Expert: Chip Aki - 2/5/2011

Question
Thank you for your response of my last question.  It was helpful.  This question basically deals with the lay down point of the ball.  I know you want to keep your fingers under the ball for leverage, but is it necessary to do so after your thumb is out and you are uncupping the ball onto the lane?  It seems the sooner I can lay the ball down, the more control I have.  I guess I'm asking for permission to drop it.  My theory is I'm hitting up on it too much and/or I'm overextending.  At any rate, I like to hear an opinion on laying the ball down.  

Thanks,
Erik

Answer
Very few of todays best players loft the ball, unless they are having to loft the ball over the gutter when playing deep inside.  It is much more beneficial to have the ball glide into the lane softly, much like a plane landing.  It is not really dropping the ball.  Watch Tommy Jones and Dan McCleland when they are on TV.

Good luck,
Chip