hi ,I just returned from a 2 year layoff, from ankle surgery,and have developed a horrible realese,don"t know how I required it,i seem to be coming around the ball and I end up with my thumb pointing down,and have been bouncing the ball, when I quit last time I was averaging 210 now I cant even break 180, so very inconsistent and frustrating, thanks.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

The book he's referring to is "The Game Changer" by Mark Baker.  Very, very good source.  You should find it on Amazon. 

While you're waiting for it to arrive I'd say to move closer to friction and simplify things.  Many times we struggle because we're trying to force ball reaction and MAKE the ball hook, etc.  We then start developing some bad habits.  Just LET it hook...  Good luck.

Honestly, if you had ankle surgery, your footwork will be a mess until you get some practice in. If I were you, I'd do some approach steps at home with a softball. Work on your feet and keep your wrist straight. The timing will be easy to transfer to the lanes.

My guess is that you fell into a habit of shorter quicker steps, most likely stemming from the ankle injury.