When you’re at AMF and working on your game, pay attention to how you hold and release the ball. The manner by which you do this has a direct effect on how the ball rolls. Depending on how you release the ball, it will land on different spots and affect its movement.
Straight
This is one of the most common forms and easiest to learn. As the name suggests your wrist has to be straight with no break upward or downward. This is the starting point release and is the one you’ll likely use most often.
The straight release is suitable for strokers and straight bowlers and you can adjust this in different ways.
Cupped
Your hand and fingers are at a 45 degree angle upward, and your wrists curled. This makes the ball roll faster and gives you a faster break point. This is the ideal hand position if you’re a high revolution or a cranker.
12 o’ Clock
Also known as the 10 degree release, the ball of your thumb is straight without any side turn. As the ball is released your thumb and hand should be set to 12 o’ clock. This provides the ball with lots of end over end rolling and a break point delayer.
The 12 o’clock release is ideal for dry lanes and if you want the bowling ball to hit the lane before hooking.
Broken Wrist
This style has your fingers and wrist set downward, hence the name. This technique is ideal if your objective is to have the ball in the lane prior to the hook. This is also suitable if you want the break point delayed.
The broken wrist is also suitable if you want to pass the heads and for bowling on a dry lane. This is also a good alternative to a speeding ball and a lot of professional bowlers like to use this technique.
The 10:30
Also known as the 45 degree release, set your hand horizontally and your thumb a 10:30. Release the ball. This may also be used for a start placement, and the release gives the ball a slight orientation to pin 7.
Conclusion
These are just some of the most widely used hand positions in bowling. While you may use one or two most of the time, it is better if you learn the different types. The more you know, the more versatile your approach to the game can be.