Hey Everyone...this might be a dumb question, but I have read that cranking a ball just comes naturally. I'm not sure if this is true or not, but I am trying to get alot of revs but its just not there. My style has been classified as a tweener, but today I threw on a modified house shot and my ball did nothing. Are there any tips or ideas on how to release the ball so that I get as much crank on the ball as possible? Thanks everyone.

read this
http://bowlingknowledge.info/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=140&Itemid=46

and this
http://www.bowl4fun.com/ron/tip20.htm

than you very much for the quick reply. That helps a bunch. Another question though is that when the ball is at my heel should I twist my wrist, or should I just worry about lifting the ball as much as possible. I have a friend that throws and when he cranks the ball, it looks like it is rolling practically straight forward with maybe a little bit of of angle toward 10-11 o'clock, but with a ton of revs. Then there are others that have different angles when they crank. Any info on what I should do at my release?

lift no , rotate the wrist yes
watch this

that is unbelievable! Are there any other videos that show that by someone else. That is exactly what I was looking for. Its hard to act out what is written but a video is much easier to follow.

Is doing this able to be taught or learned or is it something that can only come as natural?

He was taught. IF you can find a good coach in your area that would make it easier and faster for you to learn.
you could post your video here. We have some very good bowlers and coaches here that can help.

I went to practice today and I changed my 5 step approach to a four step approach. I felt like my mechanics were there and helped me simplify everything. Do you think that this is a good idea?

First, I don't think that the cranker style of play comes naturally. I think it is developed just like every other style of play to conform to a person's preferrable style and comfotability. Whether it is right or worng, that's a debate really not worth having.

As for the 5-step, the only differnece in my opinion is the bowler's comfortability. If it feels more comfortable with a 5-step over a 4 then go for it. All it is, is a 4-step with an extra step or slide. So your mechanics shouldn't change too much.