This is what you should do to create more power bowling

[@845amg]

HUGE video. Thank you for demonstrating this for everyone. This makes it even clearer. When you drop your body with the correct timing, the ball's momentum is currently going forward and your demonstration makes it even more clear on how you are just rotating under the ball instead of trying to LIFT the ball with your wrist. You're pushing your body and curling your wrist around where the ball is located in the space and where it is trying to travel. Way easier to understand this way and shows why timing is so important for an easy time bowling.

[@garynorris8932]

I watched this video prior to league and thought this was one of the best tips I’d seen in a while. Lowered my body at the foul line and focused on this technique. Shot 804 that night. 300-225-279. I was totally relaxed through the shot and noticed my rev rate increased a lot along with the quality of the ball roll. Had a 211 average going into league - left at 225.

[@t.hargrove3843]

This is absolutely right, and any naysayers just need to try it for themselves. Your recent videos detailing with the release have been really good and very helpful. I would like to see a video on projecting the ball across the lane, specifically if you walk perpendicular to the foul line or walk towards your target.

[@pokiis3of10]

yea a lot of people walk towards their target, some go perpindicular then line up their power step and slide to the right (right hander)

[@jeremiahjohnsoniii3892]

Hear many talking about getting under the ball/below the equator/etc. (including JR). This video actually helps you get there...….good stuff!

[@STLMTB]

I had massive thumb issues with the nerve that runs down my thumb. it was so bad there were nights I had to use no thumb to bowl because my thumb was in so much pain. Went to a new pro shop and had it filled and re-drilled with the correct pitch and now the pain is gone. Biggest thing was the correct pitch and size of the hole.

[@squidly2112]

Excellent instruction!!! .. you are essentially dropping your body and your hand under the ball, a little bit faster than your ball drops by itself. Makes perfect sense! .. this is also why you don't want to "pull from the top", just like in the golf swing. This reinforces what I have been working on lately (kind of came up with it myself) but you illustrate this perfectly! .. thank you JR !!!

[@TheVlad1616]

Practiced for the first time after watching this, and the swing thought of getting the fingers under the ball(versus turning around it) went very well. When not pulling down too early, the ball roll was much better. Someone (I hadn’t bowled with in awhile) even commented on how my release looked different

[@jeffe1771]

I've been one of those that disagreed with you a little, and honestly this is the best explanation I've seen of how to fix it. And even though I've been one to comment on it, I am one that's been working on this for more than a year to fix in my swing, even bought some lessons from you and a few other people to see how to fix my issues. And out of all that, I think this is the best someone has explained that bottom part of the swing to me. I've been trying to solve it on the down swing all with my arm, hand and shoulder positioning, and I just haven't been able to fix this. Here is hoping that working on getting lowering myself a touch will help. Thanks for the videos. Thanks for being somewhat patient with us naysayers.... :) At this point I feel like I'm the Roy McAvoy of bowling so I'll try any gimmick to fix my swing haha.

[@denisewilliams8707]

Thank you for showing me that technique because that was what I used to do. I went from 158 the first 2 games to 193. Thank you so much Jr!!

[@rtmcmurphy6668]

I needed to see this video. Thank you. I’m middle age, and started bowling 6 months ago. Been struggling with this exact thing.

[@michaelsaad684]

Understood and clarified. I have Never had this issue explained. I was always taught to cup the wrist throughout the swing. Thanks as always for your guidance and patience.

[@emerald3331]

Great demonstration JR!

[@frizzle101101]

I woke up this morning saw this video and went to the bowling alley and realized this is the one thing that has been missing to improve my throw, immediately when i thought about it at the bottom of my swing and getting lower instead of at the top of my swing...immediately i started not loosing my balance after my shot and i think my rev rate went up and my wrist isnt as sore after bowling 2 hours

[@DIGraffiX]

DUDE!!!! I have bowlers elbow right now as a byproduct of me cupping my wrist throughout the swing and always thought my technique was correct! This is huge for me, I never understood why I was having issues now, I've been bowling for 20 years and this just starting affecting me within the last 2 years and its been driving me crazy. It's gonna take a lot of getting used to trying to change it but Ive always wondered if my technique was wrong and now I know it is. I even went down a pound in my ball weight as a byproduct of my elbow tendons being so weakened.

