Practice this or suffer at bowling forever

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[@BrentBowlsBadly]

No real problems with my thumb but my thimb is a different story.

[@09krob]

If you are struggling with hooking the ball, I completely understand and being a newer bowler myself I was struggling with this about 6months ago. 2 things helped me. 1. At the bottom of the swing I focus on bending my elbow and cupping my wrist as much as possible. Just at the bottom, like a last minute action of bending my wrist so my thumb is as close to my forearm as possible right before release. Doing that let me experience correct rotation for the first time. Not just top spinning the ball. Over time I had to learn to use a little less cup at the bottom and less elbow, but doing this will get the ball rolling for you. The second tip I will give is that rotation does not mean wrapping your whole hand around the ball. It is all after the thumb exits. So focus on just coming straight up the back of the ball at first. You ball might roll straight, but it’s the right motion rather than throwing your elbow out and trying to bring your whole hand around the ball. After some practice you can start manipulating your hand position for effective hook. I have only been bowling for a year but it took months for me to understand the concept of hooking the ball and just putting top spin on the ball. Hopefully this helps, but like I said I am newer to the sport what do I know.

[@bradleythorburn]

Pleeease do it again tomorrow just for the sheer fun and laughs 😅

[@billylusk3515]

Dont remember ever having my thimb in my ball

[@fracturedbynature5408]

I have been able to get much better at bowling, because of your tutelage. You are a great teacher/coach. I thank you, sir.

[@robertbrady416]

I could’ve saved so much time by finding this video first. All the rest are so vague. None of them explain like this. Something was always missing in others KZbinrs descriptions. I’m like “your doing something else not just coming up the back and cupping etc. he breaks it down perfectly. The only one I’ve seen who does.

[@jondoe6618]

He is talking about me!! Haha. I love how u said ROLL the ball, not throw it!! I am going to remember just that!!

[@jfabritz]

This is so important to being able to take your release to the next level. It is even harder to get if you have years of bad muscle memory getting in the way. A great release requires so many things to happen in the correct sequence. Next time during league, watch the people you play with and how they get their hand out of the ball. How many of them actually have a really clean release and how many have found ways to get something decent that only works in certain scenarios but leaves them in a pinch when the lanes go out of whack?

[@harleyghost]

You are such a good teacher, thank you.

[@fatcatsquekyyy7752]

you should pair this tip with thinking about aiming at the target with the shape your index & middle make spread out, maybe throw in a flat spot tip for ppl who think their thumb comes out too quick or slow

[@ronaldvanengen1887]

Great video spot on teaching ❤

[@gregwright4594]

Great advice, JR!

[@jamesbr8704]

Your videos over the last few weeks have helped me understand some things that I had not been able to understand. I never understood how to get my hand inside the ball and the release. I will do the thumb-out drill to create that feel before bowling.

[@millsdjr]

Thanks JR, appreciate these tips bud.

[@jimkangas4176]

I'm 73 and was a casual bowler until I bought my first ball a few months ago. Previously I wasn't too bad (maybe 120-140) and now I am more like 70's because I have struggled with grip, especially because of the thumb (alternately not releasing or dropping the ball). My friends all tell me to go back to alley balls, but I'm on a mission now. Unfortunately, last week or two I muscled the ball and did something to my bicep (I think it's a strain) because I think I was curling the ball and throwing it. I'll keep at it (maybe in private) because I understand exactly what you're saying. The rolling and not throwing is really key I think.

[@steveg7018]

JR! I saw you earlier this summer at a regional in Ohio (Rebman’s) and was pretty amazed that you made a ball change…changed hand positions and went on a bit of a run. Also cool that you had kid support and cheering section with you. This video is such a good reminder about fundamentals and not overthinking the basics based on what we want to see in our games. I appreciate it!

[@russellgilbert3453]

Love the thimbnail! 😂

[@ricopascua9487]

Thank you this is what I’m looking for plz keep making this type of videos more blessing 🙏🙏🙏🙏❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@ozneroll2132]

Nice video JR!

[@TheKrisKing]

Dude, you don’t know how timely this video was for me. Just started bowling in a casual league last week after a few years of not bowling, I was struggling big time getting my thumb out. This video popped up earlier this afternoon and I watched it, went bowling tonight for the league and bowled 60+ higher each game than last week, thumb only got caught up once. Thanks a lot!

[@architectwin9253]

thanks JR!

[@frankformella6834]

Thanks again sometimes I do sometimes not needed a reminder again again thanks again!!!

[@ThePokersurfer]

Bravo ....... well said and made ❤

[@scottashley3906]

That’s a good and simple released video. It’s kinda like there’s no step drill for me. Good stuff. Thanks, JR

[@williamh1973]

If someone is like me. My hand naturally faces to the left slightly. So to start out. I just try to throw a straight ball and it curves.

