Bowling Tip | Keep your elbow and hand inside longer

Join the new membership and be able to follow along with JRs Daily Vlogs while on the road at PBA events. Also to be entered in ball giveaways and other prizes
/ @tenpindoctors
Support JR and the work He does on patreon click here: / lifestractioncontrol
If you would like to host a clinic near you email [e-mail]
Get all of your bowling needs at www.bowlerx.com
Be sure to subscribe for more videos and Follow me on social media
Tik Tok / jrraymond
Facebook @ / jrraymondpba
Instagram @ / jrraymond21

[@dylanbrown6569]

I really worked on this last night while practicing and ended up shooting a 300. It made a huge difference in my reaction and the way my ball finished.

[@dharvell]

Every video I have ever seen on this topic either spends too much time explaining where you want your hands to be (without actually showing the viewer), or shows the viewer where to put their hands, without the benefit of an actual explanation. This video is perfect. Thanks for making it!

[@SirJoelsuf1]

Athletic Bowling has an AWESOME tutorial on this, every bit as good as this. But yeah most others aren't too great when it comes to stuff like this.

[@dharvell]

@@SirJoelsuf1 Thanks… I’ll check it out!

[@timconrad3871]

Great video thanks! On the downswing my arm comes out away from my body which causes loss of balance and control. Do you think this is because my hand has drifted to outside the ball? Thanks for any reply. Tim

[@davidaronson9475]

Never figured it out until last night. Just came here to confirm it and you are right on it. Bringing my elbow towards my hip automatically got my hand position to the inside of the ball and it finally rolled properly.

[@dianalopezmartinez9257]

Never has anyone explain the right way to place my elbow the way U did. Thank you so much. Had to come back to this video to let U know the dynamic change it has done me. ❤ mil Gracias

[@Lea4-22]

your instruction is the BEST for an untrained social bowler Especially when you demonstrate these techniques. Thankyou!!!!

[@Shane_Little]

I have the hardest time with this. When my form is correct, toe pointed down-lane, elbow in, nice follow through, not falling right, I strike nearly every time. I find it so hard to focus on the form because when I start bowling I keep looking at my score and quickly forget why I'm practicing. Thank you for the video!

[@brandonmoore4259]

thank you for the valuable form advice, explained very well and demonstrated what happens when the same release happens

[@user-cc1jz5eu7s]

great info I needed to see this. I'm a Sasba super senior but I've struggled for long time in league and tournaments!

[@RugRatCoupe]

Game changing advice JR!!! I've been suit-casing(hand to the right & over the top of) the ball for years. After practicing a few times with my elbow in and thumb pointed away from my body at the top of my swing(as instructed in another of your videos) I'm getting way more hook and consistency. Thanks again!!!

[@robertburns4881]

Best video ever, thanks JR

[@bowlingdj300]

JR another fantastic video as usual, your channel is fantastic keep up the great work!

[@NotQuiteEpic]

I watched this video with breakfast and just applied it to a 4-game practice session. My ball rotation and lane projection were immediately improved. This reborn lefty just dropped 5/6 single 7-pins by just tucking my elbow in a little to ensure it faced forward allowing me to project my spare ball across the whole lane. Great video JR! Thank you.

[@aquariumcockpit9949]

Good Stuff! Great explanation. Thanks

[@DanielRene]

Thank you that was awesome.

[@Blue-cq2hl]

I love the fundamental tips because this is something I'm working hard on focusing on too and want to learn how to straighten out to throw it with no hook for those harder patterns where hooks get you into trouble for spares and have been asking all the guys here for tips on that sort of stuff. There's times where I get some really nasty revs on the ball and think it's when all these things come together and I'm getting more inside and under it more and more but it's hard to tell entirely from feel what all is happening and it's basically "let's do that again" and figuring out what's going on lol

[@jimk9290]

Excellent advice on what to do and how to do it!

[@anthonydorazio9650]

Very nice J.R. Thanks 😊

[@jimsargent7619]

you are the best out there, by far

[@toreycasey1214]

Brand new bowler thank you this really helped!

[@MarkDavidBlack]

Thank you. This is my exact issue I'm having. I recorded video of myself in slo-mo during practice and sure enough I'm coming around the outside of the ball. At least I know how to work on it.