[@deethompson8436]

Great job, JR...I preach this everyday, mostly people that think they're not strong enough to throw a heavier ball...

[@TraumaER]

One of your best videos of all time and I've been subbed for years.

[@bowlingdj300]

Great channel, brings up so many good points that arent often discussed, great job!

[@thegb2199]

Sound advice JR! Made all the difference in how I'm going to throw from now on. Thank you!

[@leadslinger5130]

great explanation, I have been working on the mechanics of my approach for, well since i started learning this game lol. now that I'm finally starting to get everything all put together i was surprised at the increase in ball speed and rev rate with significantly less effort. still a work in progress but about 3 weeks ago i felt a big difference with a big increase in revs it felt like i wasn't even holding it at the bottom and came out cooken.

[@Jeffwolfenson]

Had my ball thumb hole plugged and redrilled. Shot a 209 and 550 series. So much more power at the pocket. Finally a good fit and easy swing.

[@donaldrobinson1758]

Thank you for this detailed demonstration.

[@majbob62]

Great Video....ive been having issues staying under the equator and this is gonna help me a LOT!!!!

[@Popsplace42]

Thanks. I’ll try the body drop, but the fact is my wrist was destroyed from bowling and it was fine before.. and my ball fits great. All the videos preach “cup the wrist” and we are left trying to figure out how to do that.

[@rednotereso]

JR. You are the best. Me and my wife are rather new in bowling, and we are looking at your teaching every time. We would like you to be here in Sweden and teach us

[@brianlevandowski3167]

You are exactly right, Bowling is all technique, and body/muscle memory. The more you get use to the movements and execution of the swing & release it becomes easier and easier to replicate over and over. Flexibility & strength, being athletic and fit will help you bowl yes but if not, you can be over weight, old, young, like you said short or tall or hand size doesn’t matter. Some people are more gifted than others is all it is.

[@briguyinsi]

He’s right man, just takes time to learn, and once you can be loose in the right places, arm, thumb, and created that bend before the flat spot, it all comes together. Practice, and watch some pros in slow mo

[@BassRacerx]

as a new bowler thanks for all the information you provide.

[@Popsplace42]

Last night, Instead of squeezing with my thumb, I started bending my thumb in the hole.. I understand this is wrong, but it took the weight off my wrist and I was able to cup my wrist easily while doing some release drills into the couch.. I can definitely tell a thumb fit makes a huge difference. My thumb swells during play however, and it’s difficult to keep that fit for very long. Trying some tiered taping techniques to see if I can dial it in.

[@arcadesunday4592]

Excellent points raised here. Excellent. As always, great information.

[@Igmus]

Hey JR, you show that it makes it easier to get your hand below the equator because you bend the elbow when you get to the end or just before the end of the swing. My question is, how do you get around the ball to the right of the ball to add more revolutions (more curve). Is it also part of the elbow bend? Because I understand that coming down and also bending the elbow alleviates excess pressure on the forearm made by the swing. But how do you alleviate the twisting resistance? Cus if you were to rotate your hand to get it to the right side the twisting needs arm strength. But like you said it shouldn't be straining your muscles like that. So does the alleviation of the weight and momentum going under, also alleviate most of the force needed to get to the right of the ball? Because I'm having difficulty getting to the right of the ball and I believe it's also because I'm not getting under the equator correctly. Thanks.

[@antreas_beta]

Don't turn your wrist during the release, you'll get injured. Slightly cock/tilt your wrist (you don't need much tilt) so that your fingers are more to the bottom left of the ball for a right hander, and when you uncup during the release the fingers will naturally travel from there to the top and apply moderate axis rotation. With enough revs from proper cupping and uncupping you'll get sufficient hook and roll.

[@Igmus]

Whoever replied to me, I can't see your reply for some reason. 😭

[@antreas_beta]

@@Igmus My reply was: Don't turn your wrist during the release, you'll get injured. Slightly cock/tilt your wrist (you don't need much wrist tilt) so that your fingers are more to the bottom left of the ball for a right hander and, and when you uncup during the release the fingers will naturally travel from there to the top and apply moderate axis rotation. With enough revs from proper cupping and uncupping you'll get sufficient hook and roll.

