How to throw a BACKUP BALL (and why you should learn)

In this video I break down the mechanics to throwing a backup ball, and why you should learn how to throw one.
MERCH
www.220avg.com
NEXUS BOWLING BAG
nexusbag.com/?...
NEW VLOG CHANNEL(220 Average Vlogs)
• PBA Regional Matchplay...
PATREON
/ 220avg
IG
@220avg (bowling)
@_mikegonzales (personal)
DISCORD
/ discord
This is not a storm Brunswick nor hammer motiv ball review bowling ball video

[@miketrandesign]

Backup bowler here. This is a great technique to learn because it can help you pick up the 10 pin easily and over time the right side of the lanes will be dry because majority of bowlers are right handed leaving you with mostly an oily left side; less intense hooks. It will take time to learn but once you get the hang of it, it can be a useful technique you can add to your bowling arsenal.

[@allenthomas914]

That's one of the main reason I want to try it mainly for my 10 pins

[@sabariahalias47]

Hello there.Beginners here! 🙋🏻‍♀️ I use to play backup release every time i bowl. And I already feel comfortable with it without any injuries. I use to play straight before, but i cant do that anymore. Well, I would like to have a new reactive ball. Is there any specific/suitable drills/hole that I can ask for my back up ball technique? Please help!

[@APOPCI]

Please advise...IAM a back up bowler..I play from the second arrow..how do you play using others arrows?

[@stevenrais9360]

Yeah, don't throw backup ball but still would rather that than a 7 pin. 10 is easier

[@rarelyaccurate6252]

I didn't know there was a name for this, my friends thought it was weird that I was "curving it the wrong way." I injured my thumb playing another sport before going bowling with friends. I ended up only using two fingers and it felt natural to do a two handed backup balls. The first game I got 140ish with a bunch of strikes toward the end, and the second game I got over 230 (my best game ever). Now I only backup bowl.

[@shadowwolf2730]

Normally, I just refer to it as an "inversed hook".

[@Ironvenom1999]

I actually learned to throw a back up hall before I knew it was called that. I’m still learning to make it hook right to left. But somehow was able to naturally hook it the back up ball way left to right. I thought it was a bad thing. But this video helped me see it is a actually method of play!

[@quiverystream3011]

Same I struggle hooking it from right to left but I can hook it from left to right easily

[@RafaelRodriguez-fp4de]

I’m a backup bowler and can say it’s way easier for me naturally

[@s.k.miller932]

I started doing this because it felt nice and my bro (a league bowler) was adamant about me practicing it and taught me what it was called and said if I can perfect it I’d be a menace.

[@s.k.miller932]

Ps also do this with 1 finger in the ball

[@764nachomarchan]

I started as a str8 bowler not knowing how to hook it and than eventually my form started bowling back up balls.. thanks for this video, it took me a while to find it

[@juandedioziniguezjr2035]

No

[@jordonminer1477]

I’m 33 with a learning disability . Thank you for this video this approve my back up ball . I will keep trying and not give up. My average is 128 the highest average is 130 or 140 . sometimes 177 it’s not to often to hit that. The lowest is 119 or 114

[@Killmonger209]

love how you showed it for two handlers too i appreciate it

[@JoeBrrFan]

I went to the alley and tried some shots. It was kinda fun. Today I went to the alley, I bowled my normal shot and averaged about 172 for 5 games. Pretty decent for me. On a whim I decided to bowl a full game using the back up ball style. First game 203, second game 200 with an open in the tenth. Third game 224. It was so simple. Like I was made for it. A little flick of the wrist, no cranking my hand trying to get more hook, it was just so natural. My arm isn't tired, my wrist doesn't ache. I love it. I won't be going back to "normal". I am sure this is not normal for most bowlers. But it sure fits me.

[@ThePokersurfer]

This is perfect content for you to double your subscriber growth for sure ........ bravo!

[@DirtyCubanMIA]

Heyy, backup bowler starter here. I've learned this is how i can bowl my best by the way i always end up throwing it. & I really want to get better. I also 4 step instead of 5.

