Hi guys n gals,

After having stopped any and all squeezing of the ball, I'm now enjoying better ball reaction and thus noticing improvements in other aspects of my form as well. One such area I've definitely seen a vast improvement in, is ball delivery between my last step and follow-through. I'm no longer having any "drop", and the meeting of the ball with the lane surface is silent. The one word I can describe how I've transformed over the past week is "smooth", from the previous state of "too muscled".

In light of my "light bulb" moments, I'm wondering who else experiences quiet rolls onto the lane(?) A lot of the better locals I've watched over the past year with fluid releases, lay down a silent roll (which lead me to believe it was indicative of proper form).

Am I onto something here?

You definitely are - we are always harping here about a smooth landing, as are most top coaches. Ron Clifton even has an article series entitled "Smooth Landing":
http://www.bowl4fun.com/ron/tip28.htm
http://www.bowl4fun.com/ron/tip29.htm

There are 2 reasons it's great:
1) You don't have the inconsistency caused by a bouncing ball that might grip the lane early, losing rotation, or bounce up on top of the oil and read late.
2) It tends to be the sign of a release that extends the ball out, not up, which is a desired thing - if you are getting a smooth landing, you are probably not hitting up on the ball.

Yes just look at the slow motion vids that Luksa posted of Mika, WRW, TJ and Barnes. Even when Mika lofts the ball it lands smooth because the ball doesn't head up after it comes off the fingers.

Glad to hear I'm onto the right improvements in my form I'll check out those videos, Coach.

cg, right on, those Clifton article links always prove to be quite useful.