Tthank you!!! Tried this out from your versatility video and the key for me is to push my pointer finger out and keep the rest tight, bowled three 200+ games 210,214,237.
Thanks for a to the point video, that I can put into use immediately for some options. I’m averaging 195 and recently bowled my first 300. As everyone does, as well as the pros I still struggle at times. I have to figure it out, every time I bowl. Again, thanks very much. I subscribed, and am looking forward to some more tips. Also, you are doing a great job coaching our future pros.
Welcome to the club. I improved my average from 180 at the beginning of the season to 201 before taking a break. Sometimes it’s good to step away for a bit and study/retool. The higher the average, the more difficult it is to improve. Once you hit 200 start trying different oil patterns if you’re a glutton for punishment.
The release has been the hardest thing for me to accomplish. I just got a new wrist brace called the Mongoose Optimum. My wrist is a little sore from using it on Sunday night, but it was helping me release the ball properly by getting my thumb out and letting my fingers lift through. Interesting how when you finally do something right, everything else seems to go out the window, at least for me. I never thought about tucking in the pinky. Thanks for the helpful tips, Shannon. Gonna keep working on being a little more consistent. My game is still all over the place.
ive always bowled with my pinky tucked, if i bowl it any other way im never consistent with my release or line, it just always felt right to me. I will warn you tho, you will tear the skin off the knuckle above your fingernail doing this until you build up a callus on it. So you should try it a few times and really think to yourself if it feels right or not for you if you dont wanna go through that. To me its very worth going through it, but everyone throws the ball different and you might not need that extra hook and feel for your shot.
Tucking the pinky is VERY awkward at first but now after getting use to it, I love the motion of my ball. Also helps me to stay inside on the swing and come around it when I roll (not throw) my ball downlane.
Thanks for this, something im working on, especially with the tucked pinky, my question is so when should you use these, ex; when lanes break down or flat patterns or on a heavy oil pattern. thank you so much
The pinky outward decreases your axis rotation (side roll) and allows you to play a straighter line, but it will cause the ball to hook and roll earlier. Moving your pinky inward or tucked increases side roll, which will cause the ball to hook and roll a little later, but will allow the ball to cover more boards. Of course, ball speed and axis tilt are also factors, since higher speed and higher tilt will also delay hook.
Man, I really wish I had 2 pinky’s so I could spread one out and tuck the other to maximize my rotation. I’m going to make an appointment at the plastic surgeon on Monday I think. 👍🏼 Bowling is life!
What are some of the best down and in bowling balls that is out there. I have a wild streak which is great but I need a ball that will work in the same area. I throw about 13.5 speed. As long as I forward roll the ball with an exaggerated follow through. I do well in the middle of the three games. I struggle early and/or late. Some of the issues are just me. But if I can get a ball that lets me stay in the area and either has a different shape or a slower/soft turn so I can keep my speed slow.
Be very careful when tucking your pinkie in between your palm and the bowling ball. If you do not release the ball properly you can rip your ring finger tendons right out of the palm of your hand. Please be careful with that recommendation. Go with the no step foul line release and work your way into it. If you feel any strain or pain whatsoever stop immediately.
You should stand at the line and swing your arm back and forth at least 20 times after you release the ball. Try to work your way up to 30 times if you can.
I noted during the player championships that one of the bowlers kept his index finger tight as well. What does that do? I was always taught that was something yo didn't do.
You should talk about the different types of bowling grips. Standard, finger, the off-set finger sarge-easter? I have seen 4 finger grip balls but maybe that's a training aid?
It’s rare to see but you can have a ball drilled to use all four fingers and the thumb to grip it. One of the people I used to bowl against had lost some of his grip strength and drilled holes for his index finger and pinky. The center where I bowl has a dozen or so 4 & 5 pound balls that they only bring out for the bumper league and they are all drilled with five holes.