[@Igmus]

Now there's 2 replies. I can't see the second comment either. Not sure what's going on. If anyone else is here and can read it can you copy and paste it and reply to mine? Maybe I'll be able to read someone else's post. 😢

[@TheInsaneShecklador]

@@Igmus Probably one of those "you w o n c0ntact me at this numb3r" scammer messages that got filtered out as spam.

[@codyvangordon1822]

I bowled through college for 4 years, bowled well for what I knew coming in and learned the world about drilling and bowling... I cant say enough that you NEED to listen to the fit portion of this video, recently we revisited my pitches and thumb because i was seeing some significant soreness in the arm and shoulder (i strap on it at the bottom a bit too much some times for sure) but long story short I was WAY off on pitches and went from 7/16 away in the fingers to 1 and 1/8th away in the fingers, also needed a front cut in the thumb to help me get out of it and not have to initiate the ball leaving my hand....... would love to talk theory with you sometime JR been drilling my own equipment for 5 years now (with the help and learning from some great PSO's in the charlotte MI area) and there is always so much to think about laying a ball out for anyone including yourself (which seems to be the most challenging) love the content! Keep it up!

[@noahwhipkey6262]

i hope i can apply this to my 2 handed game to alleviate that wrist pain!

[@UhKimboze]

Me too!

[@MarkWilliams-gw5kl]

I have problems with my AC joint in my right shoulder. Right handed bowler. I can tell if I’m not throwing the ball the right way, my shoulder kills me. If I’m throwing it correctly no issues at all.

[@maxsanchez2339]

I had the tendon issues, ball fit perfectly it was my horrible release trying to muscle the ball into position with a straight elbow

[@jnutt2351]

this is the most fired up i've seen him

[@HaOsLsE]

he's been getting there lately. I noticed the last few videos, maybe last couple months. He's bringing the passion to the point of almost anger lol. Good stuff JR.

[@utameujoe]

Hi JR, great vid. Maybe a vid showing step step walking thru the the proper release thankx!

[@Mikey-1990]

I went YEARS with having fit issues. I tried several pro shops and the ball just never felt quite right on my thumb until recently. I finally found a new pro shop operator, who took the time to actually watch me throw a full game and was able to identify the issue with my pitch and drill me a brand new interchangeable thumb. It feels amazing now and the ball comes off my hand significantly smoother than it ever has. He's going to mold it and make a second one.

[@RiceBerg]

I feel like this might be my issue right now… I think I need to go speak with a few different pro shops and find out who may understand my personal technique and fit the best.

[@Mikey-1990]

@@RiceBerg That's exactly what I did. JR has called out operators before for not taking the time to make sure their clients have the right ball and proper fit. I really feel like I wasn't bowling to my full potential for so long, due to my thumb just not feeling comfortable and coming off my hand inconsistently.

[@RiceBerg]

@@Mikey-1990 yup… sounds like I’ll need to take some time soon and start making visits to the different pro shops in my area. I started about first 10 weeks last fall league on a great stretch, holding a 218. Then all the sudden, I’d find myself in a few short stretches here and there I couldn’t roll a 600 for a good while and even had a couple under 500. I start finding myself thinking way too much about making sure I’m staying under the equator. Release points and line to the break point started getting awfully inconsistent as well as rev rate being very inconsistent from one throw to the next. Having a such a low floor at times, knowing I can definitely do a lot better definitely screws with you. And ya, I’m thinking a lot of that can be solved with a better fit that will provide a better ability to repeat everything from the backswing to the release and everything in between. Everyone has bad days… but if I can make those bad days not quite as rough and not last as long, that wil definitely help to improve the overall game.

[@jimkangas4176]

I'm 73 and bowl for fun. I recently decided to get my own ball and had a really hard time with the thumb getting stuck. Partly it was having to relearn about the grip but also the thumb hole was widened on the sides. This was a huge step forward. But I went back and learned from videos about a lot of things I would never have. Still a ways to go but I am finally progressing. Getting under the ball is key for me.

[@stevefox3179]

because of centripetal force like riding a bike need to bend the weight in. if use muscle, which need a lot to counter it. using body shift position technique could counter the force. another way a japan coach shared is use upper elbow to change the big swing to a smaller swing to get the elbow and wrist bend effect together, 0 muscle use.

