This week's tip is about three basis wrist positions: (1) broken wrist or weak wrist, (2) straight or firm wrist, and (3) cupped or power position.
The broken wrist position produces very little hook. The fingers are positioned closer to the top of the ball instead of beneath therefore producing less lift. I primarily use this wrist position for certain spares like the 10-pin or on extremely dry lane conditions.
The second wrist position, the straight or firm wrist is probably the most common. I use this position most of the time. Your fingers are beneath the ball more, making it easier to get good lift at release point. It requires a little more strength in your wrist than the broken wrist position. This position usually works on most lane conditions.
The last is the cupped wrist position. This position is used to produce the most hook. In this position your fingers are further beneath the ball enabling you to get more lift and turn at release point. You must have very strong wrist to use this position. It requires more muscle in your swing to use this release, and I use this wrist position if I have heavier oil on the lanes and I want to create more area for myself or get my ball into an earlier roll.
In addition to the wrist position, you can alter your roll by starting more on the side of the ball (thumb at 9 o'clock) for more skid or more behind the ball (thumb at 12 o'clock) to get earlier roll. I suggest the higher average bowler experiment with these different wrist positions and learn when to use them on different lane conditions.
Tip for women: Practice some wrist curls with some lightweight dumbbell (5 to 8 pound weights) to strengthen the wrist. Three sets of 8 to 10 reps.
If you have any bowling-related questions or have a problem with your game and could use some advice from a professional bowler, Mrs. Daniels can be contacted one or two ways. Snail mail: Cheryl Daniels, P. O. Box 250014, West Bloomfield, MI 48325. Email address: Cheryl_Daniels@msn.com. Also, please visit Mrs. Daniels' website: www.my.freeway.net/`Shebe.
