Expert: Chip Aki - 2/6/2004

Question
I'am having a problem with releasing my thumb, so that the ball is resting on my fingers at the bottom of my armswing. Is there any drills out there to feel the proper release? My span and finger pitches are fitted properly for me. Could having fast feet and getting to the lane before the ball cause me not to feel the fingers imparting rotation to the ball, because I feel it here and there, so I know it's possible to do. I just don't know what is causing this inconsistancy in my release?

Answer
If you have a football, try throwing it underhand into a chair and try to produce a perfect spiral.  Other than that, when you go out to bowl, do not rush the release.  Until you develop a consistent release, try to keep  your armswing the same speed throughout the entire swing.  Most people, when trying to create hook, will pull down in the backswing and create speed but not revs.  In order for the fingers to do work, the bottom of the swing needs to be longer and not hurried.  Once you get the feel of waiting on the ball, the fingers will take care of themsleves.

Good luck,
Chip