Coach’s Corner Tip

Using Your Hands

In the pre-1980’s era, many of the top players were extremely adept at hand positions as a weapon to create the most favorable ball reaction. Today, in the era of an arsenal of bowling balls, this has become a lost art.

However, I submit that if you learn this “lost art” it may help you gain an edge over your fellow players. 

1 – Spread Index, Pinky Close, Straight Wrist

The most common hand position is the straight wrist, with the index finger somewhat spread out and the pinky finger a little closer to the middle fingers. This generally imparts a smooth, predictable reaction for most lane conditions.

2- Both Fingers Spread

One common variant of this is to spread both the index and the pinky fingers as much as possible. This hand position creates a lot of stability in the hand, as you are essentially using all four fingers to roll the ball. You trade power in the release for this reaction. The great straight players like Walter Ray Williams, Jr. will go to such a release on very tough lane conditions where a great degree of accuracy and forward roll are necessary.

3 – Index Finger In, Pinky Out

If you want to create a lot of forward roll with more ball roll, simply move the index finger in towards the center and leave the pinky finger spread. This will create a lot more roll than having the index finger spread, and the spread of the pinky finger slows down the turning motion. Caution – this hand position is quite difficult to  control.

4 – Index Finger Out, Pinky In or Tucked, Cocked Wrist

This hand position will maximize power and turn, and create a sharper breakpoint. If you keep the wrist cocked all the way to the release point, it will delay the break point of the ball. If you keep the wrist cupped and then straighten it out and the release point (known as the “cup and collapse”), you will create a very powerful roll that will still be more predictable than the straight cup. The straight cup with no collapse was very popular in the 70’s and 80’s, but is much less popular with today’s bowling equipment. Still – you may find an occasional use for this release. Caution: tucking the pinky effectively changes the span and can cause some strain!

5 – Spare Release

In this release, open the hands at the release point, and rotate the thumb toward the right (left for left handers). Generally, both fingers are somewhat spread when using a spare release, and the wrist is anywhere from straight to broken back. The motion of opening the hand at the release point makes the thumb and fingers release at almost the same time, and cuts down on ball roll. The opposite rotation of the wrist straightens out the ball at the release.

6 – A “Special” Release

Here’s a release that I have used for several years with great success, but it is not for everyone. Insert the middle finger into the ball, but only “touch” the ring-finger hole with the ring finger, then insert the thumb. This combination, if you can control it, will create a great deal of extra length to the shot. It works well when you need to make the ball in your hand skid longer, but with a similar reaction at the back of the lane.

7 – Combine with changing Axis Rotation

If you now combine some of these with coming straight up the back of the ball, a normal amount of turn, or
rotating your hand strongly around the ball, you can create a great variety of reactions with the same ball!
Try some of these out when you practice, keep what works for you, and let me know how they help your
game!