[@Drumma700Bowls]

Can’t lie you (JR),brad and Kyle! Have changed my bowling life dramatically. I went from bowling two fingers one averaging 163. To having a thumb in the ball and constantly averaging 210 a game in league. You guys are right you really do have to put the time in on the lanes to gain the skills but it’s all worth it. InAppreciate you and all of your detailed videos🎳

[@derankweert]

Great tip. I going to do next week in training. JR. Love from Holland.

[@thonattkcm]

Thank you for this video,that very help me I always have problem about that. Many many THANKS!!

[@davidwolf226]

I'm new to your channel. I just watched this video and your tip is very much appreciated. I will attempt to make this adjustment when I bowl again in a few days.

[@celestinoviloria2354]

thank you sir that solve my problem on my release

[@williemorrison5006]

Great job jr enough said

[@bradleythorburn]

AHA! great video I will be trying this in my next training session as I’m having trouble hooking the ball.

[@rayraybonne8469]

what KEYS to use? I'm gonna try what you are saying and video it. but, I'm gonna KEY on following thru up with my elbow and keep the UPPER part of my arm in-line with my target line (or imagine this (the key I speak of)). then the lower part of my arm and wrist will automatically release. no chicken wing either! I will put a video out if I think it works. maybe later today or tomorrow. what it feels like and what it looks like are 2 different things! that's why we need Mental Keys!

[@TITOFROG1]

Thanks JR. Excellent tip to keep our elbows inside before release. This has been a very common mistake that most of us average bowlers make. Kudos and wish you the best and more success. 👍👍💚💚✌✌

[@vinnerdinner]

Excellent

[@carlazurin5600]

Wow! Thank you so much JR. This is what I have doing wrong…now I know.

[@sharonjuarez2701]

I’ve mastered the gutter ball! After watching your video, I’m on my way to the bowling alley to practice keeping my elbow to my hip and not twisting it when I release the ball!

[@djthebowler9530]

Thank you!! Now I have something new to work on to get me to an 200 plus average!!

[@jvmiller1995]

Elbow tucked follow through. I say it to myself every ball I roll. I makes a huge difference.

[@ez2hotwire]

Thank you JR! I’ve been trying to keep the elbow in but still struggling to break free of the chicken wing and when you mentioned leaning forward too much, I now see what I’m doing wrong with my hand at release. Back to the lab! Not going to quit until I master the pro release, thank you!

[@rayraybonne8469]

see my comment

[@jeffmessinio456]

Thank you

[@rickymastne5281]

the elbow tech was awesome..I spran my wrist several times in the past 8yrs, plus total left knee replacement, n total right hip replacement, in the last 21/2 yrs. I'm diffintitly determined to get back in the bowling posture, I was carrying a 190-200, for several yrs, still trying to get my legs in shape, as well as my right bowling arm.. its tough. thanku for the bowling tips. every little bit helps..I. use to be on the European tour while I was in the military service..my injuries slowed me down. over the yrs..now I'm ready n determined to get it back..again thanku..

[@jvmiller1995]

Wow that sounds like me. 6 screws and a plate in my left ankle. Av necrosis in both hips had core decompression done now fixing to have my left hip replaced then I have had 4 right shoulder surgeries and one on the left. My shoulder is shot my hip is shot but I keep rolling the stupid ball. I stopped for over 10 years but just got back into it this year. I can bowl high 600's and 700's when the hip is not hurting to bad. But once it starts hurting I cant get down on it and have to step off to soon and I loose my leverage in the transition as well as push of pull the ball. I am so ready for the new hip. I am holding around a 190 at the moment but it should be well over 200. I finally wised up enough to not bowl when it is really hurting because it makes me develop bad habits. I use to throw the elbow out years ago but this fall when I got back into it this was one of my first things I fixed. I stand on approach and tell myself every ball the same thing. Elbow tucked follow through. I am 46 with autoimmune disorders so I feel your pain. I also have arthritis in my fingers especially my bowling hand. I won't stop Bowling if I end up in a wheelchair. 🤣 I love this game.

[@harveywarne9030]

Most of us dont bowl on sport shots. Suit casers and up 10 dumpers just kill it on house shots. You have to do what knocks over pins on the condition.

[@bowl12strikes]

Another good informative video. I have a question as a senior (68) whose mind hasn't caught up with his aging body. How do you recommend seniors release the bowling ball? I have no problem playing the inside of the ball but fear working on the yo-yo release might be more harmful than good with my aging joints. I change hand positions without issue. What you think?

