Improve Your Bowling Release With This ONE Drill

Use this bowling drill at home or on the lanes to improve your power, consistency, and create more hook.
Membership Link 👉 Bradandkyle.uscreen.io/join
T-SHIRT LINK 👉 bradandkyle.com
Brad and Kyle Instagram: @brad_and_kyle
Kyle Instagram: @k_sherm32
Brad Instagram: @bradmiller.17
You want to learn how to bowl from TWO of the BEST bowlers in the world? Brad and Kyle have been showing behind the scenes footage of the PBA and professional bowling tournaments. Their instructional bowling videos have helped millions of bowlers learn to hook a ball and throw more strikes! You can follow their bowling careers and learn how to curve a bowling ball.
Subscribe to Brad and Kyle youtube channel: / @bradandkylebowl .

[@techielopez7678]

What I love about you guys is that, clearly, you are experienced/highly competent in bowling, and yet, you’re not intimidating at all in how you give advice. You’re kind and humble to say “I was once that guy…” and it makes me feel I have hope in improving how I play. Those you coach are lucky to have you guys assess and help them realize what they’re doing wrong and what to do differently. I really appreciate your short videos focusing on a particular technique (or nothing more than 3 tips per vlog), showing the dont’s and do’s, and filming from the right perspective to clearly show what you mean. Grateful that your vlogs showed up on my feed!

[@kristenanderson5273]

Funny enough, my dad told me last week during our practice session about a video where JR Raymond talked about release and was showing a similar drill, and my dad had me try that a few times, but I love how you guys demonstrate it and you do a great job of simplifying how to improve various aspects of the physical game. My release has been so inconsistent, and I'll be working on this drill for many future practice sessions. Thanks so much for what you guys do. Much appreciated.

[@bradleythorburn]

Yeah I said about him, maybe JR video would help you start then this video is the advanced level

[@joehoenig7596]

Hey Brad and Kyle.....two questions please: 1) Have you had success in teaching a higher rev release, with this drill, to bowlers who learned how to bowl by coming around it? 2) Can this drill be done with a wrist support? I'm thinking not, based on how your hands and wrists seem to be moving during this vid?

[@MicroNQTrader]

The difference between Brad vs Kyle and how they do they drill is something. I finally kind of see how Kyle gets so many revs.

[@tackywacky99]

Something that's super important about release, timing, rev rate, is YOUR FIT. you just cannot bowl with a bad fit. Take a real good amount of time getting that right for you.

[@Ironfangzu]

True. But, anyone who is watching this kind of video probably already has an arsenal of balls that are custom drilled to his had at a qualified pro shop, and owns a gazillion pieces of tapes of various texture and thickness that he puts into hisr thumb holes for that perfect fit. Most of us have the equipment. It's the skill and technique that is usually lacking.

[@tackywacky99]

@@Ironfangzu realistically you don't know until you are already working on the technique because your natural flexibility, thumb webbing, fingertip joint flexibility, all play a huge part into how the ball comes off your hand. You might develop a pain or feeling nerve pinching without adjusting your fit while you're learning. I'm just saying to not ignore signs of pain and anything affecting your muscles or tendons. It should feel smooth and not muscled like the video stated

[@die7fox]

If you're not comfortable kneeling, I've found that doing this drill over the ball return works, too. You can even incorporate a small swing into it.

[@travishanson166]

I watch these videos for giggles mostly. Ive spent the last year learning how to throw with less revs, but to retain the ability to bring them back if ever needed. I could never get my ball speed up with faster feet, but did always get more revs, which slowed the ball down quicker, compounding the problems. Lol But i am thoroughly impressed with how low Brad's hand got on the ball at release. Ive been watching this channel since i got back into bowling a few years ago and never have i seen Brad's hand that low or that firm and up the back. I do this excercise at home on carpet. Just set up some pillows in front of the couch to throw into. It allows the training of muscle memory and to build the strength necessary to keep the wrist from folding and to eliminate the feeling that its necessary to lift up or hit the bottom hard. It also allows a bowler to see how the ball turns itself off the hand all by itself, and how pitches affect this. One should not over train though, as you will get so good that you will be ripping the flesh from your fingers and will require taping no matter what, even with perfect fit.

[@mentaldental]

Kyle showed me this drill at the clinic last weekend! Completely changed my game--thanks for sharing it here too! 😄

[@SuperFlaGal]

What city & State was the clinic in please?

[@tonyguerrier2258]

Two things that I've done in the last 3-4 months that increased my average. One, rev trainer at home...same concept as this but at home...huge difference in my game. Two, got my thumbs re-drilled and WOW. Those two things are difference makers.

