There's two parts to my dilemma.

First, I can't seem to find a consistent release. I find a good line in the first few frames, but i tend to gradually change my release so i get inconsistent shots.

Second, after the first couple frames, my wrist starts to hurt, so i usually use a wrist guard. This helps a lot, but it really limits my revs (which i already dont have a lot of - im a stroker).

What should i do? Are there anyways to make my wrists stronger? Should i do a different release?
yeah....I'm really lost. Need a lot of direction.
I'd love to get a coach, but can't really afford it. (Im a HS student with no income).

Confused,

It is hard to give advice when there is no video or some kind of information as to how you release the ball. If you are trying to hook the ball by twisting your wrist counterclockwise your wrist will soon feel the strain. You would need to learn how to put revs on the ball using your entire arm, not just your wrist.

I recommend that you continue to use the wrist support if only to prevent injury to your wrist since you seem to be hurting without it.

Since your revs are down when using the wrist support I suspect that you are turning your hand prematurely while consciously trying to put revs on the ball.

Picture the ball as the face of a clock with 12 oclock pointing towards the pins and 6 o'clock pointing directly behind you. While in your stance position your hand so your middle/ring fingers are at 5 o'clock. Position the ball in line with the joint of your shoulder. During your approach keep the inside of your elbow facing the pins at all times, even when you release the ball. When releasing the ball picture in your mind an image of "driving" your hand through the ball from the 5 o'clock position to 1 o'clock and beyond. Do this and you will be not turning the ball prematurely resulting in low revs.

There are exercises to strengthen your wrists. One exercise involves taking a short length of broomstick (15 inches or so) and tying a rope (1/8 inch diameter nylon) about 4 ft long tied to a 5 lb weight. Extend the stick in front of you and roll up the weight until it reaches the stick. Reverse the process letting the weight return slowly to the ground. See how many reps you can do.

Most of the youth leagues have coaches they may not be very good coaches, but you never know.

If your wrist is hurting it sounds like your ball doesn't fit your hand. You need to check your span, it sounds as if it is too long, but you will have to tell me since I can't see how your ball fits your hand.

To check the span put your thumb in the ball and lay your fingers across the holes, the front edge of the finger holes should be 1/2 way between the first and second knuckle without stretching your hand or scrunching it up, nice and relaxed. Post back and let me know what you come up with and we will go from there.

The finger span is 1/2 way between the 1st and 2nd knuckle.

I actually think that the ball might be a bit too heavy.

If that is the case the next thing I look for is if you are having to bend the thumb knuckle to hang onto the ball. Look at your thumb as you put it in the hole, does it bend at the knuckle? If it does that is your subconscious brain telling your thumb to bend or the ball will fly off your hand.

Do diamond or fist push-ups to strengthen your wrists. Other then that, I do have a question. Are you breaking your wrist at all?

I went practicing today, and someone bowling with me was asking me why I was snapping my wrist.
I was taught to snap my wrist at the end of the release to get revs. But is this wrong?

also. CoachJim, when I am bowling, it feels like I have to grip the ball tightly with my fingers/thumb. Is this wrong??

It depends how you are snapping the wrist, if you are snapping it from a strong position to a weak position ie cupped to uncupped then that is correct for a lane that has oil in the heads, if you are going from an uncupped to cupped like Fred Flintstone then it is fine for dry lanes, but you will not have much success with it on oil, so you need to learn to vary your release according to the conditions you are bowling on.



That is a sign that your ball doesn't fit your hand properly, squeezing means the thumb hole is too big for your thumb and or pitched too far away from the palm and or has too much bevel in the top of the hole.

So in order to correct the thumb, should I add tape?
and if so, where should I place it? Front or back?

I agree with Coach Jim; it sounds like a case of a bad fitting grip. Seriously, I think you should go back to your Pro Shop and have them correct your grip fit. Adding tape when your span or the pitch angle of your thumb is incorrect is only a stopgap measure. Once your grip is set up properly, you'll be able to work on eliminating the kung fu death grip i.e., squeezing the ball and achieving the free armswing. This will positively affect & improve your timing, release, speed and accuracy. Also, try to avoid overturning your wrist; it won't necessary if you can keep your hand behind the ball and finish with a ring finger lead.