I have heard that in order to create the correct angle into the pocket throwing a straight ball that if you are bowling on all 1, you have to stand on the far right of alley 2 (if you are a righty). The people I see throw straight balls get more carry when they hit high flush or light. A lot of pocket hits leave 5 and 5-8s.

Agreed, GP. A straight bowler has to find the correct angle, either far right or the other. But, the couple I know who roll from the left explain it as you have to see what the ball rotation does. A conventional grip rollling inside the oil edge will not roll, but will have a tendancy to slide. However, the ball rotation may not be perfectly straight when it hits the dry, but either left or right, especially if he is coming straight up on the release.

A bowler has to learn what the natural roll of his ball does and match that with the proper angle to improve.

One in particular comes straight up at the release, but has a natural outward movement of his right hand, causing a slight backward roll. His best angle is from the left for a 190+ average.

The alternative is to change the release to a more traditional style, which takes training.

My plan is to stand on top of the ball return with a one step (I mean one leap) delivery. Should get a lot of speed and loft as my ball flies over board 39! LOL

I've seen the same thing. If I miss my mark a couple boards left and brooklyn, its about 2X more likely to strike than a 1-3 pocket hit. It's embarrasing, but it works.

There are a few conditions where you would need to use a straight ball for a strike ball. But otherwise, I fail to see why one would go to a laser like straight ball to try and strike. What kind of injury would cause someone to need to bowl using a straight ball path and not try to learn how to bowl using a minimal hook? why go through the trouble of learning the optimal ball path for a straight ball and ignore the fact that the optimal ball path for any type of ball path is created by some form of hooking path to the pocket? I'm a little confused here. Why ask for help on how to get more strikes by bowling straight? If you really want more strikes, learn how to hook the ball at least a little.

And I'm not talking about hooking the whole lane. It isn't necessary. Simply staying behind the ball and keeping a firm wrist will probably be all that is necessary. Hooking the ball isn't hard and it creates the best chance to score well. I'm really at a loss here.

Not trying to be difficult, just want to be clear. why do you want to bowl totally straight again?

The gory details: My wrist was broken twice. My thumb was broken in 3 places and almost completely blown off. I am lucky to still have it. The tip of it is missing and I cant bend it at the first joint. It took me many months of trial and error just to be able to hold on to the ball during the downswing.

The joints of my index and ring fingers are functional, but get very sore and swollen with use. I am able to throw a hook, but after a few throws my fingers hurt too much to continue. Throwing it straight puts less strain on my fingers.

I didn't actually start this topic (cgeorg did). But I'm sure that many others besides myself find this topic interesting, and there are many others who throw it straight -- either by choice or by physical limitation.

Anyway, I'm working on fixing and strengthening my hand. I will be seeing a reconstructive hand surgeon and physical therapist soon. Eventually I will probably throw a hook.

So I am still investigating my options. Until then, I am having fun and getting much more accurate (which is essential for straight ball). Considering my hand, I'm very happy with my progress so far -- I started bowling in February this year and last Tuesday league I averaged 182.

Hey man, I think some of us gathered that. Others may have missed prior discussions. Especially, with a few months of posts missing from the board.

Keep exploring to find the best angle for you.

Sorry about that, this topic seemed to start from the middle. I was totally lost. Sorry about the hand injury. Hope all goes well with your progress.
Good luck and God bless.

what i do in practice sometimes may help you or at least give you a way to think about continuing to adapt

I move my feet to just right of center dot on approach
Then i stare straight down 12 with my hand suitcased and my pinky finger tucked in on ball.
I release the ball a little slower(from about 17.5/18 to about 16 mph) and release the ball still suitcased.
My ball (white dot) doesn't even move until the last few inches but the oinky gives it a little rev/hook and i carry well, leaving a few 8 or 10s to spare.
i needed this shot 2 weeks ago in league (3rd game) and shot 212 with it
good luck with everything by the way

Thanks for your contribution, waxing. Welcome.