[@lightdragonslayer9630]

Very casual bowler here but I noticed some issues with my release and form, so when my friends and I met up today, I decided to just stand at the foul line and figure some stuff out. This is a great drill for me to pick up and I also learned my local bowling alley is doing $13 all you can bowl on one of my days off, so I will be taking advantage of that as well. Looking forward to improving my my game and seeing just what I can do going forward.

[@user-ml8er4su4t]

Awesome drill. Probably one of the best I have seen ! Thanks so much. I will def do this at home too.

[@Billy-nl6do]

I always get so excited when I get a notification from you guys

[@bobgomavitz1330]

Need to see Sherm’s release in slow mo from this drill added into this vid, or a part 2. Also, what can we do at home to sim this? Large Cutting board is the first thing that comes to my mine. Thanks

[@myrasherrill777]

Thanks for the great videos!

[@MrAhGuGu]

Great drill! Thanks Brad and Kyle!

[@ramonalejano671]

Thanks for this tip. Was able to modify my release such that I don't exert too much effort as before. Much appreciated.

[@Gbuck426]

Can you use one of those Rev Mats to work on this drill at home? The one from Eileen’s Bowling Buddy.

[@pasta0328]

Seems like a great drill, but I can't imagine going to my local alley and putting my foot in the gutter and doing this? Maybe I'll try it at home on the carpet like you mentioned later in the video

[@jjplum3265]

Two comments. At 4:56 Brad is talking about revving it up at lower speeds. When I was young and strong, also before the oil had caught up to the new urethane balls, I found I revved it more when threw harder as the lanes dried up. years later a found a way to set the ball short, and rev it without too much speed, by using a smooth, long follow through to clear the heads. I averaged 235 on a soft house condition that way. The drill was one of my weight room bowling workouts. That is a great tip and if I ever resume bowling again I need to do that drill as my release got spinney with age. Keep up the good work, bowling is a great sport and guys like you help so much to promote our game. PS, when I do come back I need a good stay under the ball drill.

[@futilitarian3809]

I would love to see this combined with axis rotation. I still seem to be torquing my fingers out during the release and would benefit from seeing how to get the rotation without hurting them.

[@ebertherrera8312]

Great drill to practice and develop a skill. Thank you.

[@1USACitizen192]

This is a tremendous tip. Thanks!

[@Shack709]

I have been doing this drill at home same concept and idea but I actually release the ball into my recliner chair. I have a low Rev rate and play pretty straight but still ave 220 consistently. My goal is not only get more revs but to get of rid a brace I use. I'm going to work very hard this summer to accomplish this goal and see what happens

[@ACommentFromYouTube]

I recently started practicing at home throwing at pillows at the end of my bed

[@Shack709]

@A comment from KZbin nothing wrong with that. The centers in my town close for the summer so can't get in there till August.

[@razorbear4222]

Hey I’m strongly considering this, what’s the set up? Can I do it on a carpet/rug? Or do I need to lay pillows down?

[@waynecyster3537]

I was thinking, I have old balls at home, so if I can’t get to the lanes, can just do 20min drill on the Carpet at home

[@DoRayMeFa]

I like that your videos thoroughly explain things before, and while, and after, you're doing a demonstration. (Some videos from other sources say something in the abstract, and then hope viewers can figure out afterwards what was meant.) What would be even better would be an ultra slow motion demonstration of what the wrist does *without* a ball being in the way... so we can really see the directions and timing of the wrist snap. Carry on! Happy Holidays!

[@Bowling_FNP]

Thanks for the awesome and informative video as always. How would I go about working on this practice drill as a 2H bowler?

[@gcoatar]

Great note/point about the rev rate at about the 4:12 mark. THANK YOU! 🙂

[@georgefinneyiv3922]

Thank you! Your videos are extremely helpful and informative. I feel privileged to be able to learn from you guys!

[@scottythompson940]

Cool tech bowling bowling ball brad and Kyle

[@djHughesFishers]

Great Content

[@frankformella6834]

Good stuff thanks

[@arildopaes]

nice video, thank you

[@movingtohawaii]

Thanks for the great content. When are you guys coming to Hawaii?!

[@corbinesterak7837]

I've done something like this at home. It really does help.

[@Nofacetuber]

For the bowler using no thumb, I do the same, but with the light ball. Works good. For two handlers it will be useful as well

[@chan7891]

Appreciate this video. What about for bowlers who dont use their thumbs?

