Expert: Chip Aki - 3/9/2006

Question
Chip,
Not matter how hard I practice, poor accuracy on my first ball seems to be a common theme.  It is not uncommon to miss my taget area by 5 boards inside or outside.  I am a right-handed 180 avg. bowler with plenty of power throwing mid revs.  I'm self-taught and have been told by others that I have very good approach and release fundamentals.  I use a 4 step delivery from the forward dots and usually try to throw my strike line 13 to 9 starting with my left foot on 10 left of center.  It seems obvious that I am practicing and working on the wrong things since my avg has not improved in the last 10 years.  I'm starting to question my drillings because of a callous I have on the backside on the center of my thumb in the past years.  My thumb location is under my middle finger.  Thank you for your time on this matter.  

Answer
The statement that you have been told you have a very good approach and release doesnt go with the difficulty you have been having in improving.
A couple of things I would look at is your allignment and your bowling ball.

You should not have a callous like that on your thumb.  It sounds like you are having to squeeze the ball in order to hold on to it.  This will cause a very inconsistent armswing and release point.

It also sounds like you are standint too far to the left to hit the target you are using on the lane without walking towards your target or really opening up your shoulders.  Either of those adjustements will cause problems.

What part of the lane do the higher average bowlers play?

Good luck,
Chip