Expert: Chip Aki - 1/7/2007

Question
Hi Chip.  I have become pretty consistent with picking up my spares and have been working on getting a hook out of my ball.  I currently have a 15 lb Storm Triple X that I bought used from my local pro shop and had redrilled and fitted with fingertips. I have been practicing for a while and am trying to do everything correctly with not gripping the ball and such but I am not getting anywhere. I usually end up with my end going across my body trying to rev it which is not what I want.  I am considering buying a cheap reactive 13 lb ball to help me work on my swing and get the feeling down.  Would this be a good thing to do?  Thanks in advance.

Answer
Going with a lighter weight ball may help, but only if you can get a coach to work with you to make sure you are using the right technique.  Without another set of eyes, you may be able to create more hook, but not in the best and most consistent way.
If you are pulling your arm in front of you, then you are over rotating your hand and/or arm.

Good luck,
Chip