[@flippperboy]

Best drill you given with all the rest of the rev making vids you have. Plus it is a tip from Jas. That guy is my coach too. If I had not followed you guys I would have never perused his coaching. Nothing against Daniel 😂.

[@travishanson166]

Side note: Brad has clearly been hitting the gym. Keep up the good work!

[@rickymastne5281]

I love this drill.. It did help me alot.. I was wondering if about the thumb pitch in my ball is a 1/4 in reverse pitch frm zero..now. but i was thinking maybe 3/8 in pitch might work. Sometimes my thumb has a tendency to hang up alittle.. anyways I have been trying to experiment of getting out of the ball a fast as possible..what do u recommend..n what should I do first. Its seems that my grip is to tight..sometimes. please...what should I do. To kyle n brad.. thanku

[@jefferydaniels6717]

Work in progress =( I spent 15 yrs trying to be Amleto without the talent. Been in a sling 6 times and told to quit the game 3 times. Wore Mongoose brace for 8 yrs. Finally, this last year, I got my swing technique down to where I can throw without the brace. Now working on revs but those old injuries make it very hard ...

[@rogercarlson2330]

I built something like the ball motion/ rev trainer , would that work also at home? Im from the old school where I can rip the cover off it . But not the right way I'm trying to transition over. When I do it's going to be awesome.

[@ceciltuttle743]

I was excited but as a two hander not sure how to do this haha but very good for my kid that bowls correctly

[@dennisbrinkley8613]

Foul line drill is helpful in achieving muscle memory understanding. The challenge for me is executing the full approach with the downswing, bending the elbow, and releasing the ball with a soft wrist action: similar like Spider-Man shooting a web. I believe the trick is bending the slide foot knee and dropping the right shoulder so that the ball is very near the bowling lane surface enabling strong hand position and resultant fast thumb release.

[@aoischmidt]

Someone's reaction pointed out that the breakdown in the middle is like a time machine. It starts with very soothing, rhythmic tribal beats and evolves into the hard, almost chaotic sounds... representative of the theme the lyrics about humans from the beginning to the misguided state we seem to be in now.

[@ObeyThePapaya]

what would oyu say about keeping your pointer finger aiming as straight as u can to the floor? would that be good for generating revs?

[@davidtownsend451]

when I was a young kid, I used to do this into my couch. its a solid drill wherever you do it.

[@pasta0328]

Not the only thing you did into your couch EYOOOO

[@22tbond]

I’m just learning to hook the ball after years of straight bowling. My biggest issue is not staying under the ball so I don’t get my thumb out early enough. Hoping this drill will help me.

[@flutterbydragonfly]

Hello. Love watching your videos. How does the membership work? What is included?

[@BradandKyleBowl]

The coaching is done exclusively through a private facebook group where members upload videos and then we create a breakdown of your game! We do this with software to be able to pause and highlight specific areas and speak on what and how to make changes. The yearly membership comes with a new bowling ball each year as well!

[@WinstonMitchell]

Just tried it on my office carpet...fantastic...now I know what it is supposed to feel like.

[@hrsey71]

it would be extremely helpful if you had a super slo-mo of the release from the side. we need to see the parts combined

[@steveschu]

Can’t wait to see you guys on TV together.

[@Ironfangzu]

You hear the phrase "yo yo" all the time when guys teach you how to release the ball properly. When Kyle shows us his release, (at 3:13 ) it's the clearest example I have ever seen of how top bowlers do that "cup and uncup" thing with their wrist to give high revs to the ball upon release. No disrespect to Brad, but Kyle does a super job here of showing us exactly what most of us are trying to do.

[@belikemike7646]

Great info! Also if you can't get to a bowling alley, practicing this with a laundry basket with some dirty clothes or pillows in it worked for me.

[@pasta0328]

Good tip, probably quieter than onto carpet. But also seems like it'd not be low enough?

[@darrylyamamoto8466]

What about the thumb Pitches. If my release is on top and rotated to the right. Will certain pitches help to stay behind and under the ball? My age is 66 years, used to have a 200 avg. but haven't bowled for 20 years. now retired need to release the ball like before and you guy's. Mahalo for showing us your awesome video's. Wish we had help like this in the 90's. LOL!!!

[@rafikkocharians8290]

I can imagine that when you add the steps your timing needs to be different to the smooth swing and slide motion. With this release I think you would have to get to the foul line with your feet first then the arm and this release

[@angelaweigle5625]

I need to see that release in slow-mo or have it better explained. What is your hand actually doing?

[@tdub5693]

So I have a rev trainer wouldn't that work the same way from home?