[@adrianrevuelta4502]

Thank You, Dad! Very Informative!!!

[@220avg]

You’re welcome son

[@MissKris1128]

Back up bowler here and I am really good at picking up splits. When I see them, I know I have a good chance at picking them up.

[@APOPCI]

What do you aim if you are playing 3 arrow? IAM a back up bowler..I play from 2 arrow usually

[@MissKris1128]

⁠@@APOPCII typically play from the second arrow as well. When adjusting my shot I normally adjust my feet and aim for the second arrow still. I typically hook my ball and depending on the lanes will adjust to a straighter shot.

[@Elagentejefe]

I've thrown a backup ball my whole life, I know no other way. I've tried to throw a "normal" ball but can't do it. In league, I've got up to a 192 average. I've always thrown with a three-finger and have found that if I command the rotation with my ring finger instead of my middle, I can more easily control the spin. I line up on the 5 dot and throw to the 2 arrow (lh even thought I am a righty)

[@APOPCI]

Please make a small video and send it to me..iam trying to play like you

[@flhelms]

Thanks for this video! Right now, I naturally throw a straight backup ball. Everyone at our alley is amazed by it. I also hold a pen/pencil like a lefty so I think there is something muscular or skeletal about me so I can't really change it. I want to learn how to hook the ball and bowl better. I'm struggling to improve with all the advice out there. I'm hopeful this will help me refine and improve my natural ability.

[@llcguy_9371]

You couldn't have timed this better. I'm just starting to have a ton of 10 pins left over and wanted to learn how to do this. I didn't know it had a name or anything. I can hit a 10 pin while bowling normally but this is wayy easier.

[@allenthomas914]

I want to do the same where do you stand and aim when u throw the backup at the 10?

[@alexcrisologo9417]

I love your videos sir specially this one! I'm 54 years old now and rekindled my love for bowling last couple of months. 30 years ago this is how I bowl and tried so hard to correct it. If only we have this kind of videos back then :) Keep on doing vids like these sir. Btw, what is the weight of the ball you're throwing? Thanks a lot!

[@220avg]

That’s awesome Alex! And my ball is 15 pounds

[@cletus3078]

It’s 4:20 am for me and this man is uploading lmao good morning for me

[@its.me_angie]

Love the frequency of posts. But def should post when most people are awake. 😅 Keep up the great content making.

[@anderstauschristensen9184]

Europe is awake when this was posted

[@220avg]

I just post whenever I finish a video 🤣

[@Jbmccain86]

Too bad you didn’t do this video back in March. During league warmups I decided to give it a try. When I released it, there was a loud “pop” and a sharp pain at the tip of my middle finger. Surprisingly the ball struck, but at the cost of breaking the tip of my middle finger. I did continue to play (definitely shouldn’t have) but I did it with my middle finger out of the ball. What happened was that I allowed the ball to roll off the side of my hand instead of my fingers.

[@Brainrot-Studios]

Guys this one time I shot 8261 on a single game with backup ball it was insane

[@itzjustnatedogg]

Not sure if it was a typo or if ur over exaggerating 😂 not even possible to shoot that high of a score

[@dominicpayne23]

@@itzjustnatedogg he’s sayin the pins 😂

[@BornIn1500]

@@itzjustnatedogg not just exaggerating, but "over" exaggerating? As if there's a proper way to exaggerate and he did it more than normal?

[@itzjustnatedogg]

@@dominicpayne23 that still don’t add up to me 😂

[@itzjustnatedogg]

@@dominicpayne23 if that was the case and he struck the hole game he would have 130 pins in one game and a score of 300 😆

[@Danocello]

Thanks for this video! I can't hook the ball due to my wrist, but I can throw decent backup ball. I noticed that you follow through across your chest. Since trying that I have seen an increase in my average (maybe 5-10 pins a game), but still, it has helped. Thank you!

[@ChrisYouTubeMusic]

I used to throw a backup for my spares in high school, after a while it started to hurt a bunch and eventually I ended up getting tendonitis and had to use a wrist brace for ~6 months. I don't do it anymore, the occasion that I try it hurts.

