A couple things come to mind here:
1) This "coach" might have meant that you need to have a softer grip and therefore it feels softer at your release. The ball is like a canary, you dont want it to get away, but you dont want to squish it.
2) Once you have the soft grip from above, raise your back swing up and slow your timing so the ball is coming in late but still has speed.
3) Keep your hand on the inside part of the ball (so that the palm of your hand is facing away from your body), and as the ball gets to your ankle, flip your hand to the other side of the ball.

A soft release will make you a better shot maker and use less energy once you get use to everything. Knowing how to quickly move your hand around the ball will increase rotation and angle which can still be done with a soft release. And remember to roll through the ball. A softer release doesn't mean stopping your release the second the ball falls off your hand. Continue your swing until your elbow bends and you almost pat yourself on the back. Hope this helps you out some....
--------------------
HAMMERDOWN!!!

Many mentioned before is true - have confidence in your equipment, and let it do the work for you. Timing is a very important issue to create leverage at teh release point. Ideally, you can impart very good revs witha free swing and proper follow-through, you just have to clear the thumb in time and let the ball "roll" across your finger tips, out onto the lane - this is the moment where you can actually put some force into the release - but just after the thumb is clear. Propel the ball out towarsd your lane target and let it work for you, you won't have to force it to hook. Keeping the hand behind the ball is helpful here, too.

Trust your equipment, and see its "true" potential if you just let it "run free" And remember: bowling is not about boards covered, it is about knocked-down wood and ideally a proper ball reaction, which is helpful in oder to achieve the latter.
--------------------
DizzyFugu - Reporting from Germany

Confused by bowling? Check out BR.com's vault of wisdom: the unofficial FAQ section

I will tell you what. When I started staying inside the ball instead of trying to crank the hell out of it, my overall hooked increased, my accuracy got better, and my carry got much better. Its the best thing I ever did bowling wise, and much easier on the body as you get older.
--------------------
DON'T TEMPT THE BOWLING GODS

Try to think about it as rolling the ball through the heads. the power will delay and actually hit harder.