WITH THE advent of the "super balls" in the 1990s, the need to apply a highly sophisticated torque to the ball (in the release) is no longer a top priority. Nevertheless, though the standard might not be as high as in the past, an effective release is still required if one wishes to join the ranks of bowling's accomplished and advanced.

Over the years, many labels have been used to refer to the release. "Revving," "cranking" and "hitting" the ball are just a few of the many commonly heard. Personally, I prefer the expression "explosion point" because I feel it best accommodates the many types of releases found in bowling. Indeed, "the moment of truth" in the release is primarily a factor relating to acceleration.

The Beginning and End, Amen

For every beginning there is also an end, and the two occurrences are usually, but not necessarily, mutually exclusive. In bowling, however, there is a beginning that coincides with an end, and they are closely interrelated. Namely, with the beginning of the release in the follow-through, the end of the swing is simultaneously realized. To be sure, as the release is begun, the arm is accelerated to some degree, this depending on the bowler's style and the conditions at hand. This increase in the ball's velocity is referred to as the explosion point, and it is this that serves as the focal point of all bowling instruction.

Accelerating the arm at the beginning of the follow-through reaps a three-fold benefit. First, the acceleration of the arm and hand enables the bowling hand to "go through" the ball strongly, a condition advantageous to ball action since it imparts a better forward position to the ball's axis. Second, it serves to assure the ball's proper course and direction, thus significantly upscaling the accuracy factor.

But let's take this one step further. When a ball leaves a bowler's hand, it is initially airborne. The energy provided by the swing and release acceleration now work in conjunction with the forces of gravity and momentum. Consequently, all other things being equal, the ball that is released parallel to the lane surface will tend to hook moderately and revolve moderately.

Now understand, however, that the release begins at the bottom of the downswing. Therefore, the direction of the follow-through tends to naturally move forward and upward. A ball released in this manner will normally produce less side-roll (hook) but more revolutions. This type of release usually plays very well on excessively hooking (dry) lane conditions. On the other hand, a ball that is released forward and slightly downward (into the lane) will usually come onto the lane with a better-positioned axis, with more side-roll and fewer revolutions. This type of follow-through is best suited to medium or heavily oiled lane conditions.

In addition, the timing, hand position and speed of the release have much to do with its effectiveness. For instance: At what point in the downswing is the release "triggered?" The particulars? The ball should be released at a point adjacent to the knee of the last step, or 1 to 1-1/2 feet in front of it. Also, the ball should normally not be strongly "cupped" at the release point, nor should the wrist be "broken." A wrist position between these two extremes is often well-advised.

Another important concern for an effective release is "staying down" at the foul line. This refers to a release position combining the factors of knee and waist bend so that the ball does not drop strongly onto the lane. Ideally, the ball should not be more than one foot from the surface of the lane as it leaves the hand. A bowler should keep in mind that the hand must move "through" the ball in order to produce optimum ball action. This is difficult to do if the ball is released from too high a position.

A Few Keys to Tie It All Together

Tying it all together, the following keys will help you assimilate and apply all the parts and considerations required in the release. First, as you begin your backswing, move toward the foul line with the notion that you are going to "roll" the ball onto the lane, as opposed to throwing, or pitching it. Along with complementing the release, this notion serves to prevent you from rushing the approach.

Second, in the downswing and up to the point of release, try to think of a key concept, such as the thought "Wait-roll-stroke," or, if it suits you better, "Decelerate the downswing and accelerate the release." Incorporating one of these keys, or a reasonable facsimile thereof, will help give you some natural feel for what you are attempting to bring about and create in the release.

Finally, when you feel the need to get more knee and less waist bend at the point of release, concentrate on bringing the ball in the downswing well below the knee of the last step. This will create more knee bend automatically at the expense of waist bend.