Take Some Hand Out Of Your Bowling Release

Written By: Rich Carubba and Keith Spear | Written On: Monday, May 18, 2020 | Updated On: Saturday, November 9, 2024

If you have heard the term, “take some hand out of your shot,” it refers to using less wrist and finger rotation at the moment you deliver your bowling ball. This technique is especially useful for bowlers looking to control ball reaction in challenging lane conditions, such as when the lane has begun to dry out or when the front-end conditioner has broken down. Learning to adjust the amount of hand you put into your shot is a valuable skill that can improve consistency and control, helping you hit the pocket more effectively.

When Should You Use Less Hand

Using less hand means reducing the amount of wrist action and finger rotation as you release the ball. When lane conditions change, such as during a long game or tournament, the oil on the lane can start to wear down, leading to “dry” or “hooky” lanes. In these conditions, your ball is more likely to hook sooner and react sharply to friction, which can throw off your aim and make it difficult to hit the pocket consistently.

Reducing your hand action helps you control how aggressively the ball responds to these lane conditions. When the lane is dry, for example, less hand action results in a smoother, less dramatic hook. By minimizing your ball’s overreaction to the friction on the lane, you can better manage its trajectory and prevent it from hooking too early. This approach enables you to maintain a more predictable ball path, making it easier to reach the pins at an ideal angle for maximizing your chance of a strike.

How to Adjust Your Wrist Position

To use less hand, adjust your wrist position to reduce the power and rotation of your release. There are a few ways to accomplish this:

• Flat Wrist Position: Try straightening your wrist to a flat position instead of keeping it cupped. This adjustment will reduce the power you put into the ball and give you a more controlled release.
• Back-Tilt Wrist Position: For even less hand action, slightly tilt your wrist backward, creating a subtle “reverse cup.” This position will further reduce the amount of finger rotation and the intensity of your ball’s hook.

Both of these wrist adjustments encourage a more stable release by allowing your thumb and fingers to exit the ball closer together. When your thumb exits the ball just before or simultaneously with your fingers, you produce a smoother, less forceful release. This technique is essential for adapting to challenging lane conditions where a powerful release would cause too much hook and reduce control.

Benefits of Controlled Ball Skid

Using less wrist and finger rotation helps maintain consistent ball skid length, which is crucial for controlling your ball’s reaction on the lane. The skid phase, or the initial part of the ball’s path, is when the ball travels in a straight line before starting to hook. By controlling skid length, you prevent your ball from hooking too early and maintain a predictable trajectory toward the pocket.

In dry or challenging lane conditions, achieving consistent skid length becomes even more important. Less hand action translates into a reduced hook, allowing the ball to travel further down the lane before turning toward the pins. This extended skid phase ensures that the ball retains its energy for the right moment, giving you a higher chance of hitting the pocket with the ideal angle for pin carry.

Keeping the ball in the skid phase longer also improves pin action. When you enter the pocket at the correct angle, your ball transfers energy effectively to the pins, increasing the likelihood of a strike. By managing skid length, you can adjust your release to match lane conditions and maintain control over the ball’s movement.

Stay Behind the Ball

To maximize control in dry or unpredictable conditions, aim to stay behind the ball as you release it. Staying behind the ball means that your hand remains in line with your arm and the direction you’re aiming. This technique limits excessive side rotation, which can cause the ball to overreact and hook too sharply. Instead, staying behind the ball promotes a stable, straight release, resulting in a smoother, more manageable hook.

When you stay behind the ball with less hand action, you achieve a “flatter” roll that still hooks but with less aggression. This approach is ideal when lane conditions are tricky, as it prevents you from losing control and helps you maintain a consistent line. A less powerful release doesn’t necessarily mean sacrificing accuracy or pin action—it’s a strategic adjustment that works to your advantage on challenging lanes.

Proper Finger Rotation Technique

Although you’re using less hand action, a slight finger rotation is still beneficial. The ideal finger rotation when taking hand out of your shot is minimal, with your fingers rotating just an inch or so around the ball. This rotation should happen naturally after your thumb exits the ball, allowing for a controlled and smooth release. Avoid rotating your entire arm or elbow, as this can lead to over-rotation and destabilize your shot.

This subtle finger rotation creates a mild hook that keeps the ball on target while avoiding an aggressive reaction to dry conditions. With practice, you’ll develop a feel for the exact amount of finger rotation needed for various lane conditions. Consistently practicing this technique will improve your overall control and help you achieve a clean, fluid release.

The feeling you want is for the ball to flow off your hand with minimal effort. If you sense a smooth, almost effortless release, you’re likely using the correct amount of hand for these conditions. This technique can be especially effective in tournament settings, where lane conditions often vary throughout the day and require frequent adjustments.

Follow Through for Consistency

Once the ball leaves your hand, your follow-through is critical for ensuring accuracy and consistency. A full and complete follow-through keeps your hand moving toward your target, reinforcing your intended line. Avoid decelerating or pulling back your swing, as this can disrupt your shot’s path and reduce accuracy.

During your follow-through, maintain your arm swing’s target path orientation until the ball has passed your target point on the lane. This focus ensures that your shot follows the desired trajectory and helps prevent last-minute deviations. Proper follow-through also promotes balance and stability in your approach, adding consistency to your overall game.

Bowl Smart with Lane Adjustments

As lane conditions evolve, taking hand out of your shot is a valuable strategy for maintaining control. Remember, the goal is not necessarily to create the biggest hook but to achieve a controlled shot that hits the pocket. When lanes break down and become dry, a less powerful release is often more advantageous. By reducing hand action, you can achieve the right ball motion for tricky lanes and increase your chances of consistent pocket hits.

Making smart adjustments based on lane conditions is a sign of an advanced bowler. Recognizing when to take hand out of your shot and understanding how to implement this technique will give you an edge, especially in competitive or league settings. As you practice this skill, you’ll become more comfortable with these subtle adjustments, enabling you to adapt quickly during games and tournaments.

Bowling isn’t just about power and hook; it’s about control, consistency, and the ability to adapt. Taking hand out of your shot when needed is a strategic approach that can improve your game, especially on challenging lanes. By mastering this skill, you’ll gain greater control over your ball and become a more versatile and effective bowler.