@@janderson8401 Spot on. The extra finger holes are nothing more than extra help to hold onto the ball.....while losing a little leverage to spin it. But, if you really want to bowl with poor grip strength, it can be done
My TIP: If you are going to Tuck the Pinky alot, you might wanna use Skin protection tape around pinky first knuckle. You will shred pinky skin rather quickly! Another TIP: You can remove some RPMs from your release if you move your "Pointer finger" close to your middle finger, and spread the pinky out as far! I like to do this release the first time I hit the pocket and leave a 10 pin. I throw 7-9 strikes in a row and throw the same shot and BAAMM 10 pin? WTF, no wayyy. All my teamates tell me "I wasnt behind the head pin, that was a sweet shot man!" Then I do above and next few shots I trip the 10 pin out. But only a matter of time until you need to make further adjustments to keep striking!
Great info! Maybe the next one should be more in-depth on why you would want to use any of those three. I went to pinky tucked early on because I did not understand Axis Tilt and Rotation very well and wanted more hook. Tucking it made me become even more of a “spin biscuit” (RIP MO) than I already was so when I saw a harder shot, aka longer, flatter patterns I was humbled. I did not know any better back then. Will work on a very spread pinky as it is spread out but not to the max in order to get more behind it.
Technically, a ball should be 10% your body weight, so for instance, if you weight 140 lbs, you should use a 14 lb ball. If you are 120 lbs, you should use a 12 lb ball. (There are exceptions to that rule if you have less muscle mass than normal)
missed bringing both fingers in making your ball roll pretty straight for those wrap corner pins, most people are house bowlers and dont roll plastic and use their strike balls for everything
Not "most". Many in my house, including me, use plastic. When you play some short sport shots, you'll understand why pretty quick. It's mostly personal choice to learn corners/split conversions with your "strike" ball or plastic. Many of us plastic users want the ball to go consistently from point A to point B
She covers that in the video. It depends on what ball motion you want. Spreading the fingers should make it easier to come up the back of the ball giving you a shot that will go straighter and carry down the lane. The other positions should help you come around the ball, giving you more axis rotation and making the ball hook more.
If your pin is around your ring finger it will hook by keeping the pads of your ring and middle fingers pointing up to the ceiling throughout your regular release. Just be sure that the bowling ball stays flat in the palm of your hand. And the ball will hook easily on it's own without you having to do any tricks with your hand. You can easily play from the gutter to the 20 board without any hand manipulations. Good luck.
I’m basically gonna echo what they said. You’ll want to keep a relaxed grip and feel your palm covering as much of the ball as possible, as well as think about “pushing” (best description I could think of) the ball during the bottom portion of your arm swing. This should create a lot of roll and then the ball should do the work.
And if you want to really delve into the mechanics of bowling, I would definitely recommend checking out “Analysis of the modern 10-pin swing and release” (part 2 has male and female).
I want to agree with you on spreading out both your pinky and your pointer finger but if you pay attention to the Pros in the PBA 95% of the time they only spread out their pointer finger as far as they can but they usually will keep the pinky in along side the ring finger. This is how I've always held the ball in the 30+ years I've been a bowler as well. Current average is 211 in the only league I'm currently in. EDIT - God damnit. I take back everything I just said.. I paused the video and typed the previous reply before watching the entire video where you in fact talk about the same method I've been accustomed to using and seeing the pros use where you pull your pinky up against your ring finger with only the pointer finger spread outwards. 🤣
However.. I should have stated I could see this advice helping someone that's brand new with bowling. Or a low average 120-150 type of player who doesn't have a proper release/approach etc.
When I tuck my pinky it makes the ball go further down the lane and snaps in the back end I like doing it that way so I won’t burn the ball out before it get to the pocket
Pinky tuck is ok as long you span isn’t too stretch as fingertip. Been doing this time to time with a fingertip grip. If span too long yes you will have problems with your tendons
I've been tucking in my pinkie for 5 years already it doesn't anything but I just noticed if u don't have a proper span on your ball I'd does hurt a lot
All these videos on the internet with so many different ways to do this and do that just makes bowling more confusing for the starter and the experienced bowler
Agree but tucking that pinkie really does not give more than movie pinkie in. That is a mental thought. There are bowlers who do but major will say it causes the same reaction leading back to the mind again. Still great video!