[@f.cesargonzalezchaires644]

¡Gracias!

[@joeanderson9267]

Thanks so much for this video! I'm relearning how to do this. So I noticed that your arm is straight through the swing. I have to remember that

[@jhonnysnow4423]

I'm self taught and been bowling since February. I just learned this exact release yesterday after a month of training. The feeling is incredible watching the ball work from right to left into the pocket effortlessly! Last thoughts were to keep elbow and hand inside and release at the bottom by my ankle with thumb coming out first then watch it carry to see if I need to move.

[@TheSistahSoldier]

While your suggestions are awesome. I missed seeing your first 2 rolls bc your body was blocking it. Thanks for the awesome video.

[@feddyvonwigglestein3481]

The spinny release has been my biggest issue for the longest time. So many years of bad mechanics to clean up!

[@Bobvindy]

Same here. Trying to break bad habits is so hard

[@SidVirtuous]

I've always had a lower track. I taught myself to hook it by spinning and even though I've made significant progress in reversing the damage done, I just can't seem to get my thumb out right.

[@will6561]

I'm not sure how I keep my elbow but now I'm gunna pay attention to it and see if its correct or not. Thanks for the tip JR love the videos

[@classicdell]

Why am I just now seeing this video? I've been watching you for quite some time.

[@jayreal69]

Great vid. I am definitely going to work on my elbow, i do release with my elbow outside. Should you and does it help more to dip the right shoulder as you are coming through the shot?

[@laurancekubel8802]

Thank you Sir ,I have been trying to learn this exact release to get rid of 30yrs of bad habits here in Australia . also could you compare the soul to the nova please ,Im concerned it may not be different enough to justify a purchase .

[@matthewjspain9399]

Shot 1100 across 5 pairs finally the palm under the ball at release is working. Still need to perfect it with other layouts

[@machinethesun9243]

Worked on this yesterday for 5 games, and it fixed my arm from going too high in the back swing, and kept it from wrapping around my back - something I've been trying to correct for over a year. After 5 games its started to feel more natural and not so weird feeling. A couple unexpected things came out of it: first my ball had more revs, hooked more out to the right and then it came back to the pocket and it was way easier to control the accuracy of the angle. Usually, I miss right a lot when I have to move left of 23. I'm a middle aged woman, so if I can do this, so can you!

[@jasonsmith3537]

I went to practice yesterday and kept realizing that I still throw that "chicken wing". Worked on trying to create that method without thinking about ti and it is tough to break the habit. I am a 2-hander but the issue still has the same result. I watched my 3hrs of video of me bowling and caught myself doing it about 85% of the time...even when I thought I wasn't. I almost wanted to do the old golf swing trick and keep a towel under my armpit to keep my arm and elbow in but 2-handed especially won't let me do that. So, instead I clipped my keys onto my belt loop closest to my release and made sure I brushed my keys. Watching the video this made the ball react how I wanted because I was staying behind it instead over it. This video is so important because one other thing that elbow out throw does is kill ball speed "at least for me". Even throwing it hard, if my elbow was out, I barely broke 14mph down at end of lane...and for a high rev rate that's not good for me. When I kept my elbow in and through the ball, it not only felt smooth and solid for the release...but it also had me back up to around 16mph..It also helped on not tweaking my fingers.

[@coachstephsell]

I just stated bowling 30 days ago and I throw a backup ball naturally and I'm learning how to follow through and get the ball spinning in the correct way. Now I'm rolling over my finger holes unless I us a wrist corrector.

[@jvmiller1995]

Do this and it should fix it. That chicken wing shit he showed can cause you to roll over the fingers. Stay behind the ball and just follow through. The ball will do the work. If you keep throwing it like you are it will always be inconsistent reaction because it goes over the fingers and when it does it looses traction with the lane. Also the fingers will start to get cracks all around them. Our house has 3 or 4 people that do the same thing and after a year or so their ball is cracked all around the finger holes every time. Also have a pro shop check your PAP because everyone is different and it can effect how your ball rolls. Fix this now before you have to unlearn years of bad habits. You Tube is a awesome tool for learning. Big Tip for you. Every time you change how you release your ball your PAP will change too. So as you learn and buy more balls to build your arsenal have your Pro Shop check your PAP before drilling the New ball.

