How to properly squeeze and/or release a bowling ball

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[@Tenpindoctors]

Make sure to sign up for Virtual lessons here if you live too far to come see me in person www.patreon.com/lifestractioncontrol

[@Fejix87]

Do you do virtual lessons for two handed bowlers as well?

[@Tenpindoctors]

@@Fejix87 yes

[@robertweintraub8130]

I live in Roseville, MI and I know where you are located do you give lessons at that location?

[@kenrulesr.975]

Def informative

[@Tenpindoctors]

@@robertweintraub8130 yes

[@UnscannableDrew]

I've seen a dozen videos that say "Don't squeeze the ball." and I've been like "How the hell else am I supposed to hold on to it??" Thank you for showing me what to do instead.

[@anner4598]

Exactly! The pro shop guy has been telling me I don't need the holes enlarged, I need to stop squeezing the ball. Made no sense to me and has been a source of great frustration!

[@oscarcan22]

@@anner4598 just exactly my problem,always I'n always afraid that the ball will fall out of my hand backwards, so I'm like a crab claw, maybe that's why you have to do the simple exercise of holding the ball, leave your hand relaxed, if it doesn't stay in your hand and it falls out, it's not to your measure, you have to change the thumb inserts to another size in which your fingers fit well and the ball doesn't fall out, so when you release it as he says, it will come out by itself but you won't drop it in the process

[@justrk3980]

I guess they didn't want us to play proper bowling but instead to watch their whole list of videos

[@farhanyatim7575]

we don't get much choice with the house ball do we now.. that's the real problem and we end up using the wrong ball (the heavier one in my case) just because it fits our fingers

[@larrytate1657]

@@farhanyatim7575 you have to get your own ball drilled just for you by the pro shop.

[@LiveLifeHonestly]

This is the BEST tip of my life as I was bowling for over 50 years. I now have the swing and released that I only dreamed of throwing. I’ve been using this bowling tip for only 2 days now and my average and accuracy has increased tremendously with the thumb coming out at the same spot every time versus pinching. Hallelujah bowling is fun again,

[@davidsoto1472]

I practice every sunday with some friends, can't wait to try this

[@bschaeffer12]

I have been bowling my whole life, and just sitting here watching this video I went "OH!" out loud in public. Never occurred to me to push the thumb back. Haven't tried it yet but I am intrigued.

[@tomrogue13]

I did a practice swing worth nothing in my hand and it just felt better

[@dannybrooks2807]

This literally cured a 25plus year problem I never knew I had.

[@j20tower]

I started bowling in 1959 lol and have the same problem.

[@couchistopdog]

So do you push the back of your thumb into the ball? Or do you still squeeze and just not flex the last knuckle?

[@seniorbowler2276]

That goes for me too!

[@TheGuitarHistorian]

Danny Brooks ME TOO!

[@Mac.Eunique]

4 yrs after being released and this video may have single handedly changed my entire game! This is a golden tip!!! You just gained a subscriber!!

[@husssla604]

Thank you very much. I just started bowling in a league and went from a house ball to a top-of-the-line-ball (I just had to have because it smelled sooo goood!!!) But anyway, I was having a hard time figuring out just how to get it out of my hand and I watched several videos with no improvement because no one explained this hack and it worked like a charm. Went from a 140-160 with house ball to a 65-120 with my new ball. Since watching this video and using the thumb technique you explained I'm back up to a 150+. Thank you! This literally changed my bowling life!

[@acdii]

Wow, something as simple as curving the thumb back and using just the joint for grip made a HUGE improvement! 8 strikes in a row! Best game I have bowled in years, 243. This and balancing my left arm were the two changes I made on my approach, and both made a huge improvement.

[@JeffBratko]

As a newbie to bowling I have been watching many videos about approach, swing and release. On most of the videos they talk about getting your thumb out faster, but never explain how to do that. JR thank you for truely explaining this. I really appreciate how you explain the steps to a better game for the beginer. Please keep bringing us great videos, they really help us non-pros.