[@johnnierobles2304]

Great tip ! Thanks….Lmk is there a practice or drill that could help me work on this 🤞

[@parallax3886]

You should clip the few swings where you drop under the ball and post just that section. I could watch those swings on repeat every time I practice

[@Philycheeze222]

Hi Jr, I’ve seen this video many times and this video makes more sense than what one of my coaches on my team is saying. I’m on a high school bowling team and I don’t have the strongest wrist, but this coach is telling me that my wrist is supposed stay locked through the whole swing, I also remember you saying that being on top of the ball is ok as long as you tuck underneath the ball at the last second before you release it, but apparently my coach thinks that breaking your wrist is bad no matter what, so now I’m confused

[@Tenpindoctors]

It’s why outside coaching is so important. A good coach can make you understand the technique by changing wording

[@justinedward81]

Thank you for your videos! I been following you a good time now. I use to be a straight arm swing from push away till release. I do the low at knees and elbow bend and wrist snap.....(maybe you should do a video about wrist snap)....and i feel less pain now then before. Also in my league sitting at a 195 average. As always JR. Lover your videos and i sight, thank you very much for your time

[@ppdrawings]

WOW ! ! ! This is a great Video!!! Thank you!!!

[@HecViews]

I’m close to booking a flight from Texas to come get fitted by you.

[@JamesStiling]

Not gonna say do it but I traveled 3 hours to see JR and it's made a world of difference thus far.

[@lonestarpatriot876]

I agree. With that said, the highest rev, speed, and most hook bowler I have ever seen by far is a big guy with muscle in spades. He is not a pro because he does not want to be a pro and the pro's should be thankful for that.

[@Bowling_FNP]

Thanks for the informative content! Recently got into bowling over the summer and been looking for informative channels like yours! Could you do a video showing how to do the same exercise but with 2-handed? Thank you.

[@RiceBerg]

Any suggestions on what the process should look like to determine best fit?? Outside of requiring extra squeezing ir something like that…anything else to be looking out for??!

[@ThePokersurfer]

You're inspirational ....... thank you.

[@oranshea5516]

This is a great tip man. I tried incorporating it into my practice drills tonight and found that I had a tendency to muscle the downswing. Can you tell me where I’m going wrong at? Thanks and love all your videos.

[@Bbanner516]

So does this information call into question the foul line drill? Since there is no change in body position, you will have excess tension in arm, wrist, forearm, thereby further reinforcing a tense swing. Any thoughts?

[@timwatson3192]

Great demo!

[@KDpyro]

Great video man! You have a point there.

[@briguyinsi]

And people say yo yo release, which never made sense to me back in the day. I’d say think of spider man with a web shoot while coming through from the equator of the ball. Should help with forward roll too if you have an issue spinning it.

[@kkaunitz3700]

Saving this video for sure

[@jeffborders5448]

I recently participated in a clinic and mentioned that my hand and wrist were killing me. They suggested I get refit and now no pain at all no matter how much I bowl

[@petersavino3890]

People don’t understand it’s all about being under the ball and relaxed. The game has changed a lot over the years especially the way it’s taught now compared to years ago when coaches would tell you to lift up and shake hand position. It’s a power game now and the equipment is so advanced it’s honestly amazing. As always JR good quality content. Keep ‘em coming

[@pokiis3of10]

so relax or power game? r u trolling bro?

[@petersavino3890]

@@pokiis3of10 why would I troll? Your hand should be relaxed in the bowling ball with a loose wrist there’s no reason to cup the whole way through the swing until the release

[@Ace_v120]

@@pokiis3of10 did you watch the video at all?

[@brandonferris8934]

I love your passion for the truth.

[@chrisnotaro2889]

This is definitely not talked about enough and I feel the second most important thing to discuss with this is having a proper fit and most importantly a proper thumb fit. Too many bowlers out there that don't realize the reason they cannot develop this technique properly is because their thumb hole is way too loose and they're gripping the ball. You need tape in there to get rid of that empty space so you don't knuckle the ball. Being able to keep your hand nice and relaxed is super critical because you need that loose feeling in your wrist to be able to quickly execute the technique of getting your hand under the ball and releasing it and a quick fluid motion which you cannot achieve if you're too stiff in the hand and wrist and all you're going to end up doing is injuring yourself by being too tense. Think of it as a whipping motion. You couldn't crack a whip if it was a solid piece of wood it needs to be loose and flexible the same thing that your arm and wrist need to be when you're loading and unloading the ball.