[@stevenholland5024]

My exact problem I muscle up on my release, and I bend my thumb forward so I knuckle it. I so want to get that free swing and quick hand thumb out first. I just seem to not be able to break thus habit with my release

[@jamesnewman7656]

Interesting I used to do this when I was a kid on the carpet at home started when I got my first ball ever with the finger tip grips

[@UncleDale_]

For a great example, watch Daria Pajak’s release! So smooth

[@momoneyinc]

I tend to squeeze my thumb and have problems clearing my thumb first. Please send suggestions on how I can stop squeezing the ball with my thumb. I tend to loft the ball down the alley at least a good third of the lane. For a big guy my ball speed is way slow!!!!

[@Loco26]

God, I've been bowling for over 50 years and never heard this yo-yo technique. Obviously wearing a wrist support will negate this release. I basically am a down and in stroker around 7-10. I have 17 300's and 2 800's but crave many more. There have been a few times that I have felt that quick hand release(without the wrist support) but didn't know how to repeat it. I have drilled my thumb with reverse pitch for quick release but as i get older I'm losing strength in my hand. I will practice this drill till I perfect it. One question, do I just stay behiind the ball or come off the side of it a bit. Wish me luck!!!

[@martingrey2231]

You should have used close ups and slow motion clips.

[@kaderist1975]

I have a question. when you do the release I felt today I squeeze in my fingers. more that I'm afraid that the ball falling out of my fingers. Now at home I gave it a try to keep my fingers relaxed. And the ball doesn't falling down. is it the meaning with your release that your fingers must be relaxed with no any tension?

[@CarlosRodriguez-59]

Which do u most use the ball 12 or 13 or 14 or 15 or 16 lbs ?

[@morterdennis]

Where are you guys based out of I live in the Chattanooga TN area and would appreciate help with my bowling

[@peteg475]

I wasn't interested in paying over 200 bucks for one of those rev trainers, so I bought parts and made one myself. Works pretty good and does a similar thing as this drill. Especially if you don't have access to a bowling center often enough.

[@jasminejohnson4246]

Mind sharing what parts/ how you went about making this training tool?

[@peteg475]

@@jasminejohnson4246 I just ordered the metal rollers from a hardware supply (Harbor Freight) and made a homemade wooden base to attach them to. Tried to make it look as much as possible like the ones that already exist. Pretty simple, really.

[@rich2376]

Does the grip require more thumb pressure or more finger pressure? Thank you.

[@NJAsmodeus1]

A properly fit ball requires no grip pressure. The weight of the ball and yoyo motion clear your thumb out of the ball. It stays on with how it is drilled to your hand

[@chrisleeleslie]

Patiently awaiting the clinic video 🤭

[@austinjohnson3977]

Should I practice this the same way if I only do 2 fingers no thumb?

[@youngvic22]

You can do this drill with a semi flat soccer ball or basketball you know enough air to where you can grip it like a bowling ball then throw it in the yard and watch it hook ... i used to hook this soccer ball into my dog dog house had a dirt lane to the dog house and everything lol i got it in there too but that's good practice and its not as easy as it sounds its a lil challenge lol but you can do it

[@kyleb5169]

This is a great drill because you can do it at home. You don't necessarily have to be at the bowling alley.

[@boober42]

Wow great tip!!! Just the tip boys lol.

[@bouyaharumichi9212]

please make a two handed perfect drills video

[@mrclean1127]

What age do you think is safe for Jr bowlers to work on this release

[@richardgee9434]

Ok will that work with my 16 lb. Balls

[@laserfalcon]

What kind of oil is used on a lane?

[@nicklydic4750]

Ive been thinking about going down to a 15lb ball because I feel like I can get under it more. Question is, should I buy a 15, 15.1 15.2, 15.3 or 15.4 pounder? And is there any higher?

[@drakedbz]

15lbs balls come at 15lbs 4oz so that drilling takes them down to 15lbs. I wouldn't worry about tiny differences. 15 will be much easier to throw, and much more controllable.

[@AR-ly7yt]

I actually do this drill in the ball return

[@golfnutt1969]

Each time you guys did the drill, the ball was rotating towards the pins, which in my mind is just going to release straight, and not curve. What am I missing?

[@drakedbz]

Two things here. First, when it's rotating toward the pins like that, that's an "up the back" release, which is often very useful. Sometimes you actually want to have that type of release because it causes the ball to read the lane sooner and not dive sideways too hard. This is something that's useful if you need to play more down-and-in. Second, if you're trying to get more hook, you still keep the hand behind the ball the whole way, just right as you're releasing, you turn your hand like turning a knob, so your fingers just catch enough of the side of the ball to give it some axis rotation. The goal with this drill is not to get a lot of hook, it's to get a lot of revs. Once you get the feel for the revs, then you add axis rotation.