I've heard her examples from others. I'd go with her. The more you slide the pinky over the easier it becomes for weight to shift. Also, for me adding pressure to my index also can increase the shift and natural brace your wrist.
It's somewhat involuntary. Swinging a heavy object and releasing all the energy/power from the arm creates a bit of a pendulum effect when releasing the ball, unless you're muscling the ball.
Hello insidebowling! I am struggling with oil rings going through my thumb hole. I'd really appreciate if you could take a while and look on my instagram videos @thesunnythomas to let me know where I am doing mistakes. Thanks alot and have a nice day!
I have used this hack and it works for me. I am a senior bowler and need all the help I can get. Have a blessed day.
Tthank you!!! Tried this out from your versatility video and the key for me is to push my pointer finger out and keep the rest tight, bowled three 200+ games 210,214,237.
what a great short video on the different hand positions. Thanks
Best tip I ever found. Thank you for all of your help Shannon. Wish you gals could come back out to Sonoma County. Take Care, and good bowling !!!
Thanks for a to the point video, that I can put into use immediately for some options. I’m averaging 195 and recently bowled my first 300. As everyone does, as well as the pros I still struggle at times. I have to figure it out, every time I bowl. Again, thanks very much. I subscribed, and am looking forward to some more tips. Also, you are doing a great job coaching our future pros.
Welcome to the club. I improved my average from 180 at the beginning of the season to 201 before taking a break. Sometimes it’s good to step away for a bit and study/retool. The higher the average, the more difficult it is to improve. Once you hit 200 start trying different oil patterns if you’re a glutton for punishment.
Really appreciate your play tips. Your descriptions make so much sense to me. Thanks for sharing your vast knowledge with everyone!
Thanks for the nice comments! We're glad these tips are helpful to you and we really appreciate you watching them!!
Yes! It helps me to throw the ball. I testing it and it's worked. Thx 4 the good and clearly lessons.
These are like quality of bowling life hacks, these are great thanks again!
Going to experiment with these different finger positions. Leaving allot of 10 pins, hoping one of these will help me carry more
Saw you and your husband at Strike and spare II, in Lockport with your team from McKendree, keep up the tips:
Thanks Shannon! I'm going to try that.
Thank Miss O' Keefe .since I been seeing your videos it has help me a lot this year.
Great tip Shannon. I never knew it was ok to spread your index and pinky.
This is great!! I've been increasing my strike percentage. Thanks a ton!
You're very welcome!
thanks for the bowling release tips. will learn more
Good tip from the friendly pro ! Thanks !
This is very informative! Thanks!
The release has been the hardest thing for me to accomplish. I just got a new wrist brace called the Mongoose Optimum. My wrist is a little sore from using it on Sunday night, but it was helping me release the ball properly by getting my thumb out and letting my fingers lift through. Interesting how when you finally do something right, everything else seems to go out the window, at least for me. I never thought about tucking in the pinky. Thanks for the helpful tips, Shannon. Gonna keep working on being a little more consistent. My game is still all over the place.
ive always bowled with my pinky tucked, if i bowl it any other way im never consistent with my release or line, it just always felt right to me. I will warn you tho, you will tear the skin off the knuckle above your fingernail doing this until you build up a callus on it. So you should try it a few times and really think to yourself if it feels right or not for you if you dont wanna go through that. To me its very worth going through it, but everyone throws the ball different and you might not need that extra hook and feel for your shot.
Thank you for doing the Tip Tuesday. Your videos have helped be a lot.
You are so welcome! We love doing them. Keep bowling!
Good pointers! I'm going to try tucking the pinky in.
Funny, I used to curl my pinky when I was younger I thought it was bad to do that so I made myself straighten it out. Ill have to try it again.
