Expert: - 4/17/2009

Question
Hello,

This question is not actually being asked about my bowling, it is concerning my brothers bowling. Basically we have both been bowling for some years now. My average is in the 220 range, I throw med to high revs, 19 mph with a very high track. I have been consistently bowling with my brother in more casual bowling leagues because he is not a strong bowler. He averages about 170, throws 15-17 mph...and his release is well...unique. He has a good push off, his back swing comes back just below shoulder level in rhythm with his 5 step approach and this is where it all goes to the dogs.

During his down swing he severely suitcases the ball to the point where he often releases the ball with his thumb coming out pointing at 9 o'clock (he is a right handed bowler). He, by this technique takes heavy reactive balls, with strong layouts (in this case a resurgence, modded 4 1/2 pin up layout) and destroys the reaction. In fact with that layout and that ball he commonly hits the pocket and leaves 5 pins! I'm sure based on the description of his release that doesn't surprise you.

I've tried a varied range of things to get him to stop coming over the ball. First I've attempted to do drills where he attempts to follow through perfectly straight, not attempting to hook the ball at all. Then I've tried to have him over compensate and have him do drills to see if he can actually release the ball with his thumb coming out more at 4-5 o'clock. I've tried having him slow his approach, take speed off the ball and even use a wrist support, as prior to that he was breaking his wrist. None of this has had any effect on his release.

I did one drill where I told him to hold his ball and gently swing it back and forth over the couch, without releasing so he could view his had motion. He actually could not complete this drill. Somewhere he lacked the strength to hold the ball, either in his arm or his grip. This has made me think that it is possibly a fact that his ball is much too heavy for him, or that perhaps the ball is fitted improperly, or a combination of both.

He is a small guy, 5'3", 115 lbs and he is trying to throw a 15lb ball. I've tried suggesting he move down in weight, but he takes that as an attack on him, like I'm calling him weak. I basically have exhausted all bowling tips and knowledge I have learned over the years and am wondering if there, based on the knowledge given, is anything you might be able to recommend? The preamble I listed above about his average is that he wants to move up to a competitive mens league, namely on my team, but A) With his inconsistency B) We base handicap as 85% of 220, so he would struggle to be competitive and C) For the other guys on my team, I want him to be able to get good enough to bowl competitively with me.

Any and all advice is welcome.

Answer
Nate,
Sounds like a grip issue. Could be ball weight to. The death grip at the bottom of the swing is a huge red flag.

I start players at 10 percent of their body weight, with a bump for athleticism. If he is an athletic 115, try a 12 or 13 pound ball. Refusing to switch balls is like trying to make due with right handed golf clubs when your left handed, ain't suited for you!

Suggest that the 15 will be fine, just a different grip in a SLIGHTLY lighter ball will allow him to begin to perfect a stronger delivery. He can work back up to the 15 when the work is done on his delivery/release and fit.

He has an idea in his head about what he's doing. Video tape him before a fit change and then after. You should see an improved ability to do some more of what you ask.

Please provide me his fit. Get it from the person that drilled the ball. Some shops miss elements unrelated to just spans and pitches. Too often a person fitting balls puts pitches, spans (short or long), grip styles, etc. into everyone's grip because it works for the fitter.

Thanks for the questions. Look forward to hearing back.