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Author Topic: Hand Position at the Release - need tips!  (Read 2087 times)

802dave

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Hand Position at the Release - need tips!
« on: March 02, 2006, 03:12:41 AM »
I'm having trouble with a consistent release; I don't get many revs on the ball; I'm speed dominant.

I'm not looking to be a Tommy Jones, but I'd like to work on a more effective release - match up my speed and revs better.

I'm remembering a swing thought I heard once, that if you spread your index finger out and then point it down on the forward swing, you will be cocking your wrist - getting your fingers in the 7 o'clock position, thumb in the 3 o'clock position.  And keep your wrist firm to keep your fingers below the equator of the ball for more revs or cup your wrist if able.   I haven't had much success keeping my wrist cupped or flat.  Should I try a wrist brace for a while so that I can "learn" to do this?  If so, which one can you recommend?

I have trouble keeping my hand behind the ball; my forearm naturally wants to rotate to the side of the ball, which if I hold off long enough, it is not a bad thing.  I've read the "keeping the forearm pointed at the target" and "lead with the ring finger" tips, but maybe there are other tricks you guys know, or maybe I just need to be a little uncomfortable for a while and force myself to keep the dang hand behind the ball?!

I try to keep my armswing as natural and unforced as possible, but bowling no more than I do, it's been difficult to be consistent.

Any tips & suggestions are greatly appreciated!
Thanks!!!
Dave

 

802dave

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Re: Hand Position at the Release - need tips!
« Reply #1 on: March 02, 2006, 11:25:35 AM »
Well, I just saw the "Staying behind the Ball" thread, so I guess this topic is redundant, but it is a problem for a lot of folks!

Maybe my questions in my initial post will cause more thoughts and tips for all.

Dave

Ragnar

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Re: Hand Position at the Release - need tips!
« Reply #2 on: March 02, 2006, 11:32:42 AM »
I'd suggest that you go to www.bowl4fun.com (Ron C's site) and check out his tips, especially those in re "finger dancing."  Lots of good stuff there.  

Dave, here's something that I've just recently been fooling around with that may help w/ more revs.  Don't start with you hand cupped; as your backswing reaches its apex let your wrist collapse - that is, let the back of the hand remain parallel with the floor.  Keep it in that position thru the flat spot at the bottom of your swing and thru the release.  I find this easier than cupping throughout the swing.
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802dave

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Re: Hand Position at the Release - need tips!
« Reply #3 on: March 02, 2006, 11:37:00 AM »
quote:
as your backswing reaches its apex let your wrist collapse - that is, let the back of the hand remain parallel with the floor.  Keep it in that position thru the flat spot at the bottom of your swing and thru the release.  I find this easier than cupping throughout the swing.
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I understand what you're saying here.  It's definitely something I'm going to  try out this weekend!  Thanks!
Dave

802dave

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Re: Hand Position at the Release - need tips!
« Reply #4 on: March 03, 2006, 05:04:40 AM »
I'd like to hear anymore tips, ideas, suggestions, etc that you might have on keeping the arm close to the body, forearm facing the target/ring finger leading, hand behind the ball, wrist cup, inside-out swing...

I'm going to check out the Ron Clifton articles!

Thanks!
Dave

dizzyfugu

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Re: Hand Position at the Release - need tips!
« Reply #5 on: March 03, 2006, 05:30:47 AM »
Ron Clifton's tips are a good base, as Rags mentioned.

What I can hint at is the ominous "ring finger lead" - try to "steer" your downswing AND follow-through with the ring finger. Make it a smooth, continous movement, no hurry, and watch out that the armpit stays closed (no wheeling around your hip) and your upper body is upright, square to your target.

Try to experiment with your wrist position. "Cup and collapse", like Rags tells, can work, but other options should be tried, too, since every bowler is different. For, me e. g., keeping the wrist locked throughout the swing works best.

To create some powerful roll, also try to hold your hand/wrist a way that lower arm and pinky build a "line", ring and middle finger should point forward and the index finger be angled away from this thought line. Spreading the index finger will improve back end reaction, too, as will a pinky placed tight to the ring finger (see Ron Clifton's tips - it works!).

This might not create a consistent release, but give you more roll and probably a more effective ball.

Also consider a wrist device (if you do not use one already). An inconsistent release can be the result of a weak wrist, coming around the ball (even if it feels different!) and cretaing more of spin than roll.
Also, check if you bow your upper body upon release. This is also a great source for errors and mostly the result of a too small knee bend. Try to keep your body upright upon release, it increases leverage and therefore ball reaction.

Video tape yourself and anylyze your shots. It is very revealing in many aspects and will surely help improving your overall game.

Hope this helps? Good luck!
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802dave

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Re: Hand Position at the Release - need tips!
« Reply #6 on: March 03, 2006, 11:00:23 AM »
quote:
quote:
my forearm naturally wants to rotate to the side of the ball


Check out WRW's swing.  There is a definite "loop" from outside to inside.  What you describe appears to be "chicken-winging".  On your downswing, you might try to "brush" your left ankle with a swing plane out to the right.  Hard to do?  Yep.



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OK, so what's the speed of dark? (Steven Wright)




I felt the difference last night in league when I kept my arm closer to my body, my forearm facing the target, and my ring finger releasing at the target.  I had to consciously pay attention to if my elbow was getting away from my body.  I'm just going to have to pay attention to this until it becomes natural for me to "brush" past my left angle with an inside-out release.

Thanks!

"so what's the speed of dark?"

That would be the time it takes for Chuck Norris to clear your mind with a roundhouse kick after you've insulted him!

802dave

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Re: Hand Position at the Release - need tips!
« Reply #7 on: March 03, 2006, 02:22:49 PM »
Grabbed three articles from Ron Clifton's site about the armswing, "finger dancing", and the release.  Excellent reading.

Dave