Expert: Chip Aki - 10/3/2006

Question
Hello,
   I need help getting the 10 pin. I'm what I would call a strong tweener I guess. I put a lot of rev on the ball, and my ball speed is a little faster than average. I fall somewhere between a cranker and a tweener. Anyway I can't figure out how to flatten my hand out in order to get the 10 pin. I put enough revs on the ball that sometimes even a plastic ball will take off and miss the ten. It helps me a lot if there is something I can imagine while releasing the ball for the ten. For example when I throw my strike ball I imagine my hand passing over my mark which helps me be more accurate. Any ideas?
 Thanks,
       Matt

Answer
The only way you can make the ten pin, even with plastic, is to have the least amount of side rotation on the ball as you can.  If you listen closely, some of the pros will even roll the ball over the thumb hole when shooting spares.
One thing to try is to keep your palm facing the pin when you release the ball.  This will help get the ball going end over end and thus greatly reduce the hook.  Try to watch Norm Duke shoot spares.  He doesnt even us plastic.

Good luck,
Chip