QuestionWhat is causing the middle and ring finger to get chipped/torn fingernails, mostly on the edges? Is this pinching the ball, rather than squeezing when holding...the release of the ball...drilling, or???
Answer
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Merry Christmas Gerald, Normally I do not encounter chipped finger nail tips too often. When I have, it's been mainly a "fit" problem, or drilling issue.
If it is a fit problem, most likely the inserts are too small, not allowing your finger tips to exit the holes. I have seen bowlers fingers too far in the holes, as well as barely in the ball. Still, these bowlers can average from 180 to 220.
Chipping can also be caused by how your finger tips exit the ball because of your release. So, the combination of your release and the fit may have you dragging the finger nails on the walls of the inserts or finger holes during your delivery.
Concerning the drill of your bowling ball. The fingers can be pitched away from your palm, towards your palm, to the left or to the right laterally. Drillers often will give you more room to the side you have the rub occurring on.
In Summary Gerald, most often when you have a rub, scraping, sticking, tear, or in your case chipping, it's best to investigate things with your ball driller. Show him or her your problem face to face. It may be something minor which will involve increasing or decreasing a certain aspect of your grip or span.
Most often it may even be a simple case of "turning" an insert or the inserts, to relieve the rub or "catch point" as the finger nail exits the hole at a certain angle.
If you are using the "lift" ends of the inserts. (Inserts with the "flat" interior), you may want to have your pro shop professional take your inserts out and flip them over to the "oval" end. This may get you away from the sharper edge of the insert that provide forward or the under pitch of your fingers to your palm.
If you find there are no fit or drilling issues, then most likely it may be something as simple as having your release evaluated by a certified coach. I have learned to listen to my bowlers. Often they know there is a problem in a certain area of their game and they just lack the knowledge of solving the issue on their own. Most bowlers who asked about gripping issues are searching for a cleaner release. It could be your timing, too much grab and loft, or lift and spin too early in your swing. Some bowlers will dig in and pull the ball through there release with a death grip that creates a "thud" on the lanes. "It's bowling, however, injuries of this nature can not be put off. So, quick, fast, and in a hurry, go to you local shop and find your solution so we can get this behind us. Again, Merry Christmas Gerald, and the Happiest of New Years Celebrations to you!
-Gary
Las Vegas, NV.
www.TrueBowlerAdjustments.com (It's a great book!)