[@nordattack]

When you were showing your hand position at the moment of release I thought: "This is the exact hand position for the modern high rev release. If 220 would just keep his hand there and come up the back of the ball he would be good!"

[@220avg]

I was thinking the same thing too.. need to learn how to implement that

[@TheVlad1616]

Same here. Hand position here is much better than regular release.

[@zaldybacero]

great video, but how do you layout your ball for back up release?

[@danwilliams4576]

i've been a backup bowler for as long as I can remember. for some reason though lately now Im getting a blood blister on the tip of my thumb.. (i do have a custom drilled with fingertips)

[@djgitto7611]

I've been throwing one handed no thumb backup balls but can't find a single video breaking it down to get more tips and info can you do a backup one handed no thumb?

[@clowny2396]

Thanks for showing this. Most impressive!

[@MrOsmodeus]

i swear my forearms were built wrong because any attempt to throw a backup ball feels like my fingers and wrist will shatter and holding my hands further inside than what your showing gets me a regular 45º axis rotation.

[@nemasis3134]

Omg I didn't even know it had a name to through it that way. I been throwing it like that for years to look cool 😎

[@personalfinancebusters]

This is a great video especially slow motion. If you look at your Thumbnail this is the setup for a PRO Release. I recall a previous video you are trying to develop a Pro Release, look at the picture and then look at Forrest release, its the same. Paul

[@220avg]

I was thinking this same thing 🙃

[@220avg]

@Affiliate Marketing - Paul Klanecky it’s hard for me to get in that position and come around for a regular release.. whenever I try I end up turning too early. I have to keep working on it. I’ll give it a go though

[@personalfinancebusters]

Thanks for chatting. Chiseling out the fingers and thumb hole out is easiest release ever. Wrist wrong position, ball drops behind me.

[@DSLatte1]

Where are you standing when you do this? Thanks so much, I'm definitely going to try this.

[@SC-ud9nk]

I really needed this I rarely throw a backup because it hurts my wrist figured I was doing it wrong 😵‍💫😵‍💫

[@220avg]

It used to hurt my wrist too but I think it was because I was ONLY using wrist and not any elbow

[@Doloreshidalgocostilla]

always waiting for your videos!

[@220avg]

🥹

[@radhi6350]

Does the backup bowlers have different setting of the finger holes?

[@allenthomas914]

Could you make a video throwing a backup ball at the 10 pin please

[@williamroberts1365]

I throw a backup ball on some spares mainly on the right side of the lane and certain splits.Someone told me this is illegal.What does the rules say? I've seen Bellmonte through one at certain splits.

[@DaddyOh0687]

That how i shoot at my 10 pins and any split where i have either a 4 or 8 pin standing.

[@lionmartian9046]

I attempted a back up ball “2 handed” about 5 months ago and still regret it , messed my middle finger knuckle up really bad

[@cadepool9275]

no fingers in the ball for 2 handed backup balls

[@evgrin1507]

Lefty here. Always throw a backup for those pesky 7 pins.

[@charleswhisler59]

I only throw backup. But it's lower on the release. I can't do normal

[@canefan17]

Doesn’t it also help new bowlers feel working the inside of ball and keep elbow in?

[@BassRacerx]

I'm new and trying to learn how to hook and somehow I keep doing the "backup" by mistake and i havn't been able to figure out what i'm doing wrong. thanks to your video I'll be able to figure out what i'm doing wrong and reverse it. I Need elbow away from body and fingers on the right side. I'll give it a shot next time.

[@ACommentFromYouTube]

If the backup is what come naturally and doesn’t cause any pain or soreness you may want to just go with it.

[@FabianAndersson-cg8jw]

How is it for a one hand bowler but still no thumb?

[@AdamTrautmanBowling]

I threw a backup ball as a kid until I was about 12 or so. Shot 240 something doing it and thought i was a pro 🤣. Then switched to "normal" right before high school. I still throw a straight or slightly backup for splits and 10 pins

[@220avg]

Definitely makes the 10 pin a lot easier on house shots

[@MOTORCITYBIG1]

i started using the backup ball for ten pins.