[@getsmartpaul]

Hey JR, thanks so much for your PATIENCE ! I hope most of your viewers do PRACTICE this at home to get the feel of the thumb releasing first. Then report back here how well your doing on the lanes !

[@MrYoungweed]

Thank you

[@the13thking]

I switched to two handing…thumb has never been faster 😂

[@mr.tuckers2848]

Thanks JR- this video is going to the top of my bowling tips list. For some reason I can't get my thumb and fingers to release. I think part of the problem was that my ring finger insert was too small and I had the shop open it a little wider and now I can feel the difference. I think this slight equipment problem may have caused me to develop bad habits or at least think that my release was wrong the entire time. It was also causing me some pain in that finger as well because I felt like I had to jam my ring finger inside the hole every time. After that issue was resolved, I have no more finger pain. I've also added some tape inside the thumb hole because I feel like the finger is bent and hooking inside the hole instead of being more straighter to allow easier release. Hopefully the tape will relieve those issues with the thumb as well. There's so many mechanics involved not only with manipulating your fingers with the bowling ball, but also making sure other body parts and positioning are all in place as well.

[@Jesusfanatic0711]

Getting your thumb out faster is exactly how he shows in slow motion, the thumb is parallel to the floor and will come off with the momentum of the ball. I keep my thumb super tight with tape to keep my thumb straight

[@turkeyvolumeguessing]

I was going to ask if the thumb comes off with the momentum of the ball in the swing. I know in the other videos JR says to have the back of the thumb press against the hole as to make it easier to come out.

[@Jesusfanatic0711]

@@turkeyvolumeguessing yes to press slightly backwards the intention is to keep the thumb as straight as possible to keep the pressure even on the thumb rather than at the tip. Or if you watch his other tape videos you can literally change where the pressure is on your thumb to be more consistent.

[@HomesteadingGeek]

Ah yes the thimb,that mythical appendage that’s always getting stuck lol sorry but I couldn’t pass that one up,yes the thumb stick is sometimes an issue until you figure out where you need to be releasing the ball.

[@ozneroll2132]

I’ll definitely work on getting my THIMB out faster!

[@BigSkyBowler]

I have but one question.... What's a thimb?

[@tonyguerrier2258]

Thumb and fingers at the same time is a issue I have. Thanks for the drill

[@scottythompson940]

Cool video talk tech bowling bowling Jr Raymond

[@22tbond]

I’ve been trying to undo about 35 years of straight bowling. Number one issue for me has been struggling to get my thumb out first. Going to try this drill to see if it helps. First league night last night was rough.

[@bbfeign1]

Ive been trying to master this for years . really trying . god its frustrating

[@Elijahpina-of4et]

Thanks again man it works you just told me to do I won 🏆 ill keep doing it again

[@keithreicher388]

This only works If you're not tugging down on the swing, gripping the hell out the ball, lifting with your fingers, dont have too much tape, have enough tape, have good balance, dont over rotate and everything else I do wrong 😂😂😂😂

[@danjensen9425]

I finally found a drill that makes sense thank you

[@SolidSum93]

JR I think you should also add and explain that the thumb will also come out faster when it is more snug vs loose fitting due to it not causing the bowler to grip and squeeze the ball. If you catch my drift.

[@tdub5693]

I never got this until I figured out how to stop squeezing with my thumb that night in league that I felt it I shot my first 700

[@bradleythorburn]

Ahh this is the way. None of this “yo-yo” stuff that doesn’t work for me. Im training tomorrow night I will be doing this

[@RysterARCEE]

Is a thimb a new bowling accessory?! 😂

[@terryrunion4282]

When are you going to give us a review of that ball?

[@jessicakennedy7614]

JR, The main issue is most do not know how to get their fingers to or below the equator in order to achieve the correct position for the thumb exit. Teach how to use the elbow so the fingers can get to or below the equator. Thank You

[@hilkakurth4311]

Great video, sometimes my thumb comes out and I don’t even know maybe too early out of the ball is that a good thing?

[@Jesusfanatic0711]

Should come out at the bottom of swing for consistency of release.

[@enigmazero8624]

I am able to do drills like this just fine and my thumb comes out very quick (it always has since I was a kid). However, when I then take the same ball and throw a shot full speed, I fly out of the thumb before I get to the release zone. Once I’ve put more tape in than it feels like I need, I can execute shots again, but if I then try drills, I can’t get the ball off my hand at all without the force of a full downswing. Any thoughts on how to deal with this problem?

[@beardmanggreen237]

Im new to hook bowling the thing i wanna understand like when u sliding your thumb out do your thumb have to be all the way out before the fingers im trying understand this

[@fullcircledojang]

How do you keep your finger tension feel

[@Smokeys911]

What's a thimb?