[@itsagrayarea1833]

This guy is one of the best instructors that I've seen on KZbin. Most thorough and easy to understand

[@mreid08]

Are you kidding me, no one has ever suggested I do this in the 17 years bowling league. Just got a Crux Prime and now I'm going to relearn how to roll a ball!! Your amazing thanks!!

[@James-un5bc]

The more I've been inside a pro shop the more I realize no one's ever explained it properly the way JR just did. It reduces the amount of people coming back into the shop with 'Open the thumb please' SIGNIFICANTLY.

[@PjMargraff6bowler]

It works, my revs went from 450 to 500 from rushing the grip to how JR shows in this video

[@bigredbeard8283]

This is golden information. All the bowling videos I've watched this is the first time I hear this technique.

[@TraumaER]

The best video ever made on this topic. So many people in leagues don’t even understand this concept. Glad I follow the tips shown here already but it would have helped me a lot more when I was younger 20+ years ago lol.

[@Grampa-el3kz]

Wow. I have only gone bowling a few times in the last 50 years (yes, a real bowling addict, ha ha) . It has been over 30 years since the last time. I had no idea what I was doing and the people I bowled with had no idea either. This video was an amazing lesson. A bowling alley is only a 2 miles away. I am heading there soon!! And watching more of your videos!!! thanks soooo much!!!!

[@mannyj8805]

Got back into bowling this summer and my goal was to correct everything I was doing wrong in my game from my steps (approach) to my arm swing, hand position, and most importantly, my thumb release. Though I’m not at 100% improvement yet, I have been seeing a steady improvement in every aspects of my game. Just wanted to credit you for the improvements thus far. Your instructions are clear and concise. Looking forward to more videos from you. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@danleyrold45]

I’ve been bowling for quite a few years. I’ve noticed many bowlers with tape on the nail side of their thumbs, but could never quite figure out why. No one has ever explained this to me and maybe I wasn’t asking the right questions. This is the first time anyone has been able to explain to me clearly How the thumb should grip the ball on the nail side at release. Lots of bowlers around me and nobody has ever talked about this. I am amazed. Can’t wait to try it out at my next session. Thank you.

[@shamoo4233]

Ooooo I thought my thumb fit was too tight but it was actually right when I first got it drilled. The quote “let the ball release you” really makes sense and that’s probably why I can’t get any revs. Gotta get some thumb tape now

[@FromTheRuff]

The backwards thumb grip tip was clutch my man. Everyone focuses on the release but never mention that tip.

[@j20tower]

I’ve been bowling for 60 years and no one ever told me about the thumb release and still was able at my best to average 190. Thanks for the tip.

[@andyisnotfunny3002]

I was given a ball as an anniversary present and was talked into getting a fingertip grip (because it's a nicer ball). We rolled three games on saturday night and I was all over the place. If I wasn't getting a loud audible pop and throwing it left from my thumb getting caught, I was releasing too early and rolling right into the right gutter. (I'm a newbie all around, admittedly) Someone suggested that I "use the back of my thumb to grip" but all that did when I practiced at home was make me feel like my nail was going to get smashed. Gripping with the section of my thumb after that last knuckle, I can feel the tip of my thumb pulling back and staying away from "clawing" into the ball and can feel the difference just rolling down the hall. Nobody's explained it like this yet. I'm excited to see how this helps my consistency, when I got a few shots right the other night they were SWEET...but too few and far between. Thanks for this video!

[@KSI_Rogue]

I have watched videos on drills and how to release and everything. But this is the first one that even mentions the way you grasp the ball with your thumb. I have been trying to find this for weeks, I keep messing up on not knowing how to release my thumb early because I would grasp the ball the wrong way

[@Pamirace]

This is the video I needed. It's quite a game changer for an amateur

[@chadanderson6705]

JR, I know this video is almost 3 years old, but I stumbled across it a couple days ago and tried it out last night at league. all I can say is.. THANK YOU! I have been a low rev bowler for very and have ben trying to fix that. I've watched a ton of videos about the yo-yo release and what to do with your wrist and to get your thumb out first, etc, etc, but none of them really helped me until I saw this. I realize now my thumb hole is too big in most of my balls so I will need to address that, but that's my own fault. I wanted a bigger thumb hole so I could get my thumb out faster, I see now it doesn't work that way lol. The balls I have where the thumbs are the right size felt great off my hand and had good rotation. Even though the fit was "snug", I never stuck in the ball or lofted it. So once again, THANK YOU!