[@scottythompson940]

Cool video talk tech bowling Jr Raymond

[@pezboy715]

Killing it, JR. Look at Norm Duke and Francois Lavoie. These guys are built like middle schoolers and still throw more powerful balls than 99% of bowlers in this world. It’s clearly not about strength.

[@trevorpeterson8433]

Thanks for the video. I have been practicing the elbow bend and yoyo release for a few months now but im throwing a 16 lb ball. Ive always had a 16 lb ball. Im thinking of going down to a 15 but once its drilled im stuck with it. You say its not a strength thing but do you think going 1 lb lighter would help me get faster at getting under and around the ball?

[@Savage_Gamer777]

The only pain I’ve been having lately is I don’t Slide I’m a planter so I been having some pain in my left knee. To the point where I’m bowling 200’s first game but last game is around 160’s cause the pain gets worst as I bowl:/

[@NTP0112]

same here friend. I am trying to slide properly. this planting is so hurtful

[@DavidETaylorComedyChannel]

I’ve kinda given up on bowling because I can’t seem to get any pro shop to drill my thumb hole properly, and I don’t want them to plug and redrill because it looks hideous…No one can give me the correct placement and pitch…

[@deethompson8436]

There's no plugging needed for pitch or hole size necessary...only if there's a gross span issue.

[@phlllbthh]

How many have you actually tried or asked around about? The first time I bought an expensive ball, a pro shop guy was supposed to watch me bowl and make an evaluation. He seemed to be just hanging out while on his phone. That was confirmed when my ball ended up with the most basic top pin layout you could get. Ended up asking around and took it to another shop where they appeared to actually give a fuck. Made all the difference in the world. Still pisses me off that I have to drive out of town to get service I trust. Getting the span right shouldn't be that big a deal for someone who lots of people recommend (unless you're just being extra weird about it), which should take care of any concerns with cosmetic issues. After that, you might have to plug and re-drill the same spot to get the pitch right. That was included in the price with mine.

[@jayvallandingham2406]

The next time you go to get your ball drilled, you need to measure twice and cut once. Too many customers will walk into their pro shop operator and they him and haw about how does this feel or that feel? To get a correct measurements on a bowling ball isn't a 15 minute process! Good PSO will spend 45 minutes to an hour getting you fitted properly. They'll want to measure your current equipment and ask you questions about how your old stuff fits you. They'll spend time with your old equipment trying to make improvements to your fit before tackling a new ball. If you PSO doesn't take an hour or so to get your hand right with your equipment, it's time to find another PSO...

[@SirJoelsuf1]

@@jayvallandingham2406 Yeah the ones who only take 15 or so minutes are like 95% of PSOs. At least. INCLUDING ball reps/touring bowlers etc.

[@jessicakennedy7614]

Hey JR What is your FULL span length, finger and thumb pitches (forward/reverse)??

[@SirJoelsuf1]

I get wrist pain, but I also write and do E-sports for a living too haha

[@showboat9604]

Thanks for the tip also why he got a body hidden under the mattress?

[@richmcelmeel5430]

As a coach of college women, thank you. We always work body position and leverage and not strength.

[@nascar8rc]

Agree!!!! 110 percent!

[@rivs2439]

Question, if one is comfortable keeping the wrist cupped all the way through is that okay?

[@randyrandyr1320]

I can't share to facebook soooo sad.

[@robertreinoehl2805]

Perfect example of this technique is Mitch Hupe's release.

[@jeremyramberger5198]

Can this work with a one step approach

[@rakkup7572]

Nailed it!

[@SirJoelsuf1]

But yeah, keeping your wrist "loaded" throughout the release is a good way to get injured. And it doesn't guarantee that you'll have more RPMs either. In many cases, it'll get you to go above the equator of the ball.

[@mhenry7891]

Amazing ... i'll have to gikve that a try.

