First time I've ever seen me bowl.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=ELFzB6tK6X4

1. I have my arm bent. I can't put it out due to (I think) the way my ball was (I think) incorrectly drilled.

2. This is just bad.



See my first ball thread. This video is from today when I just got my ball. http://www.bowlingcommunity.com/b/ubbthreads.php/ubb/showflat/Number/50283

There are way too many issues to put into this small forum. No offense, but you have a lot going wrong. You don't really have an armswing, It's more like a push. Are your fingers really in the ball? It looked like you were carrying a football, not a bowling ball. Wow, you really need a coach. You need to learn a free armswing. set up facing your target, walk towards your target, push the ball towards your target, follow through to the target. Walk in a straight line to the target. Less moving parts. Less is more. Keep your head still. Swing the ball. Better yet, let the ball swing your arm.

See my ball post. I think I'm going to have to get it redrilled. If I stick my thumb fully in, it becomes a 15 lb Chinese fingertrap, except for the whole hand.

Edit:
In this photo, my hand, fingers, and arm are completely relaxed..

Looks like youre palming the ball in the video ... Were you fitted for that ball by your Pro Shop?

Would agree with smooth stroker, you need to take a step back and think about the entire shot starting with the stance, holding the ball, the approach, the release, the follow through etc theres a lot that goes into bowling, its not just run up to the line and wing the ball.

ball looks fine to me, I wish mine fit that great where I could completely relax my hand.
Was going to say try throwing it with you holding it properly and see if it comes off or not.. but then I realized it would be pointless because you have nothing resembling any sort of actual bowling form.. sorry if that sounds harsh.

No, I agree with no form. That's terrible. The reason I was throwing it that way, was because indeed, I was palming the ball. It's the only way I can get the ball to come cleanly off of my fingers. Anything else sounds like a one of those rubber poppers you find in arcade prize boxes.

THat's exactly what's supposed to happen. If I put my hand in the ball like that and let it hang, it stays on my hand too. If you keep your arm and hand completely relaxed and shake your arm, the ball will wiggle it's way off.

You shouldn't worry about the how the ball stays on your hand in this position anyway because this isn't how you throw the ball.

You need to start from basic. I would agree to get a coach so he can correct any bad habits.

Take a look at your video vs. this video
http://youtube.com/watch?v=u_Ksq0kgKNo

Nothing really wrong with the popping, cept the thumb might me just a tiny tiny amount to tight. Keep in mind that pro shops tend to drill holes to small to begin with, cause its easier to take it out a hair than to magically replace drilled out ball particles.

If it makes you feel any better, this is me a couple of months ago:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b9_e9wU0QLc

I need to get a new vid up soon, cause I've changed so much though.. no more 4 step approach for me

My inner thumb and ring fingernail are on fire after trying this.



At least you have some sort of swing, haha. I'm definitely going to go by the Pro Shop tomorrow to see about this thumb hole.