Tucking the pinky is VERY awkward at first but now after getting use to it, I love the motion of my ball. Also helps me to stay inside on the swing and come around it when I roll (not throw) my ball downlane.
Thanks for sharing your expertise. 🙏🏼
Thank you for the great tips on grip Shannon! Wish I had your physical game!
Good suggestion Shann
I've never seen a video with 0 dislikes.
This tip helped me. Will work on it and even get better. Thx Shannon !
Great tip! Thanks
Thanks for this, something im working on, especially with the tucked pinky, my question is so when should you use these, ex; when lanes break down or flat patterns or on a heavy oil pattern. thank you so much
The pinky outward decreases your axis rotation (side roll) and allows you to play a straighter line, but it will cause the ball to hook and roll earlier. Moving your pinky inward or tucked increases side roll, which will cause the ball to hook and roll a little later, but will allow the ball to cover more boards. Of course, ball speed and axis tilt are also factors, since higher speed and higher tilt will also delay hook.
Thank you for the info
Thank you Shannon
Pinky tuck i started doing and it helped my game..
Man, I really wish I had 2 pinky’s so I could spread one out and tuck the other to maximize my rotation. I’m going to make an appointment at the plastic surgeon on Monday I think. 👍🏼
Bowling is life!
Hey Shannon well I have have3 holes.in my bowling so I use my pinky..which seems to work alot better..
Will the spreading the fingers out to stay behind it more work for a Two Handed no thumb bowler to I will probably give it a try thanks
Thanks Shannon
Thanks!! ❤
Thanks!
Did night. Awesome. It help
What weight ball do you usually like?
Shannon throws 15lb bowling balls.
Any feedback on arcing your index finger? I seem to use it to help me get around more on the ball and generate more motion
I actually move my index finger in tight to my middle finger when throwing at spares. And bring both in when I go at the 10 pin.
does it really make the ball straighten up? Didn’t try this yet
@@kevpmntn I have bowled for 35 years or so, and have always did this. Seems to work for me???
Yes to reduce the angle revs for 10 pin pickup, unless if you have a very high backswing with blazing speed in a straight line.
What are some of the best down and in bowling balls that is out there. I have a wild streak which is great but I need a ball that will work in the same area. I throw about 13.5 speed. As long as I forward roll the ball with an exaggerated follow through. I do well in the middle of the three games. I struggle early and/or late. Some of the issues are just me. But if I can get a ball that lets me stay in the area and either has a different shape or a slower/soft turn so I can keep my speed slow.
Be very careful when tucking your pinkie in between your palm and the bowling ball. If you do not release the ball properly you can rip your ring finger tendons right out of the palm of your hand. Please be careful with that recommendation. Go with the no step foul line release and work your way into it. If you feel any strain or pain whatsoever stop immediately.
YES. I was looking for this comment. Finally someone who knows. You are absolutely right, tucking the pinkie can injure your tendons.
do i have to swing my arm 8 times at the end of the swing?
Yes 🤣
the ball is already gone
@@knightrdrx tic toc
You should stand at the line and swing your arm back and forth at least 20 times after you release the ball. Try to work your way up to 30 times if you can.
Does the first finger position take speed off the ball?
Thank you so much.
im in Los Angeles California and I been lookin for a bowling coach do you have any recommendations?
Hello Shannon!
Any suggestions for the very few that bowl with their ring finger and pinky finger?
I'll be bowling with my nephew in the morning
I noted during the player championships that one of the bowlers kept his index finger tight as well. What does that do? I was always taught that was something yo didn't do.
You should talk about the different types of bowling grips. Standard, finger, the off-set finger sarge-easter? I have seen 4 finger grip balls but maybe that's a training aid?
It’s rare to see but you can have a ball drilled to use all four fingers and the thumb to grip it. One of the people I used to bowl against had lost some of his grip strength and drilled holes for his index finger and pinky. The center where I bowl has a dozen or so 4 & 5 pound balls that they only bring out for the bumper league and they are all drilled with five holes.
