Expert: Chip Aki - 6/7/2006

Question
hey hows it going? im a beginner bowler and just want to know the basics about holding, releasing, and adding spin to my bowling. first, what fingers should i use to hold the ball? second how should i release? finally, how do i add spin? thanks for your time.

Answer
To grip the ball, you would use your middle finger, ring finger, and thumb.
You will release the ball with the thumb first and then the fingers.
Hold the ball with your fingers at the four oclock position and your thumb at the ten oclock position throughout the swing and release.  This will give you some side rotation that will help create hook.

Once you can do this in a consistent manner, you can work on creating more rotation.  You must learn to roll the ball first.

Good luck,
Chip