Expert: - 8/26/2009

Question
my average is dropping i bowl with a fingertip i seem to be crossing my body with my swing cant seem to get out of that habit not putting the ball where i need to if i do and get in the pocket i get weird splits like leaving the 5 pin very seldom get strikes anymore, could my ball be to much for me to control, never was a great bowler but i could gop and have some good nights but now it seems a struggle

Answer
Doug,
The symptom you explained (pulling the ball) is occasionally caused by: a bad fit (is the ball feeling looser, tighter lately?), fast feet (you are ahead of the swing and pulling the ball at the foul line), or you may have developed a swing that's not as free as it could be.

Try, in your set-up, before you take the first step of your approach, tuck the the elbow back under your shoulder, holding the ball in front of your arm pit. The position should help straighten your pushaway and swing, and remember to follow through to your target.  

While other things may influence your tugging the ball, the above may help straighten the swing and reveal the cause of your tugging.
Thanks for the question. Let me know what happens. If the problem persists, we can eliminate some possible causes.