Expert: Chip Aki - 1/9/2007

Question
HI, alright, that is great, it is a much more consistent way to release and I think now I'm ready for the next step. I've been practicing that for a while now and I've got it down. What do I do next?
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The text above is a follow-up to ...

-----Question-----
I got my own ball called a "tornado" that is made for hooking. No matter how I try, I can not seem to find a way to consistently strike the ball. At first, i would flex my wrist a lot as i pulled back and basically spin it as hard as i could. Then, I would not grip the ball as much and throw it, giving a little spin with my wrist at the end. Finally, I recently saw someone hold the ball completely sideways, with the thumb on the left and the fingers on the right. That did not seem to work at all for me. I can bowl 125 consistently with an occasional lucky 150 but I cant seem to get any better than that. Could you maybe suggest the proper technique that I could start with to start consistently bowling with a hook, and improve my game? I just don't know where to start.
-----Answer-----
For the most consistent release to start with, place your thumb at 10 o'clock and your fingers at 4 o'clock.  Just keep them in that position throughout the swing and let the ball roll off of your hand.  Keep the fingers firm, but don't try to "lift" the ball.  Once you get consistent with that, you can move on to the next step.  You can contact me at a later date and we will discuss that.
This will also let you make more spares and that is the secret to improving your average faster.

Good luck,
Chip

Answer
The next step is to try and get your wrist in a stronger position.  Some bowlers rely on a wrist support for this, but if you are strong enough to keep your wrist straight, or cupped without one, you are better off.  You need to get the fingers a bit more under the ball and it will increase your revs.

Good luck,
Chip