Question for anyone who used to be a cranker, or who regularly hit up on the ball, as to if they had any success changing to a "weaker" release?  Growing up on urethane as I did, I learned the "grip it and rip it" approach to the lanes, but for some reason I am not smart enough to get newer equipment to work for me.  Sure, I can throw a lot of strikes in a set, but I'll also leave around 2 splits of the 4-6-(either 7 or 10) variety per game.  Very, very rarely will I leave a washout - seems I have some phobia about hitting light (even though todays equipment seems to carry light hits better than solid pocket hits).

Anyway, back to topic... I am flirting with less cupping of the wrist, and more of a "stroker" style release to try taming down the reaction (and splits) in my game.  I was wondering if a wrist brace helped you keep your hand out of it?  One of my biggest problems is I'll be going along great, then subconciously I will cup one and plow through the beak for that split.  I know what I've done when I see the ball react, and in many cases I will feel it just before release.  In other words, I will have my wrist straight in my backswing, and as I come forward the wrist will curl under and cup the ball just before I hit up on it in my release.  This aggravates me to no end - is there any hope for my stubborn brain to learn a different release?

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9~

Keep your balls on the lane and your mind in the gutter!

Hey 9~,

I've done exactly what you mentioned.  I used to hit up on it pretty decent but learned over the course of time (like you understand) that the effort is no longer needed to make a ball hook strongly and effectively.  I didn't have to go to a glove to cut back, being smaller in stature, it was fairly easy for me to not have to use muscle(don't have any to begin with) on the shot.

 

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seems I have some phobia about hitting light (even though todays equipment seems to carry light hits better than solid pocket hits).

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Just trust it bud, as you will see more and more strikes happen without having to work for it, you'll get used to it.  Oh, 2 positives I've gotten from backing off the hit 1) able to move right, not having to cover boards and create more natural angle entry 2)able to use the higher tech equipment.  Most of time I'm be able to out carry the next guy having to throw urethane or a weaker ball and I also don't see as much spottiness downlane because I'm throwing a ball with more surface.  Hope this helps...

Rick