Wii remote sensor problem & tech support Fonzie fix

We recently had one of our Wii remotes go bad - the problem first appeared while playing Wii bowling. The second remote worked fine until it came to releasing the ball - it never did, it now just always threw the ball backward no matter what. After checking all the usual suspects, batteries, sensor bar flush w/TV, etc... I called into Wii tech support (1-800-255-3700). The call dropped twice, but finally, the tech support person told me to:

a) Hold the Wii remote upside-down with one hand so all the buttons are facing the floor.

b) Smack the end of the remote with the power button from underneath with the other hand.

Now it works fine.