@@janderson8401 Spot on. The extra finger holes are nothing more than extra help to hold onto the ball.....while losing a little leverage to spin it. But, if you really want to bowl with poor grip strength, it can be done
Thank u
I blew out my ring finger tucking my pinky under, had pain go all the way through my forearm into my bicep, be careful.
I hold my index and pinky extended but not sure what or where to hold my left hand. Can you please help me with that?
What is the layout on that ZZenith Pearl? 👀
I was taught to deliver with my hand coming up like im shaking hands, but noticed that now pros talk about coming straight up the back of the ball?
What wrist device are you using?
My TIP: If you are going to Tuck the Pinky alot, you might wanna use Skin protection tape around pinky first knuckle. You will shred pinky skin rather quickly!
Another TIP: You can remove some RPMs from your release if you move your "Pointer finger" close to your middle finger, and spread the pinky out as far!
I like to do this release the first time I hit the pocket and leave a 10 pin. I throw 7-9 strikes in a row and throw the same shot and BAAMM 10 pin? WTF, no wayyy. All my teamates tell me "I wasnt behind the head pin, that was a sweet shot man!"
Then I do above and next few shots I trip the 10 pin out. But only a matter of time until you need to make further adjustments to keep striking!
Great info! Maybe the next one should be more in-depth on why you would want to use any of those three. I went to pinky tucked early on because I did not understand Axis Tilt and Rotation very well and wanted more hook. Tucking it made me become even more of a “spin biscuit” (RIP MO) than I already was so when I saw a harder shot, aka longer, flatter patterns I was humbled. I did not know any better back then. Will work on a very spread pinky as it is spread out but not to the max in order to get more behind it.
How many pound ball do you throw? It looks light and very easy on you. I wish I can do it that way.
More than likely she throws a 15 pound ball. But they're plenty of WPBA bowlers that are switching to a 14 pound for a little more control.
Technically, a ball should be 10% your body weight, so for instance, if you weight 140 lbs, you should use a 14 lb ball. If you are 120 lbs, you should use a 12 lb ball. (There are exceptions to that rule if you have less muscle mass than normal)
missed bringing both fingers in making your ball roll pretty straight for those wrap corner pins, most people are house bowlers and dont roll plastic and use their strike balls for everything
Not "most". Many in my house, including me, use plastic. When you play some short sport shots, you'll understand why pretty quick. It's mostly personal choice to learn corners/split conversions with your "strike" ball or plastic. Many of us plastic users want the ball to go consistently from point A to point B
So, through the different finger placements, are you still going straight up the back of the ball, or are you finishing off to the side of it?
She covers that in the video. It depends on what ball motion you want. Spreading the fingers should make it easier to come up the back of the ball giving you a shot that will go straighter and carry down the lane. The other positions should help you come around the ball, giving you more axis rotation and making the ball hook more.
Any tips for people who just started using a fingertip ball? Tips on getting it to hook?
Make sure your hand stays behind the ball. Dont “try” to make it hook. Dont grip/squeeze either.
@@tylerwill5250 Thank you.
If your pin is around your ring finger it will hook by keeping the pads of your ring and middle fingers pointing up to the ceiling throughout your regular release. Just be sure that the bowling ball stays flat in the palm of your hand. And the ball will hook easily on it's own without you having to do any tricks with your hand. You can easily play from the gutter to the 20 board without any hand manipulations. Good luck.
I’m basically gonna echo what they said. You’ll want to keep a relaxed grip and feel your palm covering as much of the ball as possible, as well as think about “pushing” (best description I could think of) the ball during the bottom portion of your arm swing. This should create a lot of roll and then the ball should do the work.
And if you want to really delve into the mechanics of bowling, I would definitely recommend checking out “Analysis of the modern 10-pin swing and release” (part 2 has male and female).
Does any of these help carry the 10 pin?
Yes indeed. Entry angle changes will occur with these adjustments which will help you carry the 10.
