Expert: Chip Aki - 8/21/2006

Question
Chip,

My question is how to get more revolutions on the ball, I just purchased the new Radical inferno, 15# ball. I have a 209 league average, but I don't put super revolutions on the ball. I typically stand on the middle dot, 5 step approach and throw in between the 2 and 1 arrow. Pretty much the ball goes straight and snaps at the end into the pocket. I have done this type of throw for over 7 years now, I recently bowled with you at the SunnyBrooke PBA regional Tourny over the summer, and the pattern used there was not for the type fo throw that I have. I have been recently trying to stand all the way left and throw over the 4th arrow, but nothing happens, I get about half reaction, and the ball never comes back to the pocket. I am confused how to roll the ball off my hand so I can get the revolutions that I need to get the ball to come back. I am right handed, and throw about 15.5 mph to about 16 most times. I watch and see most of the great bowlers bring the ball all the way over there shoulders in their back swing, I can not do that as I lose control of the ball. I bring it about half way back. Will that cause me to lose revlutions, or what can I do.

Thanks for the help.  

Answer
I am not sure that just having a higher backswing will give you what you are looking for.  It may be able to give you some extra ball speed, but I think just relaxing the swing could help create extra speed too.

If you want to increase your rev rate, you will need to get the fingers under the ball more.  I am sure you have seen bowlers that cup their wrist.  I dont think you need to go to that extreme, but a small difference in the hand position can make a big difference.  Again, this can be done by relaxing the swing and letting the ball initiate the downswing.  If the ball starts the downward motion instead of your hand, it will naturally give you a cupping action that will not reguire a lot of strength.  At that point, all you have to do is keep the fingers firm and let the ball roll off of your hand.  Do not try to lift the ball.  Try praciticing this at home with a softball or a nerf ball.

If this does not work, then to create more backend reaction, try to get your hand around the ball a bit more at the release point.  This will give the ball more side rotation which will help create skid and a sharper change of direction down the lane.  Pete Weber has this kind of release.

If you can create roll, then all you need to do is change the  orientation of the roll.

Good luck and hope to see you again.

Chip