Mastering the Bowling Release: From Suitcase Style to High-Rev

Mastering a powerful bowling release can transform your game. If you’re looking to transition to a high-rev bowling release from a suitcase style, you’re not alone. Many bowlers seek to increase their rev rate and control. By learning to cup the wrist for more hook potential and energy transfer, you can too! In this guide, we’ll explore step-by-step techniques to help you make this transition smoothly, improving your consistency and power along the way.

To transition from a suitcase style release to a more rev-dominant, hand-under-the-ball release, you’ll need to focus on changing your grip, hand position, and release mechanics. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help with that transformation:

1. Adjust Your Grip and Setup

Fingertip Grip: Ensure you’re using a fingertip grip (where your fingers are only inserted to the first knuckle), as this allows more control and leverage to generate revs.
Relax Your Wrist: Start with a more relaxed wrist position, as a stiff wrist in the suitcase style limits your ability to get under the ball.
Hand Under the Ball: At the start of your swing, make sure your hand is positioned directly underneath the ball with the palm facing upward. This helps set you up for a strong, consistent hand-under release.

2. Focus on Your Swing Path

Straight, Compact Swing: Keep your swing path compact and close to your body to maintain control and ensure that your hand stays under the ball. A wide swing can lead to a more side-rotation release, similar to a suitcase style.
Avoid Over-Gripping: Don’t grip the ball too tightly, as it can restrict your ability to rotate the ball smoothly. A light but firm grip will allow a cleaner release.

3. Change the Release Point

Rotate Under the Ball: At the bottom of your swing, allow your hand to rotate slightly under the ball, keeping your palm facing upward for as long as possible before you rotate through. This will naturally add revs and help with more ball motion.
Stay Behind the Ball: As you approach the release point, focus on keeping your hand behind the ball. Avoid rotating your wrist too early. The goal is to rotate your hand under and through the ball to create a strong release with more revolutions.
Delayed Finger Lift: Let your fingers exit the ball last. Use your fingers to flick or “lift” the ball as it leaves your hand to generate additional revs. The sooner you lift your fingers, the fewer revs you’ll generate.

4. Work on Timing and Balance

Good Timing: Make sure your footwork and timing align with your new release. Stay smooth and balanced at the foul line, and ensure that your hand stays under the ball rather than forcing the turn prematurely.
Stay Low at the Line: Keep a solid posture and stay low as you release the ball. A stable, athletic stance helps control the ball while generating more revs.

5. Practice

Drills: Start by practicing your release without focusing on hitting specific marks. Use drills like the “one-step drill,” where you focus solely on the release motion to get a feel for rotating under the ball.
Gradually Increase Speed: Don’t rush the process. Start slow, focusing on the fundamentals of hand position and wrist motion, and increase the speed as you become more comfortable with the new technique.

This transition takes time to master, especially if you’ve been throwing with the suitcase style for a while, so be patient and deliberate in making the adjustments.

Conclusion

Transitioning to a high-rev bowling release from a suitcase style can take your game to the next level. Gaining increased power, control, and consistency. With practice and proper techniques, you can master the wrist cupping motion and achieve the hook potential needed to tackle challenging lane conditions. Use this guide to refine your skills and confidently transition to a high-rev bowling release.

Take the Next Step with Professional Coaching

Need help with your transition? Work with a bowling coach for personalized guidance. Contact me or explore my In-Person Lessons to get started!