[@PjMargraff6bowler]

JR this absolutely works!!!! My rev count went way higher and bball releases so much smoother off my hand because of this tip. THANK YOU!!!!

[@MamasFunkyMonkey]

Where was this video a year ago ... started bowling fall of 2017 and your videos answer questions no one else seems to be able to answer on the proper techniques

[@koo-data4742]

I mean this from the bottom of my heart, the advice about using the joint of your thumb to grip the ball has been the best advice i could possibly receive to contribute to my growth as a bowler. This is the piece of information that i needed I was gripping the ball with the tip of my thumb, and throwing every ball in the gutter, also ended up getting a blister. My mind has been blown. Thank you.

[@mikeroark5570]

Thank you for this video and your tips! I used your suggestions last night and rolled back to back 200 and 225 games! My normal average is 145 or so. Once I got into the swing of things with the thumb positioning, my ball placement and hook were much more consistent!

[@karnish4956]

Just when I was dealing with this problem. Thank you very much!

[@AR-eb1cf]

This is EXACTLY what I was looking for. The wrong way to hold the thumb is what I was doing consistently and would have never thought that was the issue. Thank you!

[@roderick9018]

Finally someone explaing it to me instead of just saying don't use your thumb, thank you

[@mrsmith7232]

This is ABSOLUTELY the best video and description on how to release the ball for better rev's I have seen, thank you for sharing.

[@warshrike666]

I tried it tonight JR and it worked a treat, once i got used to it. Started with a couple 170's then hit the 200's once i got used to the feel of where the ball is now siting on my thumb, gripping with it pointed backward . Thank you again for the vid so helpful, looking forward to league now ready to throw some good games (well for me anyway lol). Oh and for everyone else it did increase my rev rate a lot. My ball which is a Hammer Ripped Asymetrical was really hooking nice into the pocket when i got it all right in the release.

[@wizardseye]

This is the answer to grip I've been trying to figure out for years and no one has explained properly! I've always had problems with grip and had people tell me to stop squeezing, but I didn't understand how to hold the ball on my hand otherwise. I've also had terrible problems with rubbing the skin off the back of my thumb due to squeezing. Thank you so much!

[@dustinfrazier4572]

I have never hit the sub button on any you tube video but here i am almost 9 p.m my time rolling my ball in the house and truly feel that this is why i have been so inconsistent in my release. Definitely taking this to the lanes tomorrow for a full scale tryout. This is the by far the best tip i have seen to date. Would definitely like to see some more of you videos and possibly send a video or two to see if there are things i an improve on.. thanks Jr sir for time you take to help better the people in the sport

[@trublu3287]

Good to know. I grip it with my thumb in. So now I see why my shot is different from one release to the other.

[@joeandreola4205]

It really works, I found this out accidently and had a 600+ series but I thought it was dumb luck and I stopped doing it. I will be doing it from now on though!!

[@allenhuffcutt7002]

Man, I wish I had seen this when I started bowling decades ago. After watching this video I realized that I have been squeezing from the knuckles and the wrong part of the thumb. Time to hit the lanes and learn to do it correctly. Thanks!

[@joawash]

My high-school coach explained this to me maybe once and I never quite understood it. Looking at some of my videos now, it is one the few things that still limit me from improving my game. Thank you for very in-depth video of this technique.

[@streaky81]

Yep, this is what I've been trying to figure out since I started getting relatively serious about bowling. Thanks so much.

[@oldgoat50]

As someone who had bowled for about 40 years, this was a great video to show new and experienced bowlers the proper things to do. Will you do an advanced video on pitches in the thumb and fingers in the future?