[@RB-pc7tg]

Can you make a video on how to measure someone’s pitches?

[@jglorytogod70sambo16]

That was funny

[@hmaxwell34]

Ok, but JR how do I get my thumb out faster?

[@brianlevandowski3167]

Let me ask you this, it seemed more popular few years back like last decade. The offset thumb drilling, basically lined with your middle finger. I want to try it, but I’ll have to tweak all my pitches to get it done to feel right. I use 3/16 reverse on thumb and .375 on fingers and I like a slight longer span that the book says I should have, if I do a shorter span like 1/8 less or so I dig my fingers in deeper then the finger tip. What would be your recommendation for a offset thumb drilling? I’m a decent bowler 195-200 on sport but I just keep feeling like if I can perfect my fit I could be way better. Searching for it is costly and difficult when it’s the wrong tweaks.

[@wingracer1614]

Offset thumb is an illusion, it's not real. Just pitch the thumb to the left (assuming you're right handed) which accomplishes what you want without screwing up your span.

[@treau3131]

My problem is two fold, I am a larger person and currently working at losing weight. At my ripe old age late 50's it's been tough. Down 50 or so pounds now. Secondly, I feel like I'm going to drop the ball when I cup my wrist at all. I end up squeezing my thumb or bending it. I'm working on that as well. I guess I have another issue as well. I fell down a few years ago because my bowling establishment doesn't have humidifiers so the lanes on most nights are so tacky that I can't slide at all. I'm scared to do so and now I finish almost two feet behind the foul line. I am using the highest slide number on my shoe soles. I was working on that yesterday. I was told that I may be sliding heal first as a result of being scared. I am almost sure they are right. I will test it a bit on Monday afternoon before league that night. I have bowled 13 300's in my day but haven't close close in almost 8 years. Bowling can be heartless at times. :) I'm determined to get another 300 and shoot my first 8800 before I die :) thanks for the video tips. Take care and be safe.

[@beyondbowling6708]

If you feel like you are going to drop the ball when cupping the wrist, the thumb hole is probably too big. Losing weight definitely affects thumb fit. If you don't have to almost force your thumb into the hole, you will have to squeeze the ball to keep from dropping it and this will make it more difficult to get your thumb out quickly. Have a qualified pro shop operator evaluate your fit and adjust as necessary. As for sliding, the house I typically bowl in has the same problem with tacky approaches. If you haven't tried changing the heel, try a heel with a felt or leather leading edge. This will help your slide as your heel comes into contact with the approach. A leather heel will provide even more slide. Just be sure to test any modifications before you bowl. You'll be surprised at how much a heel change can enhance your slide. (btw, I usually use a no. 12 sole and change the heel as conditions dictate)

[@Thumper1968]

JR, what's a thimb? (might want to fix your thumbnail) 😄Great video as always, and definitely an area I've struggled with.

[@Tenpindoctors]

Got you to comment.. lol

[@Thumper1968]

@@Tenpindoctors Absolutely!

[@Cra1gDav1d]

How do i release it “cupped” if i have a weak wrist?

[@wingracer1614]

Lighter ball or get stronger.

[@th-wt5pn]

Title says get your thimb out lol should be thumb 👍🏽😂😂

[@darthmaul0851]

Some people have had both knees replaced and can’t get on them. Any suggestions on how to practice this without getting on the knees?

[@wingracer1614]

Stand next to your bed

[@DtKnize]

A coach told me that you do not release the ball, the ball lets go of you due to momentum and gravity.

[@ShadesShack]

JR I have a buddy who is new, and I am trying to help him get started, but as a right hander, sometimes his ball hooks to the right. I can't for the life of me figure out what to do to help him. What causes the ball to hook right instead of left.

[@TheDreamSyndicateArts]

Hope he's figured it out by now, but from the way you're describing it, it sounds like he bowls like me. I'm right-handed, but throw a ball like a lefty. My ball's drilled like a back-up ball and I line-up on the left side of the lane. There is the drawback that you can't do lot with wrist rotation since it's a direction your wrist can't really turn without injury.

[@freighttrain1695]

Switch to an oval thumb..

[@BrandoHeat94]

You guys could all just become no thumb bowlers 😈

[@SirJoelsuf1]

After about a decade of dabbling with it, I went two handed this year. Best decision I ever made. I'm able to be super fast with my feet which I straight up COULD NOT be with my thumb in the ball and am able to be WAY more athletic. Still shoot my spares with my thumb but that's gonna stop pretty soon once I get my new spare ball (Radical Spy).

[@grprather]

Dude, did you proofread the title of this video before submitting it? What the hell is "Thimb"?

[@joelsheebs728]

Is it even possible to do this kind of release if I do not have a fingertip ball?