Need help

[The rookie]

im fairly new to bowling, started about a year ago. im having big time problems with my release, ball comes out thumb and fingers simutaneously, and just produces endless skid for me. and sometimes i can do it right, thumb comes out first then i feel the weight of the ball on my fingers and i could see that ball revs and does not slide. my problem is the consistency, how can i become consistent with my release? some guys at my house have been helping me, and i really appreciate it.  i know the difference between a good release from a bad one, but i guess i just cant do it on a consistent basis. is there a drill or excersise which can help me on my release?  i know some of you guys need to see my shot first before you can give some advice, but i sure hope that someone can give me something even simple tips to work on. its really frustrating, my confidence is way down, even words of encouragement will help. thanks.

[sdbowler]

Best thing to do is practice practice practice. I know that is an old saying but it works. Keep working with a good coach. They should be able to tell what you are doing when you throw a bad ball and when you throw a good one. One thing that I was taught as a kid would be to use the couch to practice into. Just release the ball into the couch and work on the release. Maybe try to video yourself so you and your coach can watch it so they could point things out. Good luck with it.

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time to leave South Dakota

[charlest]

rookie,

It's virtually impossible to diagnose such a potential problem "at this distance". What I would suggest to make sure of one thing first. Visit one or two OTHER Pro shops, other than the one in which you got your ball drilled. Ask them to insure that your span and finger and thumb pitches are proper for your hand's physical attributes. This is one of the most important aspects of better bowling and one of the most ignored or neglected.

After this is done, try to find a good local coach, one who is recommended by several of the better local area bowlers. Almost all higher average scratch bowlers will have gone to a coach at some point in time.

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"Just because you can do something does not mean you should do it."

[tenpinspro]

Hey Rookie,

We all start somewhere, don't be discouraged.  One of my tricks I teach is to build a makeshift box of some sort(I used a large cardboard box w/ old blankets as a kid), learn to roll or flip the ball into the box.  You can do this in slow mo and feel the ball rotate off your thumb and then onto your fingers.  Another trick is to palm the ball and throw it into the box with 2 fingers only a few times, this gives you the feel of finger lift, then just add your thumb to the mix but try to feel the same lift feel with your fingers.  Another very important part of the release is to have your entire grip be fairly snug so your hand muscles can relax.  If you're muscling the ball it becomes difficult to create feel.  A proper fitting ball should hang onto your hand at your side with minimal effort, it you have to squeeze it, then the holes are too big.  Try taping the thumb w/ bowlers tape to create the snug feel.  To create a good pendulum swing, I suggest putting the ball into a buff a ball and let it swing freely back and forward.  You can even do this walking around the house at the same time.  This will help you create the feel of your arm free swinging back and forward a little easier.  Too much to go into...I've been coaching almost 20 yrs(see profile).  Feel free to contact me directly for any additional help.  Keep practicing and good luck.
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Rick Leong
Ten Pins Pro Shop
Track Pro Shop Staff
Vise Grip Staff