[@MrFreeZ2U]

A note to anyone struggling with this technique, doing this will cause your grip on the ball to feel weakened. This is where a proper fix really takes effect. Gripping with the inside of your thumb is harder to do because your body isn't used to it. Doing this without a proper fix can in fact cause higher grip pressure, causing fatigue and bad shot making. Be sure to use tape and other resources to snug up (to your comfort level) the thumb hole. If you are still having issue gripping the ball in this fashion ask your pro-shop owner about changing the pitch in you thumb hole to get a proper fitting/feel for the ball allowing you to use this technique effectively. Finally I highly recommend this to anyone having issues with timing at the release point.

[@Tenpindoctors]

Yes. Very well said

[@worldofufosofficial8658]

I think this instructional + your tape fit instructional = a great one-two punch. Good stuff. Great explanation. Appreciated.

[@leahp.316]

@4:18 "the ball should let go of you, you don't let go of the ball."

[@ameraizad2064]

Thank you JR. This is the best technique and easy for understanding how to release the bowling ball. All this time I’ve been doing it wrong and the ball jump up on the lane because of squeezing the ball.

[@DS-om5vo]

I tried this out today in practice. I was much more consistent with my release and was so surprised at how much more power I had with a relaxed had at the bottom of the swing. For years I've been trying to get more revs and power by muscling the ball. Looks like I've been doing to much for years. Definitely giving this a go in league next week. Thanks for the tip!

[@nygiantswinner]

Great way of explaining where the pressure should be applied and how it affects release. I’ve always heard to use the thumb nail instead of clawing but now it makes sense. Thank You!

[@yogurtstains]

This is the best description of what is happening, and what needs to happen regarding the thumb. Thank you so much for this information!

[@drakedbz]

Dude you have no idea how much this video just helped me. I watched this a few weeks back, but I was still working on other things at the time. Just now I went and got my bowling balls, and sure enough, they don't stay on my hand unless I knuckle them. I got some tape out and tightened up the thumbs, did a few slow practice releases onto my bed, and holy crap I can hold the ball without gripping, and release consistently now! Can't wait to try them out on the lanes, when my arm recovers from all the damned muscling I've been doing to compensate for the knuckling LOL I think it may be time for me to consider a swappable thumb, so I don't have to get the tape just right in all of my balls. Maybe then I can have a consistent release no matter which ball I use.

[@solved3x3]

Jr Raymond I just want to say I’ve been in a slump for about a season now and I took this advice bc I know I squeeze the ball and o shot 736! I’m at 194 average currently from last years 213. Couldn’t keep the ball on line and can’t get my ball to roll and this was a huge help!

[@jonsides4017]

I haven’t had it explained this way before. Instant lightbulb!!! 💡💡

[@ronaldsmalls9366]

Awesome advice, great tips. I've been bowling for over 40 years and for 40 years I've been gripping my ball the wrong way thanks

[@seanboogie10]

Thats a great piece of advice. I will definitely try squeezing out with my thumb. Thx

[@ozneroll2132]

Wow.....best video of all when it comes to releasing a ball...thanks JR!

[@LETHALxMODs]

I needed this so bad, thank you so much I'm glad I finally found this video!

[@johnking2782]

I have never heard to grip the opposite way with my thumb... I have league this evening and will try this for the first time and let you know. Thank you for this!

[@hotsub03]

Same here

[@phantomknight93]

I have league tomorrow evening. How did it work out for you guys?

[@rangerfan7]

Same question, let us know how it worked I struggle with this so I am curious!

[@johnking2782]

Gonna have to practice... it isn't easy to get used to. I have no idea how much tape is in my ball right now... but... its releasing quicker and I see a notable difference.

[@hotsub03]

@@rangerfan7 it definitley worked. My challenge was getting enough pressure on the back of my thumb to keep the ball on my hand. It felt wierd pushing my thumb nail and bottom side of my front thumb in

[@infostarhanger]

first time someone explained this properly. fantastic video

[@tonyvincent9753]

I’m a senior bowler (67) and just had a 14lb ball drilled out the other day because 16lbs was starting to feel awfully heavy. That said, I’ve been a notorious “squeezer” my whole life. I’m going to try this techniqe at my next session. 👍

[@alexallen126]

This was so helpful for me. I just commented on one of your other videos thinking that I needed thumb tape. Turns out I was just gripping the ball, which is causing me to yank it. Thank you so much!

