What is the cranker style in bowling?

Answer 1

In the more traditional Bowling style, the ball is gripped with the hand slightly to one side rather than directly under it. The ball gets its spin as the bowler releases it with his hand and arm going more or less straight up. The ball takes a path something like a "J". Crankers exaggerate the spin with a twist of the wrist over the top of the ball as they release. Their ball follows an arc down the lane, often being released near the gutter on one side, going across the lane to the edge of the gutter on the other side, and then hooking back toward the middle. It's very dramatic to watch. Quite frankly, either style can be effective. Control and consistency are the key.