).  However, since an early age I realized that the classic straight-
ahead throw in bowling used by most people (thumb forward, middle fingers
at 6 o'clock) was just not working for me.  I then began using a sideways
delivery (thumb at 9 o'clock, middle fingers at 3 o'clock).  That did improve
my performance, giving me a gentle curve into the pocket from the right.  But
now even that seems to have become LESS dependable, even after lots of
practice.  As a result, these days I'm trying just about anything and
everything, including simply throwing the ball with as much force as I
possibly can, but nothing consistent seems to be developing.  Any
suggestions?  I'm more than willing to practice a lot!  But right now I seem to
be treading water.  last week I bowled a 179 (a terrific score for me), today,
doing everything precisely the same way (or so it seemed) I bowled a 67!
(admittedly terrible, even for me.)  Surely there shouldn't be that much
discrepancy between highs and lows.  Thanks for any advice.  Richard


Answer
There have been several really good bowlers that have been successfull with a bent elbow style.  The key to that is to roll the ball off of the hand and not try to over lift it.

Don Carter and Earl Anthony were two hall of famers.  I am sure you can find some video of them on youtube to give you an idea of their technique.

Do not try to over power the ball and let gravity help you develop the speed.  Try to keep your hand more behind the ball and use a slight counter clockwise rotation during the release.

Good luck,
Chip