Expert: Gary L. Oatis, PBA Coach and USBC Silver Level Coach, PBA Member, Pro Shop Staff Member - 2/5/2012

Question
I am a bowler who has been bowling for 3 years now and it seems that I have almost everything in my game just about right. The one thing that is holding me back is my back swing which wraps around my back. It wraps all the way around to the center of my body to the left shoulder area about and this makes me have to come around my body and release the ball about 5-8 boards away from my ankle which is causing my adjustments on the lane to suffer. I push straight out when I first start the approach and they it suddenly just wraps around. Is there a way to fix this? Thanks

Answer
Hello Andrew from Hawaii, Muscle memory is a real bear to change sometimes. It takes a concentrated effort and dedication from a bowler to do something natural, that feels so unnatural at first! The key to change is being able to see what you will look like and work towards that for the future!
  With the advancement of technology, you can easily capture yourself on a cell phone video, or get a friend to record you if possible. This way you will have a before and after picture so you can see if it improved your shot making.
  There are many bowlers who bowl just fine depending on their level of play. This is because they target with there feet instead of just relying on their eyes and hand release. The direction of your swing is often played out in your balance at the line more often than not.
  Not being able to balance at the line and post your shot can lead to misinformation, and making changes to your shot that are not needed. Especially, if you are not engaging your feet which is a huge part of your delivery.
  To correct your swing my suggestion would be to take notice of your thumb position. Currently you may be throwing the "loop" release. This is where your thumb points to the middle of your body or opposite shoulder from your bowling hand. Basically, when the ball is behind your back your thumb is pointing to the opposite shoulder from your swing arm.
  If you are right handed, this thumb pointing position would be 9 o'clock right handed, or 3 o'clock left handed in which the thumb is parallel to the floor.
  Since we are talking about pointing left to right with the thumb, the easy fix is to now start directing the thumb more front to back. That way you begin limiting the natural tendency to allow your swing to wrap around you.
  Mechanically controlling the thumb is the key to change. At first it will be hard because you have to always start VERY SLOW and RESTRICTED with any change. Slow, and restricted means you are not bowling for score!!! You are practice something that will eventually give you higher scores.
  If you can manage to go slower and concentrate on a more front to back position of your thumb position, you will notice your swing immediately calms down, and you may even gain more leverage at the bottom of your swing. Another aspect of the ball wrapping around you is getting your hips out of the way. Most bowlers will take a inside step to allow the ball to fall straight down from their slight pushaway. You may not be doing this also, or you may be taking too big of an inside step.
  Teaching yourself is an option, however getting a certified instructor to assist you will shorten the learning curve tremendously. This way you won't get frustrated.
  In summary Andrew, Your swing will often go in the direction your thumb points. Another factor to consider is your hips. You may not be getting them out of the way of the ball by stepping inside just a little. This will get them out of the way as the ball falls. If not you may be carrying the ball around them. The best bet, is to get a certified coach to help you.
  Creating change of your thumb position more front to back is the key. Taking a small inside step to get your hips out of the way may help. However, just insuring your feet are included in your delivery often allows you a consistent and more accurate delivery. This is often the case regardless of what bowlers will do with their bodies.
  Let's Strike Andrew! God's Blessings to you and remember, slow, control, is the key to change, not scoring right away. Have patience, it will come for sure. Don't forget about me, this could be the start of sump'n good! Coach.

-Coach Gary Oatis
Las Vegas, NV.
www.TrueBowlerAdjustments.com (It's A Great Bowling Book!)