Using it on splits is imo dumb and not worth it. What splits are you using it for? The only one it would even be half useful for would be the baby split. Just go for count when you leave a split, and try your best to pick it up, but I think changing your release that much is just too hard to do.

However, I can throw a backup ball as a strike ball very well. Its a fun gimmick to do with my friends.
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stanski

I taught myself how to do it, and am pretty decent at it.  I had to learn it when I first got my Deep Danger Zone years ago and kept leaving the 2-8-10.  I've picked up over ten of them this way.  I stand center and throw a backup so it comes in and cheese-grades the 2-8 sending the 2 into the 10.  Not too terribly hard to work on, and people are really impressed when it works.  

Also, I taught it to one of my teammates who refuses to use his thumb to pick up spares on the right side of the lane.  It's a short cut, I know, but until he decides to use his thumb, this is the next best thing.

The 2-8-10 split is what I use it on.  I don't get a lot of hook.I do the back up ball for fun.

I can do it and am pretty good at it.  I use it for 2-4-8-10 combos, and I'd say I'm successful about 20 percent of the time.  I also used it once during competition this summer during a Sport league.  I was absolutely shut out on the right side.  I tried it and ended up winning a match.  Should you spend any significant time learning it?  Probably not.  Try it in practice and see how it works out for you.  Just don't spend too much time and effort trying to get real proficient at it.  Nothing wrong with being versatile though.

Don

i haven't read the post, but the only reason to throw a back up ball is if u left the 2-8-10 and need to convert to win the game...
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getting me to slow down is like getting debbie not to do dallas......

When I shoot spairs I think of throwing an almost back up ball... i can throw one decently but my coach as made it clear that he will kill me if I continue to throw them or practice them.
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Born a Lefty... Forced to become right handed... i should be able 2 sue the San Francisco public school system