L atelier du bowling

Secret to strong, consistent release is in controlled finger rotation

Once you have developed a free and consistent arm swing, you should then concentration on the proper release techniques. Hand and arm positions are important, but to really fine tune your release and get proper ball reaction, you should work on isolation drills that concentrate on finger rotation as you release the ball. Keep in mind that finger rotation does not mean spinning the ball at release with muscular wrist movements or quick finger actions. To apply rotation to the ball, all you have to do is make sure your fingers rotate slightly as they continue to project forward through the ball in your release motion. The smooth, steady motion of arm swing, wrist and finger rotation will sustain the proper ball speed. The key is remembering the direction of the fingers at release should be a slight forward and outward motion through the ball. In most cases you can impart the hook you need by this modest rotation of your fingers, not by moving your wrist. At the point of release, your fingers also should remain bent inward while the fingers move forward and outward. Keeping the fingers bent will become a reflex motion as part of the release. This reflex movement, when done at the proper time, allows the ball to go further down the lane and hook more sharply. A good way to determine proper finger rotation is by visualizing a clock. Your middle finger should start in the 5 o’clock position as you begin your release. At the mid-point your finger will rotate slightly outward to the 4 o’clock position and finally, as the ball is released, the finger should be between 3 and 4 o’clock. Many bowlers make the mistake ofover-rotating around the ball at release, which leads to uncontrollable direction, inconsistent ball reaction and diminished ball speed. Another mistake bowlers make is imparting excessive finger lift by bending fingers all the way into the palm at release. In some cases this can cause your ball to roll over the thumb hole which will greatly reduce control, hinder your free roll and diminish hooking power.