[@APOPCI]

I play the style "straight" back up ball.. i aim the second arrow...questions..where do i put my feet on the aproach? Do i use power on my fingers or wrist? the ball goes 1 1/2 arrow and then curves? Do i need to throught the ball far in the lane in order to spine?

[@Kristor333]

How to back it up!

[@Mouspadu]

Good tip. I throw this at wonky spares but never practice it so…not a great plan

[@HavocPlays23]

Hey 220 I have been watching you for some time now, is there a way you can do a video on the hand a release of the ball I’m struggling with that park quite often

[@220avg]

Perhaps 🤔

[@HavocPlays23]

@@220avg please that would be amazing also please keep up the amazing work love watching the silly things you do even the clown shoes haha love it have an amazing day!!

[@norazimi135]

Can i ask something? Is this legal on tournament?

[@matthewjackson8707]

My mom is a really good bowler and she throws a backup ball on every shot. what would you recommend in the storm line of bowling balls for her style of bowling she has a axiom ball currently and some times it stops turning for her I'm going to buy her a new ball any information would be great and it would have to be a 12 pound ball thanks

[@dangitZIN]

Any tips keeping wrist bent/behind the ball? Foul lines and 1-steps I’m able to keep it bent and behind the ball but on my full approach, my wrist seems to break just before the flat spot.

[@benjaminkriebel3569]

it just takes strength and time, don’t get too discouraged:)

[@220avg]

I find it more effective if you don’t try to keep your wrist bent the entire time, rather, keeping it neutral then cupping and uncupping at the last second. If you watch mike fagan his wrist is basically limp in the backswing

[@SCRATCHONEMORE]

@@220avg fagans motion and release is so clean ive been trying to get that smooth but I usually just end up bouncing the ball lmao

[@argenisarteaga5285]

Bet. Thank you.

[@williamnoe4612]

so I can't turn my wrist so all the way so my palm does not completely face the selling so would that make it impossible for me to do it right handed?

[@dangerzone3521]

Does your thumb and fingers exit at normal times or is it closer to coming out at the same time for the backup ball

[@chipotlelover217]

I’m a two handed and when I throw back up ball I can’t put my fingers in the ball because they get stuck and it messes up my middle finger😢

[@RodgerLucky714]

I only bowl backup can you make a conventional how to video 😆

[@chadmeyers404]

I already been shooting with my right hand on the left side for the last 12 years

[@rjjoe1042]

Ty for advice

[@jamiejeffery9556]

It's my natural style can't hook balls normal only can backup but I do have huge speed adjustments I can do like I go from 23kph to 48kph so I can do straight or hook shots and i shot left hutter to left pocket or I shot right cutter and entre left pocket iam right handed too pro shop guy hates drilling my balls for me everything is like backward for you pitches and that

[@jeffreybloom9374]

As a lefty, would it be easier to be more consistent in making 7 pins with a backup ball?

[@220avg]

Tim cagle II (PBA player with an unorthodox form) throws at 7 pins with a backup ball because he feels it’s much easier for him

[@whoawhoawhoa4091]

Hey is the ball drilled for the right hand and you can still throw it like a lefty. I trying to figure out what I'm seeing

[@220avg]

Yup. This ball is still laid out for a right hander

[@IamTheShermanator]

Backup ball 300 video, when?

[@aynjul]

do u have a video of you hitting a 300?

[@220avg]

There’s maybe 5 older ones on KZbin from years ago on different accounts, including one with a house ball.. if you search Michael Gonzales 300

[@aynjul]

@@220avg bouta watch👍🏽

[@Wxyvs-]

this is the only way I can hook it

[@rousefire]

Thats a good way to pop a bicep tendon. I popped mine.

[@cyan0xide]

my arm doesnt go that way

[@allenthomas914]

I want to use this to try and pick my 10 pins up but can't get enough hook on the ball should I get it drilled for back up?

[@BornIn1500]

No you should learn to throw straight.

