Expert: - 1/30/2011

Question
Hi Warren,
How do I break my daughters habit of throwing a backup ball.
She is a right hand bowler and throws the ball from the left side of the lane.
Thanks
Bob

Answer
Bob,
Chances are she's rolling the way her arm dictates.

Her elbow has a natural predisposition to move inside the ball when she's using the soft tissue (muscles and ligaments# to control it #squeezing too much# unlike the male elbow.  When the ball fits, it can just hang in the hand, not requiring much grip pressure.

Check the fit often on little ones#even the 14 and 15 year old little ones#.

Her fit may be dictating hand and arm position. If the ball is not fitting #chances are she's grown) she's unconsciously gripping more. Grip pressure is tightening the muscles, etc. leading to the elbow tucking into her body.

If you change the finger pitches and get her to support the ball with the "off" (left) hand, you can position the ball so it is supported more by the bone in her forearm. The more rigid support base will help her swing be less muscled and help prevent the elbow tuck when she grabs the ball. Remind her as she swings to keep her thumb up (pointed to the ceiling). Fit for kids is CRUCIAL. Always stay on top of hole sizes and when grip shortens, evaluate ball weight not just span changes.

Thanks for the question. Good bowling and good luck to your daughter.