[@jeffreyjansen6620]

Three great videos in the last couple of weeks. Cannot wait and try this today!

[@themcguirevlog]

I’m excited to try this tomorrow. Thank you!

[@robertberry7461]

I just wanted to say thank you for the video tips on taping the thumb hole and the one on how to properly grip/squeezing the ball. I was developing a callus on my thumb knuckle and was getting concerned since this was never an issue in the past. After watching your videos I removed all of the tape I had in the slug and taped the way you suggested. I just finished league and I had no issues releasing the thumb. Thank you again for showing me a new way of taping the thumb. Gratefully Robert

[@r.i.p.paperroutefrank3942]

Great video 210 average and I have been dropping because of this and never knew this was my problem. Thanks keep making these tips

[@curtisjackson3445]

Thanks for this tip this is the first time I've heard about squeezing the opposite direction with your thumb I can't wait to try it next time I practice

[@franksprague1622]

Good point relating to proper thumb fit, squeezing instead of gripping is difficult with a sloppy thumb hole.

[@chriskelleher5294]

Great Great lesson ! I have a bad habit of squeezing the ball with my thumb and I understand exactly what your talking about. I really needed to hear this advice and I am sure this will help me a lot so thank you so much !

[@rickwicks6497]

This is mind blowing..I have a different release on every shot because of squeezing. Thanks very much, I will work on this tirelessly!

[@paulp8937]

Thanks J R, I already knew about this tip but it’s very easy to forget if it’s not practiced very much. I’ll definitely make this part of my practice routine!

[@privateryan5984]

This just blew my mind. I can’t wait to hit the lanes this weekend.

[@julianneborgardt9226]

I've always had issues of my thumb splitting from my nail from bowling unless I wear slide tape to protect it. Today it clicked with a league friend what was happening and they explained that my thumb splits because i squeeze my thumb but wasn't able to explain what I'm supposed to do instead. I've spent over an hour trying to find answers online and i think this is it! Can't wait to try it out!

[@mrlargecar379]

Light Bulb !!!!! DANG!!! THANK YOU FOR THIS ONE!!!! LOL I was doing exactly what you said, grippin the ball and not understanding why I was all over the place.

[@montetown8836]

Reading the comments below I have to agree with a lot of them. Can't wait to try it and it makes SO much sense!

[@michaelnevins5820]

you just blew my mind

[@CurtisL8.3066]

Same. Not sure why this was never explained like this before.

[@Xercister]

I've been bowling for 20+ years and I have an average higher than 200 and not one single person has ever explained it to me like this. Very good video!!

[@tedraortega]

I have watched about every bowling 101 video I can find and you are the only one that has discussed this and that’s exactly what I was looking for awesome tip thank you

[@geeneri7363]

Great advice!!! Didn't realize why my grip was constantly inconsistent every week. I keep reverting back to my old claw grip but this made excellent sense now. Will keep a conscious though about my thumb tonight and see what happens.

[@MrSouthernInfo]

Great video!!! You hit the head on the nail when talking about fluctuations in rev rates and I fall victim to this. I will admit I do knuckle in the ball a little but not as bad as I use to. I hate when i would be on a serious string of strikes then all of a sudden my rev rate would spike out of nowhere and I will have a high pocket hit or split. I am looking to clean up my release and I will start experimenting with thumb tape. Thanks for the advice.

[@jcjohnson1852]

This is insane! I have the absolute worst problem with squeezing my thumb the WRONG WAY!! I never even thought of squeezing the ball the opposite way so that the ball just rolls off! I think this is going to help me so very much with a consistent release! Will I need to get my pitch adjusted in my thumb hole in order to do this or should I be able to do it with the way I have my ball drilled now? I do have some reverse pitch now. Thanks so much for this, TRULY!

[@Tenpindoctors]

Might need to adjust it a bit. Or watch my tape video and adjust the tape

[@getsmartpaul]

Hi JR, you are helping so many bowlers. I'm a squeezer. I have NOT been able to "hold" the ball in my thumb comfortably for 60 years. I kept thinking that the pitch of the thumb was incorrect and forced me to squeeze to hold the ball. I will try using the root part of the thumb instead of squeezing with the base of the thumb.

