Expert: - 10/1/2009

Question
QUESTION: i throw a decent hook on the ball.the bad thing is i have very little back swing and i was also wondering how do i fix that and get more rev on my ball. i want to have a big back swing with alot of revs on the ball is there some excerises i can do to make it happen

ANSWER: Jeremy,
Sounds like you may have a ball fit problem. People that control their swing, usually do it because if they swing the ball normally they fear it will fall off. How does your ball fit? Is your hand flat on the ball? fingertip or conventional grip? what kind of ball? any grips (finger or thumb)? How hard do you throw the ball (how many seconds from foul line to head pin)?

Thanks for the question, please send me more info, talk to you soon.

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

QUESTION: i have a fingertip ball.i havemany balls i have the new hammer jigsaw,the black widow bite,the venom,the emarld vibe,storm t-road solid and of course the plastic ball.my hand is almost flat on the ball and i have all three inserts.i throw the ball about 16 mph.i hope that answers your questions please let me know what you think

ANSWER: Jeremy,
You mention you are ALMOST flat on the ball, does the ball just hang from your hand when you relax your hand/arm with the ball hanging at your side or must you grip to keep it from falling out/off of your hand?

The ideal is that the ball lets go of you at the bottom of your swing (prompted by momentum and gravity). The ball should just hang in your hand, if left dangling at your side. If you must release the ball, you fear dropping it (have you before?), so you feel like you must hold on, which demands that you MUST let go.

I've seen many bowlers who build the need to grip into their game. Unfortunately, the sport of bowling demands consistency (to some degree), and when the physical control of the ball comes into play, fatigue, and physical and mental conditions effect consistency dramatically.

Finger grips help you with lift and turn, while thumb slugs and grips help you out of the thumb quickly. I'm still thinking you have a grip issue. I've seen hundreds of half backswings on bowlers with too much thumb pitch, and/or too short a grip and/or too big a thumb hole. Is there a way for you to get me the measurements of your grip? spans and pitches, at least?

Your release can not be executed well if you're hanging on to the ball too long. Have you addressed this problem to your ball driller? Do all the balls fit the same? Thanks for the follow-up. Please let me know more.

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

QUESTION: By the way you talk and explain it to me I have a grip problem. Because when i let the ball hang at my side I have 2 grip it and when i try to put more backswing on the ball when I come out of the ball i drop it. But I will try to get you my measuremants and everything so that you can help me better by tomorrow. I was also wondering how I could get my backswing where it needs to be. Is there a work to work on it and how would i go about doing so.I greatly appericate all your time and help.

Answer
Jeremy,
Grip pressure generates tight tendons and muscles in your hand and arm, which severely limits your swing and range of motion.

When you achieve a freer swing, your arm will swing straighter, higher and the swing will be more repeatable.

First, you will need to be open to the idea of NO GRIP PRESSURE. This alone will require a change in your muscle memory. You will be fighting the desire (reaction to a ball that feels like its falling off) to do what you've taught yourself to do.

Your ball will let go of YOU. A concept that I've found impossible to describe effectively. You MUST experience it. When you do, the sport gets way easier to play.

Looking forward to getting your fit info.