Expert: Chip Aki - 7/12/2007

Question
HI Chip< I am INlouisville, ky. and have seen you bowl in the open. I want to know how to acheive the open or power release .I see pete weber on tour and here at a tour event and to me it looks like he rotates to the side and lifts.I wnt to know the best way to increase revs and get a good thumb release.some people say turn to the side others say stay behind and let the fingers rotate naturaly, i am confused.

Answer
Pete has an almost one of a kind release.  Norm Duke can create a roll like that once in awhile.  Both of them will lift through the side of the ball, but will not rotate around it until the ball gets to the ankle.  Also, if you would notice, Pete does not hit the ball.  He finishes with his fingers open.  He just lets the ball roll off of his hand.
To increase the revs, you need to be able to keep the fingers under the ball more and not hit up on it.  If you have ever played with a yo-yo, your release would resemble sending the yo-yo spinning.
It would also require you to not squeeze the ball during the swing and being as relaxed as possible.  Do not try to cup the ball in your stance but let the ball lead your hand into the downswing.  This will cup your wrist without using muscle to do it.
If possible, try to do some video work.
I would go with the let the fingers rotate naturally camp on the good release.

Good luck,
Chip