Expert: - 11/2/2007

Question
On my first ball with my thumb pointing to the 11:00 position I consistenly pull the ball 3 boards inside my mark. When I turn my hand so the thumb is at the 6:00 position than I hit my mark but ball won't hardly hook. Its like I am pushing the ball with my fingers.

Answer
Aligning your body and your arm swing will allow for a more consistent delivery.

Assuming you are right handed, take a few shots with your left/slide foot starting 2 or 3 boards left of your normal setup position. Throw a few shots with the 11 o'clock hand position, where does the ball go? Are you close/hitting your target? You may drift a little in your approach.

If you drift, try to identify how much? 2 or 3 boards is normal. Are you straight? a little left? right? When you observe your finish at the foul line is the same or close, look at where the ball goes. There is typically 7 to 10 inches between the board you finish on, tip of your toe, and the board you roll the ball over. When you drift you must adjust targeting accordingly.  

If drifting is causing you to pull the ball, you may not have enough room between your starting position and finishing position at he foul line, and must pull the shot around your body. Please contact me again if this doesn't solve the problem. There may be other things causing it.