[@coachstephsell]

@@jvmiller1995 thanks for all the information 👍

[@demetriusjohnson7189]

Great video! Even though I thought Eminem was doing this video and not JR Raymond 😂

[@Bloodth3Butcher]

What sucks is that I know this and still screw it up. I love bowling 🤣. Thanks for the reminder

[@victorbogen1558]

And can u do a review on the venom shock cuse I have a 15 lbs venom shock Reactive resin pin up and am bowling on a eazy house shot patters and the ball hook stupid much! need help how to throw it properly were the ball hooks less and not violently like the jackal legacy u did a review on

[@Goku10303]

Do we always want to finish “palm up”?

[@siladnanayrb150]

is it possible to see that shot with a brighter light, I can't see you keeping your elbow tucked in towards your hip, its dark.

[@danlorwil083175]

Hi JR! I have been working to keep my elbow in. But I have a big problem with my hand opening up too much at the top of my backswing with my fingers at 10:00 and my thumb going to 4 or 5:00 at the top. and my elbow to actually face almost to the left and my forearm to the outside. This caused me to really spin the ball off my thumb. My ball track got lower and lower and my ball roll suffered tremendously. It was so difficult for me to stay up the back of the ball. Recently, I have found a possible solution. I have been experimenting with my wrist position at the top of the backswing. Just as I get to the top of the swing and I feel my and start to open up. I load my wrist at the top by cupping it forward with a little elbow bend, and to not twist the hand sideways, keeping my fingers closer to 7:00 instead of 9:00 or 10:00. and more under the ball below the equator. I am able to release the ball more up the back like a yo-yo with more forward roll and a higher ball track. I would like it if you can do a video regarding hand and wrist position at the top of the backswing comparing opening the hand to keeping the hand closed and more behind and straight vs cupped wrist at the height of the backswing.

[@EdisonZ06]

JR if your playing the outside part of the lane do you still keep your elbow in toward your hip?

[@dennisqueener5208]

Is this Waterford Michigan?

[@rob13773]

Amazing video but now I need a new one 😢 I’m a 50 year bowler that started in June 2023 (never played before) I have this chicken wing problem and to fix that started with the inside elbow stuff and for some reason I started to rolling a backup ball. Now that I saw your video I think it is normal to roll a backup ball but now for the last three months that is my new style. My new problem, how to stop the backup and start rolling normal?? Please help and thank you for all your videos

[@user-sy7cn8zx5h]

회전묶음 샷을할때 브래이크포인트에서 공의회전력 만으로 포켓에입사되어 스트라이크가 나도록 쳐보시면요.공의 직진력은 브래이크포인트까지만 보내준다고생각하시고 쳐보시면요.브래이크포인트에서 강력한 훅킹을 원한다면 팔로슬루때 공을 옆으로더 뉘어서 쳐보시면요.

[@user-vp8lp3oh6b]

I’ve known about all the proper techniques since I was young, but after a hiatus, my lack of flexibility is causing inconsistencies in my release due to sometimes not being able to keep my elbow inside long enough, for example. Is there any way to compensate for borderline arthritis or lack of mobility?

[@scottythompson940]

Cool video talk to tech bowling Jr Raymond

[@bradleythorburn]

Next do a video on arm swing.

[@ceej502]

What you think about that derby shot?

[@tonyguerrier2258]

Thanks for the video but I’m having the worst time with this release though. I get the elbow in but it’s the actual release I’m having problems with. When you release are you flicking the wrist like throwing a frisbee or yo-yo? It’s the little move at the point of release that I’m not getting. Any chance you can hold the ball in front of the camera and show in slow mo what that movement looks like. I see you had your fingers pointing up after release yet you had great revs. Just not getting it.

[@chrisschlee]

Is this the same if you bowl without your thumb??

[@r.i.p.paperroutefrank3942]

I chicken wing all the time so let’s hope this helps with my tournament tomorrow on today because it’s so late

[@mattw6631]

My elbow is killing me after bowling nights. It doesn’t bother me during. Can turning the elbow out cause this?

[@Matt_Holcomb]

Dude thank you because this just explained why I struggled in winter league. You explained the issues I had most winter. Don't try to hook spin, just use proper techniques.

[@joepic85]

I have a really high track. Its pretty close to my thumb hole and about an inch from my fingers. I cant stay behind the ball very good. My axis rotation is about 75-80 degrees.

