QuestionHello Gary. I am a low level league bowler from Sweden who would like to improve my game by getting the basics to work properly. I have long since suspected that I have a bad grip which is strange since I got a new Brunswick Siege last season and drillings along with the purchase.
Here is my problem: I can't get my thumb to fit straight in the ball, always having a bend thumb and that goes for all my balls. After some 30-40 frames I also getting a small bruise a little bit above the knuckle.
It feels relaxed at the line up and trough the swing but as soon I release the ball or during the release procedure I never seem to transfer the weight to my fingers. This feels like I bowl with my whole hand or in worst case only the thumb. In frustration I try to force the ball into my fingers which casues forward roll or some weird rotation. I am pretty sure I have the right timing and correct wrist action since I have a wrist support but all that ought to fail due to thumb not being properly released as mentioned above. So I can't manage to have my fingers move around the ball properly. Sometimes it feels that the ball moves around the thumb when I try to increase my revs.
I generally don't squeze the thumb and I have always had a natural bend thumb. I don't know if that's just normal for everyone. I don't know if my thumb hole is pitched properly but I do know that I have a nice fit size-wise.
I've looked into this product "Ebonite Thumb Straight" (we actuallt don't have that in Sweden) if that could solve my problem.
Or perhaps my ball is too heavy (15 lbs,) I do have weak wrists hence the wrist support. So I can't learn the proper release until I get a lighter ball.
Kind regards
/John
Answer
www.TrueBowlerAdjustme
Hello John, first a lighter ball is fine! more revs, more control, less wear and tear on your tendons and ligaments in your wrist. In my new book I discuss several releases you can try. When you utilize the release that does not hurt at the end of three or four games and gives you a decent reaction, we have hit the mark.
Now let's talk about that thumb of yours. You may know that ball fit is the number one thing in bowling. Since you say you have a nice fit size wise for your thumb, then let's go with that.
Sometimes in ball drilling, it is hard to fit a bowler perfectly or have that "fit just like a glove" scenario. It can be done, but it often takes a little trial and error. What I gathered thus far from ball drilling is that sometimes we have to provide an "exit ramp" for the thumb.
Basically we have to "bevel" a clearance potion on the thumbhole in a certain spot to allow the knuckle or joint of the thumb to pass so a bowler does not get hung up on it as the thumb exits the thumb hole. In the case of the thumb itself we would provide reverse pitch.
In my new book, True Bowler Adjustments, I talk at length about beveling. It has saved hundreds of bowlers agony and distress just like your situation. *** Note, in bowling, we merely use the thumb to balance the ball in the swing. Our primary goal is to "eject the ball off our thumb" as we deliver the ball. Transferring spin to the ball from the hand, joints, or fingertips, and enhancing ball carry on the backend.
In summary John, positive things like your "feeling" you have a good fit, or that you may need to go to a "lighter ball" are good things. Getting your thumb cleanly out of the ball is a must.
If you have big hands a little reverse may be needed in the thumb. However, if you have a good fit, then have your ball driller bevel "the spot" on your thumbhole that will allow your knuckle, or thumb joint or thumb nail to clear the ball. You have to be specific as to where the rub is this is key!!!
If you were here in Las Vegas I would love to take a moment to look at your release and work with you. There is nothing like the feeling of stringing strikes, and knowing that the ball comes off your hand consistently everytime.
Be well my friend, and string some strikes for me in Sweden!!!!
-Gary
Las Vegas, NV.
www.TrueBowlerAdjustments.com (It's a great book!)