[@allenthomas914]

@@BornIn1500 I'm trying but I'm very bad at the 10 pin

[@220avg]

No, if you can’t get it to hook drilled normally it won’t make a big difference changing the layout

[@KaiTakApproach]

I like Back Up And I cannot lie.

[@220avg]

All you otha

[@BetaCuckAlpha]

lol of course your follow through looks way better on your backup ball than your standard release

[@220avg]

I throw it better every other way except for my regular release. Lefty, backup, two handed

[@keelanruffner5440]

I don't know anything about bowling but I thought you would throw it behind you and then a crowd of people would jump

[@BBDragon66]

Throwing backup is painful for me, and as an old man, I don't want to break anything. You know, "old dog, new tricks" also.

[@Brzzzyexe]

how is there already comments bro

[@paradoxmailbox]

thank you 2 thousand average bowler my mother gets very angry when i throw backup ball

[@220avg]

🤣

[@Chefian23]

Throw it two handed 😊

[@kentworthington3086]

SOMETIMES the left side is easier lmao.. sometimes

[@janelle2448]

I literally do this naturally 😭

[@BigBussin365]

Bruh I throw backup righty 2 hand all the time I can’t bowl regularly 😂

[@deanharvey7556]

I assume that’s a plastic ball you are spinning left to right

[@od6421]

Your external rotator cuff muscles are generally weaker than your internal rotator cuff muscles. When throwing a backup ball, you're putting the strain on those external rotator cuff muscles and since they're weaker you're putting yourself more at risk of injury. It's not a guarantee of course but a rotator cuff injury is not something you want to have an increased risk of. Also think about this, your arm and wrist don't want to move in that particular twisting motion naturally. Rotate your arm like throwing a backup ball and it's uncomfortable. Add a bowling ball to the end of your arm while making a throwing/twisting motion and it's easy to rotate too far. So I know what you're thinking and that it could give you an advantage if you're on the Tour, but the benefits for a casual league bowler just don't outweigh the potential cons. Also, I'm a lefty so stay off my side lol

[@220avg]

Early in my bowling I tore a bicep tendon throwing it normally 🙃

[@od6421]

@@220avg If you bowl long enough, you're bound to have an injury of some sort. Arms and wrists just don't want to move that way so throwing backup balls is not worth the extra risk of possible injury. If you're fairly inexperienced at bowling, there's a ton of other things to work on that'll be more helpful than guttering at the arrows trying to next level a 2 8 10 lol

[@katherinemariejones]

nah man , i’m a 2 handed backup bowler , the left side is better !

[@fuckit1887]

Just be careful, I tried learning and my middle finger got hung and broke it and tore the tendons, I now only use my ring finger and thumb smh.

[@lostasadorespr]

You're more of a modern release as a backup bowler than as your nornal release

[@alexhoernke1030]

Always use a backup for the 10 pin

[@allenthomas914]

I'm trying but I can't get the ball to hook enough over there for me lol where do u stand for the 10 pin with the backup?

[@alexhoernke1030]

@@allenthomas914all the way at the left gutter. That way you get in the dry so it hooks more

[@allenthomas914]

@@alexhoernke1030 I don't get enough to hook ok it it does not make it all the way to the 10 pin for me at least

[@alexhoernke1030]

@@allenthomas914 Do you throw it slower? I usually take 2-3mph off compared to my normal throw

[@allenthomas914]

@@alexhoernke1030 my normal speed is 14 15 ish more 14

[@pixels9803]

Bababooey

[@wingmann29mann31]

Why don't you throw a Backup ball with your crocs

[@220avg]

I have 😂

[@cedricwright4122]

The left side is not that easy

[@220avg]

Depends where you are

[@MrMice...]

Dang, hit 10,000 subs and now riddled with porn bots. Yay internet.

[@joeyreyna6031]

First

[@220avg]

😳

[@colebradshaw1136]

i average 300 backup 🥱

[@tjdillashaw2703]

@CodyGames4Life hater

[@220avg]

Teach me sensei

[@colebradshaw1136]

just did a scottish doubles event and my teammate left so many spares that required a backup to convert lol