[@dalepelot4132]

This sounds like my problem, I have to get lower at the foul line and get my hand inside the ball.

[@bartolomy01]

Actually a very good video

[@Bloodth3Butcher]

I feel attacked by this video 🤣🤣🤣🤣.....my problem is leaning forward and down. Ppl tell me to stay tall with your back and use your slide to get under the ball. I practiced that for hours. Still don't have it totally right, but it most definitely helps Bowling feel effortless compared to my old swing haha

[@dave5176]

Please don't get so frustrated. There are many people who just don't want to listen or get better. I have bowled for many years, have my 300 ring, and at 72 years old I can still throw 200 games, but I still wanted to watch the video and learn something. I taught my son to bowl years ago, and he averages over 200 in several leagues, and has six 300 rings. I have taught others to bowl also with lots of success. Others that I could help if they would let me, won't let me. Anyway, thanks so much.

[@markclements5186]

The first woman I saw do the 'elite' release was way back in maybe 2011, she may have been Malaysian? She was so skinny, nothing to her but she pounded it at the release and I literally jumped up from my seat and shouted "Yes! It's technique, not strength. I've been saying that for years!". Later I discovered Daria who's arm is unnaturally bent back during the swing. It emphasised that last fraction of a second where it all happens. Technique not strength, you don't need to be as big as Wes Mallott to do it.

[@quitinfolkes4639]

EJ. Need I say more!

[@jeffromaine142]

Great video...but I can't stop wondering...what the heck was under the blanket in the bedroom? Was someone sleeping? Were you hiding something? Inquiring minds want to know.

[@osfcross]

Preach!

[@grantb8840]

There's a local bowler that's about 5'6" tall and 150lbs. He has the highest averages in multiple leagues and generates more rotation and power than 95% of the bowlers in town. It's all skill and technique, because he has zero advantages in physical strength or hand size.

[@danny4684]

Wait... so what your saying is that its a strengh problem?

[@danielrowe2174]

Jr I just went bowling and honestly need a great trainer. Why for the Love of God don't you live in Ohio!!!!!!!! I have to brush up on your videos and buy a 2 lb rubber bowling ball to practice drills on as I don't get to bowl often as I now have a young child and it hard to get out and bowl.

[@michianabaddriversin4690]

Haters gonna hate..makes it funny that " the person " is watching an instructional video, but knows everything ..

[@clarencewilliams764]

Like Yada Juda says There is No Try Just Do Technique over Muscle like Brain Over Brawn, Bowl Smarter Not Harder

[@kayleebeaumont8659]

Ej Tackett is 120lbs lol it's not a strength thing...

[@oscarcan22]

In the lines ,practice cost money and in house is free, I have invent with small table and bearings to practice without my neighbors have to kill me

[@osfcross]

It's mostly technique. If children can do it, surely any adult woman can do it too. It just takes time and proper coaching to learn.

[@parallax3886]

How much strength does it take to be powerful. EJ has one of the most powerful releases out there and he is one of the smallest guys around. Technique trumps strength every time.

[@HaOsLsE]

WOW. I thought EJ was my height I never really paid attention to it because I love watching him easily throw that power shot and smiling lol. I just looked him up, and can't believe he's only 5'7. I really thought he was 5'10-5'11. So many new guys with such a smooth yet powerful release now. New is relative...I've watched bowling for decades lol.

[@DuddyToh3]

Lol EJ Tackett has one of the highest rev rates in tour and he weighs 138 lbs. people thinking you need to be strong to crank the ball just don’t know how to get under the ball.

[@terrypitts2119]

So... I dont need forearms like Popeye???? I'll have to give it a try.

[@lyleingram5391]

Hand size lol I'm sure Norm Dukes career jad to do with that lol. People saying it's a strength and size issue is gonna get people to try to injure themselves.

[@EclecticBedlam]

It's kind of funny that you just put this video out. I bowl with several women that won't even try a heavier ball than 6, 8, or 10lbs. because they think they just can't do it or they're not strong enough.

[@CurtisL8.3066]

Release has less to do with strength and more with leverage.

[@2handlife200]

Form over strength!

[@erikknudson3077]

yo yo!

[@IAmTheEggMan111]

OK you don’t need strength. Please do a video on how to master the technique