Expert: Chip Aki - 1/15/2007

Question
Wassup Chip, I've been having probs for years trying to find the right drill set up for me. I have always spun the ball but my scores have diminished especially on wet lanes where I always have trouble bring the ball up. Another problem I have is coming out of the ball clean which I think causes me to come over top of the ball. I can't seem to release the thumb first.Any suggestions?

Answer
As far as a layout goes, a couple come to mind.  If you spin the ball, a normal lable layout will place the pin close to your axis and that will decrease the potential of the ball.  You would probably need to place the pin below your middle finger.  That should place the pin closer to a leverage position for you.  YOu might even place the CG near the thumb.  I have even used a full roller layout for some of the spinners I drill for as a last resort.

If you have to squeeze the ball to hold on to it, you wont be able to get out of the ball, even with a lot of reverse.  If you have had trouble coming out of it, more reverse may have been added.....but that may make the problem worse.  I would have a pro shop take a look at your span and pitches to see if they match up.

It may not be fun, but for awhile, dont even try to hook the ball.  Just work on staying behind it and rolling it off of your hand.  Once you get your ball track up, work on rotating your hand counter clockwise about 2 hours on a clock face.

Good luck,
Chip