Basically, there are three kinds of arm swings:

Free Armswing
Consider the top of your shoulder as the top of the pendulum and your arm as the body of
the pendulum. Just as the pendulum swings to a length on the left, it reverses to trace the
same length on the right.
An identical harmonic motion is simulated by your shoulder and arm in the free arm
swing. Gravity, centrifugal force, the height of the backswing and the descent of the final
forward swing and, of course the weight of the ball remain a constant.
Consequently, you will maintain a consistent bowling action with a well executed free
swing.
With a few exceptions, a majority of the most successful bowlers have achieved their
place in the hall of fame with a consistent relaxed and free flowing execution of perfect
shots. And what could be more ideal than a free arm swing for a delivery which has
neither stress nor constraints of muscled movements? Parker Bohn III, Dave Husted and
Brian Voss are some of the great players who advocate free arm swing.
To place the ball in the push away you need a soft muscular application, which results in
a quality shot. Place the ball into motion in a slight upward direction, relax your muscles
and let gravity do the rest. It is good to allow the weight of the ball to determine the
extent of the swing. This is possible only if the armswing is free of muscle tension.
Did you know that holding the ball waist-high prevents tendonitis? Free arm swing is the
best-recommended movement for bowlers and holding the ball waist length is ideal for
the swing.
Another important fact is that if you allow your non bowling arm to take most of the
weight of the ball in the beginning of your stance, your bowling hand, fore arm and bicep
muscles are less strained. Totally relaxing the bowling arm in this manner, you will be
able to execute a flawless free arm swing.

- 26 2004, HowToBowlStrikes.com