Question about pinky position when gripping the ball.

[GaryPham]

Hi, I'm wondering if someone can give me some input on what's the recommended position for the pinky when gripping the ball.  It appears that a lot of bowlers tend to "tuck" their pinky in, which I'm assuming means that they curl their pinky so that the back of the knuckle makes contact with the ball.  It is to my understanding that while this does increase more hook, there's a chance that it may cause some pain and damage over time.

I'm mainly a straight bowler whose looking to somehow get a bit more revs to my throw.  I usually spread my index finger out as far as possible but was wondering if I should keep my pinky as close as possible to my ring finger, or if I should also spread my pinky out as far as possible.  Which of these pinky positions is generally more used, and which should be better to get more revs?

Thanks everyone

[Eddie M]

Tucking the pinky under is more or less just personal preference really.  Some people claim more hook, but most will tell you it is more mental than anything.

As a general rule when you want to hook the ball, you keep your pinky in close to the other fingers, with your index finger spread out wide. When you want to straighten the reaction, you move the pinky out wide, and pull the index finger in tight.  

Nothing is set in stone, as every person is different... but this is the common practice for most bowlers.

Edited on 4/7/2007 6:12 AM

Most bowlers who do this are creating more side roll, which increases the late movement on the lane, not necessarily "more hook", just later hook. The potential downside is that it's hard on the pinky finger's ligaments, tendons, and joint.
You can do virtually the same thing by just moving the pinky close to the ring finger without the wear and tear.
If you're bowling on dry lanes, or at least there's lots of dry outside, it looks cool and you can usually strike alot. If the lanes are slick, however, the ball may skid too far and be erratic at the breakpoint. So slick lanes usually call for more early roll with less side rotation.
Experiment with different hand positions as you practice to be more versatile. Good luck.
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notclay

[canesrock82]

Great question. I went back and watched some of the pro's and most have their pinky right next to there ring finger. I'm going to focus on this tonight and see if there is any difference. I usually hold my pinky out wide and I actually have a calus on the inside of the pinky next to the nail. I'll report back what I notice.

[APheLion]

think about it this way, the 2 fingers that u use to create revs on the ball are the middle and ring finger

for finger tip drillings (not sarge easter or dropping ring finger distance) a bowler will use more ring finger than middle finger. if u have the pinky next to ring finger, u'll help it to become stronger, try putting some strength on the ring finger with the pinky close and try again with the pinky far away. u 'll notice that when the pinky is closer u can generate more than when it's away.

also, when u have the pinky close to the ring finger, u have more than one option:

1) tuck the pinky, Parker Bohn III used to do that, this option allows me to get more length and sharper turn on the break poin,
2) stick it right beside, Chris Barnes is using it atm, this option gives me more "overall hook". the top half of the palm is in contact with the ball so can generate more power because u can "push" with the pinky
3) the pinky pointing the ball, thats my personal favorite , this option is in between the first 2 options. 3/4 of the top half of the palm in contact with the ball. the pinky has no role during the release at all except to take away little bit of "hand". this suits me good since i preffer control over long-sharp and too much hook.

hope it helped
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When a house bowler misses the mark, misses the break point and strike, for many ppl its called a wallshot. When a pro does that its call adjustment

When a house bowler gets his finger stuck in the ball and fall on the lanes, for many ppl its called lame bowler. When a pro does that its called the Machuga flop! ha i like this one.

[The Ratpack]

Can't remember which one it was but one of the recent BTM's had a very good article on this subject with pictures and write up on what each one was used for, worth trying to get a copy.

quote:
Can't remember which one it was but one of the recent BTM's had a very good article on this subject with pictures and write up on what each one was used for, worth trying to get a copy.

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I remember that article and it's the above mentioned one by Ron Clifton. He calls it finger dancing. It makes a lot of sense.



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notclay

Edited on 4/9/2007 8:33 PM