Improve Your Bowling Release With This ONE Drill

[@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?

[@GeorgeCrothers-g2c]

@@joehoenig7596 Those are two great questions hopefully the guys try to answer them!

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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?

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@Gbuck426]

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

[@Chrizzack-n4i]

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

[@Chrizzack-n4i]

@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

[@Billy-nl6do]

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

[@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.

[@themcguirevlog]

Thank you so much for this. I’m gonna try this for sure. This is exactly what I’m looking for to learn.

[@ramonalejano671]

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

[@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!

[@gcoatar]

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

[@Bowlingkz]

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

[@myrasherrill777]

Thanks for the great videos!

[@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 😂.

[@ronburt-y4q]

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

[@ebertherrera8312]

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

[@hookedonfishing2095]

This release drill helped me lots.

[@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 ...

[@scottythompson940]

Cool tech bowling bowling ball brad and Kyle

[@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?

[@chan7891]

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

[@corbinesterak7837]

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

[@movingtohawaii]

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

[@travishanson166]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@MrAhGuGu]

Great drill! Thanks Brad and Kyle!

[@1USACitizen192]

This is a tremendous tip. Thanks!

[@WinstonMitchell]

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

[@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

[@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

[@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!!!

[@georgefinneyiv3922]

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

[@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

[@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?

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@UncleDale_]

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

[@arildopaes]

nice video, thank you

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@frankformella6834]

Good stuff thanks

[@angelaweigle5625]

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

[@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

[@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?

[@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!!!!

[@djHughesFishers]

Great Content

[@leonthornton1839]

I found a shelf from an old bookcase and hit it with a light coating of mineral oil to simulate a bowling lane. I practice this release drill on that with one of my old bowling balls

[@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

[@TheRgf795]

Great! 👍

[@CarlosRodriguez-59]

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

[@martingrey2231]

You should have used close ups and slow motion clips.

[@tdub5693]

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

[@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

[@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

[@DMGaming117]

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

[@austinjohnson3977]

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

[@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!!!

[@dewaynepro8406]

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

[@TrevorTheBowler]

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

[@mrclean1127]

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

[@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.

[@kyleb5169]

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

[@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.

[@markkeller9378]

For slow motion, got to settings on this video and select playback…..I set to .25x……really see everything clearly.

[@bouyaharumichi9212]

please make a two handed perfect drills video

[@bradleythorburn]

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

[@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?

[@laserfalcon]

What kind of oil is used on a lane?

[@DanielJackson-jx8gc]

Would that cause me to hit up on the ball?

[@AR-ly7yt]

I actually do this drill in the ball return

[@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.

[@richardgee9434]

Ok will that work with my 16 lb. Balls

[@chrisleeleslie]

Patiently awaiting the clinic video 🤭

[@damarapoledna3636]

I remember the first time I got out of the ball and it had noticable revs on it(30+ years ago). One year later I was having carpal tunnel surgery 😬

[@Ironfangzu]

Sad to say, your motion must have been wrong, putting a lot of unneeded pressure on the nerves in your wrist. Yes, cupping your wrist and then lifting your fingers to give revs to a 15 or 16 pound bowling ball repeatedly does stress your nerves and tendons. But thousands (maybe millions) of bowlers do it all the time and not that many guys suffer that injury. If you needed carpal tunnel surgery in only a year, you must have been doing it wrong. Too bad that 30 years ago you didn't get a coach to look at your form to see what you were doing. It could have saved you a lot of pain and also made you a better bowler.

[@damarapoledna3636]

@@Ironfangzu actually, it was cupping the wrist, bending the elbow, little to no yo yo action at the bottom of the swing combined with hours of wrench turning and throttle twisting managed to blow it out. Luckily, had a good surgeon and now enjoy painless effortless 350 rpm😀

[@51187corey]

Wouldn't that promote hitting up on the inserts?

[@Denali_Rebel]

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

[@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?????

[@ds282828]

片頭曲聽起來真的很熱血

[@jesusvert9057]

Pueden traducir al español por favor

[@mutipleman4]

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

[@johnbaumgarten8576]

Hey guys I appreciate the help with how to release the ball but could you guys try to show us in slow motion it kinda looks like your using fingers to spin the ball but not rotate it in hand shake form but I'm just asking and yes this is me inconsistency in my release

[@drakedbz]

If you're trying to do a hand-shake, that is definitely not the right position for your hand. You want to stay behind the ball all the way to the release.

[@stevekeller3643]

You seem to be very knowledeable- do u know any drills to eliminate pulling down from the top ? As much as I try to keep my elbow in/thumb out etc, I still can’t do it. One step drill ? Thanks

[@drakedbz]

@@stevekeller3643 My coach just helped me with this today. Try a no-step drill, but literally don't use any muscle at all. Hold your ball up at your normal spot, then let it swing down all on its own, and let it come off your hand when it moves back forward. Once you've done that a few times, get the feel for adding it to your swing by just casually walking to the approach and then swinging like that. No 4 or 5 step approach, just literally walk up there (and even don't put your hand into the ball until you're already walking!). Then do a proper approach, but really get that feel of hand behind the ball, let it roll smoothly off. No muscle. Does that answer your question? Sorry if I misunderstood.

[@stevekeller3643]

@@drakedbz - thanks, you got it ! I did the casual walk to the line the last 4-5 weeks in league and improved at first. Was more athletic which at 67 is diminishing. The effect wore off some as weeks passed. I didn’t execute it exactly like that tho as my fingers were in the ball from the start.

[@bertiebassett84]

I don't know about the US, but if I do this in the UK the bowling alley will ask me to leave....

[@gregbowersock7651]

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

[@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😂

[@IxBl4ckH4rtxI]

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

[@alexrockett1588]

I feel like my wrist ain’t got the strength for the yo-yo but the more I do this the stronger it’s gonna get