[@Tenpindoctors]

Then you may have a fit issue

[@joepic85]

@@Tenpindoctors i dont think so, ive had it looked at, and I have multiple thumbs. I average about 210-215. I need to raise my tilt up and bring the rotation down. Think pete weber from the 80s. Thats how my ball rolls

[@Tenpindoctors]

@@joepic85 I’m not saying it’s a bad fit. Your fit just doesn’t allow you to change very easily. That’s the problem. It’s more than just thumb pitches

[@joepic85]

@@Tenpindoctors what in the fit would you look at other than pitches?

[@SirJoelsuf1]

@@joepic85 I have the EXACT same problem. Only my track actually HITS my thumb hole. Have worked with dozens of PSOs. None of em can figure it out. I've stopped caring at this point.

[@Woland954]

Is it safe to assume that this same thing is required for a 2 hand delivery? I don't do this, and my ball motion was the first snappy motion.

[@jamiedenison5427]

I was thinking the same also. I had a look at a video of me and my elbow doesn’t point out but my hand still goes to the outside part, I’m gunna have to do more experimenting haha

[@Woland954]

@@jamiedenison5427 when I viewed video of my "normal" swing, my elbow did point outside of my intended path. Today I threw 3 games. I really exaggerated the feel with drills. My ball motion immediately became a smoother, round shape instead of my normal skid, snap. When I tried it at normal speed in my approach, I didn't always get it right, but when I did, it gave me the same smooth ball shape. Now it's just up to me to put the reps in and integrate it.

[@MikeDCWeld]

You missed the spare at 4:35

[@travishanson166]

I've been working on this, what makes it more consistent for me is having a straight arm in the backswing. if my elbow is even slightly bent, I'm getting outside of the ball and right of target or it hooks left at my feet. Let the ball drop until the arm is straight, then let the swing come back and keep it straight until the point of release, unload the wrist without bending the elbow, follow thru.

[@sandmandave2008]

I've been to 2 Super Schools with coaches like Rod Ross, Harry Golden, John Jowdy, and Michelle Mullin (to name a few) and watched a multitude of KZbin videos and this had to be, hands down, the best and easiest to conceive instruction on the proper release I've ever seen. Kudos.

[@swavyvibe]

my biggest issue is i lean way too much. what can i do to prevent this?

[@Jordankons123]

I have tried to do this back up ball multiple times but it just goes straight

[@victorbogen1558]

No fit issues here! Just not hooking the ball Properly cuse 40% of the time it never stay on the land and goes in the Gutter and when it hooks it hook way to much from 13 to 15 mph

[@sportsfntc]

My hand always migrates to the outside of the ball no matter what I do.. I'll check my elbow more next time I bowl.. I even tried to bring my arm out to make it easier to get the hand inside... nope. Thanks, JR!

[@SirJoelsuf1]

That happens to me as well. My elbow could be jabbed directly into my rib cage but I still spin the ball like a top if I were to grab a ton of it at the bottom. It has to do with fit. Nothing has ever fit me properly my entire bowling career and I've just grown to accept that I'll be cursed to either have next to no rotation or be a spin biscuit forever. Nasty pill to swallow but that's how it is. Fortunately I have INSANE ball speed and loft for my size so most of the time if I just put a whole bunch of surface on my ball, stay aggressive, and loft my ball past the arrows, I can mimic what the high rotation guys do. Carry an 80 pad (yes, 80, even lower than 180 lol) with me for that purpose: If I know I'm gonna be bowling on very heavy oil, I'll just take my ball all the way down and boom, I don't need to slow my ball speed down to a crawl. Just need to loft it and be extremely aggressive. Easy to do with 14lb equipment haha. Bowling is certainly a game where you need to take what you have been given and be completely objective about it then develop the proper strategy. That's what I've learned.

[@jasonsiegel3869]

Great video.. but you need better lighting when showing the Pronation/Overpronation (what you call putting your hand on the side vs over the top of the ball, and the elbow in or out that is making that happen). It was hard to see positioning down by the foul-line because of natural shading. I wish I lived in Ohio, I'd help you with that.

Keep the elbow in and thumb pointed to the gutter

[@williemorrison5006]

Excellent video jr your salary should be excellent as well 👍

[@eugenemitchell8319]

Lighting is poor and not see the release+black ball can’t see

[@AlliCanThinkAbout]

I’d literally pay to have a private lesson with you. Unfortunately we are a little bit too far from each other..

[@exitar1]

I love chicken wings 😀

[@infospot4119]

👍👍🎳

[@Tenpindoctors]

💪