[@dewaynepro8406]

Can you show this when arm is swinging forward? That’s the million dollar question

[@pivotchocolate]

Ill be doing this at home. Money is tight so cant practice as much as I use to when i worked for a bowling alley and it was free. Def doing this one everyday though

[@bradleythorburn]

JR Raymond done a similar video with the same ball 👀 combine this with that and you got something good

[@Denali_Rebel]

I’m super aggressive. I’ll punch walls ball returns myself after I continue to miss shots

[@maxxbenzz7842]

I can just see the looks at my bowling alley when I put one foot in the gutter and I'm on my knees😂

[@lionsdenblog]

I’m going to be working on my release wi it h this and a few other drills. Just dropping down a pound to 14#, so LOTS OF CHANGES AT THE SAME TIME! How do you guys come through the ball without grabbing, though? That’s a major issue with me.

[@CurtisL8.3066]

Might be a timing issue. When i was grabbing it all the time, my timing got really late and my hand was getting past my foot, causing me to hit up on it. Try getting the ball into the swing a little bit earlier and see if that helps.

[@drakedbz]

If you're grabbing, your thumb might not be snug enough. You should be able to hold the ball hanging down loosely with no grip strength, but your hand doesn't come out.

[@lionsdenblog]

@@drakedbz Yep. Another change. I’ve got my current thumb slug taped to snug it up. I’ll have my PSO drill another one tighter.

[@drakedbz]

@@lionsdenblog Something you might find helpful is to start using switchgrips (or similar) so it's easier to change the thumb without having to plug the ball every time. Plus it means if you have multiple balls, the thumb always feels the same. Also, just a suggestion--check to see if maybe you need a more ovalled thumb hole. If you feel it tight side-to-side but not front to back, that's a sign you need an oval thumb. It makes a HUGE difference if you find a fit that actually matches your thumb shape.

[@lionsdenblog]

@@drakedbz Two things: 1. I use a Jo Po thumb slug. 2. The first one was opened up… because my thumb would swell from grabbing.

[@IxBl4ckH4rtxI]

I'm sure the workers at my local bowling alley will be asking why I'm in the lane lol

[@mutipleman4]

How do supposed to grip the bowling ball....

[@bowlingchemist]

You've got to re-watch this at 0.25 speed, omg so funny. I was doing it to watch the release in slow motion, but it ended up being hilarious also.

[@chriscline4292]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@paulbastien4424]

NEED HELP....I can do this drill well...my issue is I can't get my elbow to straighten at release!!! My wrist will but my elbow stays bent. Anyone else have this ot have seen it?????

[@jesusvert9057]

Pueden traducir al español por favor

[@tbone2104]

I'm going to ignore the sign at my alley that says "all bowlers must stay behind the fould line".

[@gregbowersock7651]

That doesn't work in the Bowlero centers around me, the oil doesn't start until about 2ft or so down the lane.

[@ds282828]

片頭曲聽起來真的很熱血

[@bunker5696]

3:44

[@donsmith40]

I'm Great at the drill, just cant do it while throwing the ball forward, lol

[@ToddKneib]

With this drill, you are bringing your hand up the back, which wont produce revs. I've always been confused how to transition this drill into brings my hand up the side of the ball to create the revs. A video on that would be awesome.

[@jasongivens5866]

Bringing your hand up the back of the ball won't produce revs? Have you ever seen EJ tackett? His hand stays behind the ball.

[@drakedbz]

I think this is a misconception a lot of people have. You keep your hand behind/under the ball all the way until the release, then rotate your hand clockwise like you're turning a knob, and your fingers will catch just enough of the side of the ball to give axis rotation. Also, as the other commenter mentioned, you still get plenty of revs if you come up the back of the ball, you just don't get much axis rotation. You don't always want tons of axis rotation.

[@o0hh471]

1:08

[@o0hh471]

8:47

[@chellsbells4895]

My bowling alley sure as hell isn't gonna let me put my foot in the gutter and hang out over the fowl lane. It seems like an excellent drill in practice, but based on how many bowling alleys I'd get kicked out of, I thought this was an April fool's video.

[@RAM_845]

I hope you meme the word drill..each time you say it, pin a picture of a drill haha

[@nevinkinzel]

I think my release is better when my thumb starts swelling because I focus so heavily on clearing my thumb. 😂