Stroker Release Video

The release is very hard to study because it happens so fast. This clip illustrates how computerised video is a valuable tool to both the modern bowler and the coach. You can slow the clip down, use the mouse to drag the sliding control backwards and forwards or just play the clip over and over to imprint the release in your memory.

This video clip will take a few minutes to load: when it does you'll see the thumb exit and the ball roll off the fingers to create revolutions. Compare this with a helicopter style release, where the bowler tries to get the fingers out first so the thumb can do the work, or the cranker release where the bowler imparts maximum revolutions to the ball. There are links to other video clips at the bottom of this page.

What to look for...

1. Unlike the cranker release this is quite simple, there is no dramatic unwinding of the wrist. Indeed, compare this with the spinner release where the wrist turns and the track lowers: notice how, here, the fingers go "through" the shot and the wrist does not turn, though, the ball (set down on board five) still hooks twelve boards into the pocket.
2. The thumb exits before the fingers
3. The fingers have about 1/50th of a second to impart revs, by using the slider control you can see the fingers still in the ball after the thumb has exited. This release is generating 300rpm. The cranker is getting 500rpm.
4. The ball has more forward than side roll: this is because the wrist does not turn, the energy (revs) is created by getting the thumb out and letting the fingers go "through" the ball.
5. The bowler makes use of the "outriggers", supporting the ball with the index finger and tucking-the-pinkie.

View other videos of Strike Balls, various Spares, the Approach or click on these pictures to see other videos of other Releases.

If you need help seeing the video or want more information see my Bowling Video FAQ/Tips page which includes information on how to save these clips to your own PC.

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