The problem with throwing a back up ball is the inconsistency of the release, one time you turn it more than the next because you can't rely on your thumb exiting the ball at the same point each time usually because of squeezing the thumb to try to control the release and when you squeeze the thumb and try to throw a normal hook that is probably what causes the pain.

I tend to think the pain is a range of motion issue. The bend of my right elbow is abnormal and I have a hard time turning my wrist over when trying to throw with a traditional hook. When I bend my left arm up at the elbow my finger tips come right to my left shoulder, when I do the same on my right arm my fingertips are a good 6 inches to the right of my right shoulder. When I follow through on my shot my arm goes out to the right.

I'm not trying to sound unwilling to change. I have went to a few different coaches because I had been told I'd hit a wall with the backup ball eventually, but it always seems to end up with me in pain and them telling me I should stick with what is comfortable rather then trying to change.

I guess I am just getting frustrated because I feel like I'm hitting this wall now ( around 185 avg ) but feel like I'm not far from breaking through. I keep thinking maybe its an equipment issue or its some little adjustment I need to make and I'll be there.

When you stand with your arm hanging by your side, can you make your hand face forward? Can you make it face left (towards you?) Can you go right at all? Obviously yes to the last one, I suppose, if you're throwing a backup ball. If you can make it face left, towards you, while standing there, there is no reason you can't learn a standard hook.

Yep that is what I was thinking. I am also thinking he has a stretched span and a ton of reverse pitch causing him to squeeze the ball and torque his elbow.

Allen, if you turn the wrist over you aren't doing it right anyway.

I am fairly sure I could have you throwing a normal hook in no time if you are willing to travel down to the Washington DC area, you can stay in my guest bed room.

Allan, have you ever seen Jason Couch bowl? His wrist stays in nearly the same position the whole time - he generates hook by actually rotating his arm at the shoulder. There are ways, and you would be much more versatile in the long run if you found one that worked for you.