Hmmmmm will try
I want to agree with you on spreading out both your pinky and your pointer finger but if you pay attention to
the Pros in the PBA 95% of the time they only spread out their pointer finger as far as they can but they usually
will keep the pinky in along side the ring finger. This is how I've always held the ball in the 30+ years I've been
a bowler as well. Current average is 211 in the only league I'm currently in.
EDIT -
God damnit. I take back everything I just said.. I paused the video and typed the previous reply before watching the
entire video where you in fact talk about the same method I've been accustomed to using and seeing the pros use
where you pull your pinky up against your ring finger with only the pointer finger spread outwards. 🤣
However.. I should have stated I could see this advice helping someone that's brand new with bowling.
Or a low average 120-150 type of player who doesn't have a proper release/approach etc.
i know that bowling alley at 0.34
When I tuck my pinky it makes the ball go further down the lane and snaps in the back end I like doing it that way so I won’t burn the ball out before it get to the pocket
Exactly giving you the most axis rotation
What ball weight do you use
Dan Shannon uses 15lb bowling balls. Thanks for the question and thanks for watching our videos, we appreciate it!!
Shannon....I do Pinky. Same as you T-Shirt. Lol. Love from Holland.
I spent 600 on balls I need a trainer in Dallas area dangit!
Plus you need to swing your arm 5 more times like they do.
Help me, I have a wicked curve that’s hard to control
NO!! Don't tuck in the pinkie! Yes it helps maximize the revs but will also damage your wrist tendons in the long run. Trust me, I know the hard way.
I only do it if I'm in league just 3 games once a week
It puts too much stain on you tendons. It also slows your ball speed down. You don't have the same hand strength when the pinkie is tucked
Pinky tuck is ok as long you span isn’t too stretch as fingertip. Been doing this time to time with a fingertip grip. If span too long yes you will have problems with your tendons
I've been tucking in my pinkie for 5 years already it doesn't anything but I just noticed if u don't have a proper span on your ball I'd does hurt a lot
All these videos on the internet with so many different ways to do this and do that just makes bowling more confusing for the starter and the experienced bowler
❤️❤️❤️❤️🤘💖
It all have to do is how they oil the lanes know for a fact that they oil different with the major league a owner of the lanes told me this
Agree but tucking that pinkie really does not give more than movie pinkie in. That is a mental thought. There are bowlers who do but major will say it causes the same reaction leading back to the mind again.
Still great video!
I swear I saw this girl at st.Clair bowl someone know if it was for sure
That’s the walll toooo
@@haydenladrew6823 that is St Clair Bowl, i bowl there for league
That "girl" is the head coach for McKendree University and a multi year PWBA player of the year. So yeah, I'm sure it was her.
doesnt work for 2 fingers
When did the word "hack" begin to mean "tips" or "Advice" or anything other than what "hack" actually means?
I heard Randy talking about this on the Finals and think he said the opposite so now I'm confused.
I've heard her examples from others. I'd go with her. The more you slide the pinky over the easier it becomes for weight to shift. Also, for me adding pressure to my index also can increase the shift and natural brace your wrist.
@@sto1vall Thank you, I will!
The sad part is when she tells me to tuck in my pinky.
Well I feel silly after watching this. I've always used my index and middle finger. That might be why I suck at bowling!
She’s cute.
Great video except for the cringy extra arm swinging release she does.🥶
You mean two handed bowling? There nothing wrong with that allot of people do it
It's somewhat involuntary. Swinging a heavy object and releasing all the energy/power from the arm creates a bit of a pendulum effect when releasing the ball, unless you're muscling the ball.
It's not extra arm swing it's called following through something that's actually very important to bowl properly
I can max her out alright
She is a goddess
Hello insidebowling! I am struggling with oil rings going through my thumb hole. I'd really appreciate if you could take a while and look on my instagram videos @thesunnythomas to let me know where I am doing mistakes. Thanks alot and have a nice day!
Great stuff thanks
Thank you for the information
Thank you Shannon