[@paulejr7410]

As a 20+ year 5-pin bowler, I’ve moved in to 10-pin this year. Figuring out my grip and release is a main focus right now because I’ve already noticed that I never release the ball the same way twice. Thank you for this.

[@rangerfan7]

My biggest problem is an inconsistent release because I have been "knuckling" the ball, now I cannot wait to try this technique thank you!

[@pansenpeter2010]

This was… by far… the best advice ever for me!!! 😂👍

[@keeganlongerbeam8646]

Broooo this video has helped me. I hit my first 200 while hooking and i officially now get the concept

[@ubernate860]

Holy. Shit. This is hands down the most useful and articulate tip I have ever heard. THANK YOU.

[@Viper27130]

Deffinently going to try this Thursday. Thanks!

[@andrewgarrison4014]

Yep I'ma have to try this starting during league

[@jeremyroberts2535]

My pro shop gurus told me to pinch the ball instead of grab and now... i get it. THANK YOU

[@pauledwards8668]

been bowling for about 20 years with off and on periods. getting back into league form after about 10 years off. found this video and am anxious to go try this as i think it may explain why a down and in style, regardless of ball type, is the only way i’ve ever been able to play. i’ve always squeezed and tried to release at the right time as you explained. some go well, some don’t. always been about a 165 avg bowler. this may be what i didn’t know this entire time...

[@JoshJorg44]

Wow, another tip I've never heard before. No wonder I've always tore my thumb up and not had high revs

[@brianmontoya3788]

Very refreshing tips video. Explanation with demonstration . Keep up the great work!

[@GoodnotGreat88]

I am really excited to try this out. I am a newer bowler who just joined my first league and your videos have been very helpful. Thank you!

[@jjones283111]

Keep the videos coming JR. Love what you are doing for our sport!

[@BARBELLS-AND-BUDS]

I've been having so much trouble with the ball. Plus I have some serious thumb issues that have been exacerbated with bowling. No one has explained to me before not to claw the ball but put backwards pressure on my thumb into the thumb hole. I can't wait to get to the alley and try this out and see if this makes a difference because my thumb is just going through agony for days after each time I bowl. Thanks for this video!!

[@tackywacky99]

As a pro shop operator. I get all the people i drill balls for to have minimal grip. Then also if they decide to squeeze, squeeze the right way to prevent injury and have good timing. Dont be afraid to drop the ball! It's correct, just lift and follow through.

[@Thetalltexan65]

Hey thanks for this. I think over time you start to do things without thinking about it and that can be a good thing but when something isn't right you can't figure out what to do. In my warm up game before league I got hung up in the ball and sent one dang near the ceiling tiles. Chipped my ball and everything. Had a terrible night. I was scared to throw it and everything. I was wrecked. I went back yesterday and rolled a few by myself and was very frustrated. As soon as I watched this it hit me. My grip was off. I knew it was but couldn't put it together. Hope to get back to rolling it better soon. Thanks again.

[@racrx7]

Glad I found this because Ive been doing it all wrong and getting frustrated. Off to the lanes to practice! THANK YOU!

[@2awesomebrostheirmom944]

racrx7 Check out this 7 yr old hit a reverse curve kzbin.info/www/bejne/iZalfK2BnbV3ea8

[@justcause4437]

Finally! I can squeeze by balls correctly now.

[@mickleejohnson1500]

Wow best tip for me as a beginner!! Thanks

[@robinsonvega1171]

JR I like your videos, very education. Can you do a video on what weight of a ball a one should have comfortably?

[@Kidynamo123]

I have bowled (casually) a straight ball pinching for over 10 years. I recently decided to try hooking and couldn’t figure out what I was doing wrong on the thumb release. I’ll definitely give this a try!

[@brie1984]

I'm excited to try this. Thank you for this video!

[@jcandrade]

I did not know about the thumb squeeze. I’ve been one to clutch on the ball have had a hard time releasing. Will definitely try this method.

[@HUFF-N-PUFF-2024]

Awesome video and the part of my game I am really working on.