J_w73 wrote:
So I messed around with my release last night. I started holding the ball so my index finger was right behind the ball and pointing down at the bottom of my swing. This allowed me to get more rotation, more rpm, more hook, and more continuation... Only problem, is it reminded me why I don't throw the ball like that. Because I get a callous on the tip of my finger and it is sometimes painful it that finger after releasing it that was over time. I also get pain on my inside elbow joint because that is not the natural position my shoulder, arm, wrist, and hand want to be in.
I also feel that I am not as accurate and consistent with that release style
Rob's point about working with an instructor is a very good one.
Finger position as you described is a fine tuning technique, see Ron Clifton's
"Finger Dancing" as well as some others at
http://www.bowl4fun.com/ron/roncarchive.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
As with any pain, see a medical professional if it persists. Remember the R.I.C.E. acroynym for injury: Rest, Ice, Compress, Elevate.
Laymans opinion (I'm not a medical professional)
Inside elbow joint pain can be a sign that you have stressed your flexor muscles in your forearm, this chain starts in the fingers, runs up your forearm and connects at that boney point on the inside of your elbow. The laymans term for that is Golfers Elbow. This can be cumulative over time, or sudden as in blowing it out.
If that is what it is, this suggests possible excess grip pressure, using lift, too much bent elbow, too much weight, too much muscle involvement.
As you get farther from the thumb the fingers tend to get a bit weaker, with the ring finger being the most vulnerable.
My advice when trying new things is to divide and conquer (isolate) the process before integrating into your game. This can involve one or more of these: a lighter ball (drill up a light plastic ball for that purpose, MARK THE APP (video record yourself), a wrist support (multi wrist positioners have been used by some pros to learn positions), 1 step drill, practice at home (Eric, MegaMav has a post of a video of himself working on release).
Being able to make a radical release change normally takes time and effort.
Don Johnson commented in his video that when he illustrated and taught the Urethane Release, one person out of 300 (memory) got it from the get go.
Your extremities, fingers, hands, up the chain are usually weaker than the larger muscles and muscle groups.
Pain as you described needs to be heeded as a shot over the bow.
As one who has injured himself via release experimentation, I caution you.
I missed 1 year, came back, was not ready, missed 6 months.
Find a good instructor, it will be your very best bowling investment ever.
Think about how much time and money you've already invested, think about how you'd miss bowling if you had to sit it out.
Just sayin'
P.S. warm up and cool down routines are very important. Develop functional strength, mobility and flexibility. Enjoy this sport for your entire life.
Good luck, good health, good bowling!!!