Soreness in first joint on my middle finger

Question
QUESTION: I'm left-handed using a fingertip grip and I've noticed lately that the first joint closest to the fingernail on my middle finger gets really sore when I bowl.  My question is would it help to drill out that finger hole so that my middle finger is further down in the hold say an extra 1/4" so that it is middle way between the first joint and the knuckle?  Or is it more of a span issue?  Thanks!

ANSWER: Gary,
Don't try the drill the hole bigger/deeper idea, it will create more problems. Does the ball just hang in your hand with no grip pressure (bigger deeper holes won't help this)?

Could be a span and/or pitch issue. You didn't mention finger grips? Do you use them and what style, if so? What are your finger pitches (Both holes)?

When you put your thumb in the hole completely and lay your hand across the finger holes, where does the crease of the first joint fall across the holes (front edge, closer to middle, closer to top of hole, past top of the hole)? Let me know.

Thanks for the question.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: No finger grips just a thumb slug.  My span looks to be a little shorter so my hand has to cup a little if that makes sense (there's a space between the ball and my hand maybe a pinkie fingers worth). The finger holes are allowing only up to my first joint.  If I try to do the reverse (put my fingers in as far as I can, then I can't reach my thumb hole.  I don't think I have any pitch in the holes (they seem straight in to me) but maybe there is pitch in it I can't tell.

Thanks for you help on this!
Gary

ANSWER: Gary,
From your description, you seem to have an opinion of the problem and want confirmation of what you think is wrong. From your description, it sounds like a pitch adjustment could help relieve pressure. Span doesn't seem to be very bad, maybe a little short if anything (but elements of your hand/fingers, like flexibility, texture, moistness could dictate final span).

If you could reverse the description, thumb in, where's the finger crease(s)? i can suggest options. Is you hand flexible or stiff? dry or moist?

Does the ball just hang in your hand? It's very important to not NEED to grip the ball (or you will grip it, requiring you to let go, which is HARD to control and be consistent).

Thanks for the question please follow up.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: To be honest I don't know what the problem is so I apologize if it appeared that I did!  Thumb in first and checking my span it appears to be fine so maybe you are right, maybe there is some upward pitch.  

I would guess my hand is considered normal as far as flexible/stiff or dry/moist. I do use some rosin about the third game sometimes but not that often.

As far as the ball "hanging" in my hand, I don't have a Chris Barnes situation where he literally has to pry the ball off his hand and can't grip it at all, I do have to grip a little but usually I can eliminate that with some tape/ take some tape out etc.

I wonder if I am trying too hard to produce hook.  I currently don't generate much rev (stroker type player) but since I have had some pain of late I have been trying to focus on a steady release without trying to do that and the pain has continued.  It doesn't hurt unless I put pressure on it so it isn't a lot of pain more of an irritant during bowling only.

Thanks again for all of your help.

Answer
Gary,
Ball drillers should cause no pain. Take the ball to the person who drilled it, explain the pain and ask could they adjust the hole to relieve the situation.

If they need help coming up with a solution have them e-mail ([email protected]) me (it sounds like to much forward pitch, the hole can be surface plugged and angle changed at little expense to the operator), I'd gladly help the operator help a bowler NOT experience pain and enjoy the sport more.

You may suggest that you're working hard to create some hook and ask if the operator can give you any pointers, too. They may give you a quick tip or 2, or arrange to give you a bowling lesson (which seems like it could be helpful). Thanks for sticking with me here. Let me know how the issue gets resolved. Good luck and good bowling.