I've only been bowling for a few years, but my average is steadily increasing. However, I have trouble keeping my hand behind the ball as I release it. Any suggestions?
There are several factors that will obstruct a quality "behind-the-ball" release. Most people who have this problem are trying to "make" the ball hook. In doing so, they over-rotate their hand early in their swing which promotes a weak rotation and hook potential on the ball. Try worrying less about how many boards you can make the ball hook and more on having a strong forward roll, which will promote better hook potential and pin carry.
The second most common factor which promotes over-rotation of the hand was brought to my attention by PBA touring player Rich Wolfe. Mr. Wolfe says that bad alignment can cause several release problems similar to yours. For example, focusing on a target that is more than five boards outside your ball laydown point can cause early rotation of the hand.
I would suggest you contact a qualified instructor in your area. He or she should be able to lead you in the right direction.
Good luck!
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Because of my big hook, I stand far to the left and swing the ball way outside. Should I square my body to my target or to the foul line?
You should always square your body to your target. If you don't, you will have to change your natural swing plane to achieve the proper ball trajectory. By aligning your body with your target, you can produce a consistent swing plane, regardless of the amount of hook you create.
When a golfer is faced with a big breaking putt he doesn't align his body to the hole, he aligns with the trajectory of the putt. It's the same in bowling.
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I currently own two balls: a Black Sumo and a Turbo X. I had the Turbo X drilled with Power Six. I was told the Turbo X would hook more on the back-end than any other ball. Why, then, is it going straight?
"Powr Rating" is a method of drilling that was developed by bowling ball guru Mo Pinel. However, this drilling methodology affects the reactivity of the bowling ball, not the hookablity.
For Powr Rating to work, the ball must grip the lane. Very reactive balls, such as the Turbo X, require a certain degree of friction in order to hook. Chances are, the lanes you are bowling on have oil carrydown which inhibits any resin ball's ability to grab the lane. If this is what's happening, your Sumo will probably hook more than your Turbo X.
Scott Bailey operates The Strike Zone Professional Bowling Store in Vienna. He can be reached via E-mail at xzone@erols.com.