What else but my thumb...

[Jbultman]

I am just getting into bowling, other than the occasional outing. Purchased my first ball, shoes and bag.  Joined a league and am now putting in some practice before it starts,  however....

I'm noticing that, after about a total of 12 games with the new ball, over a period of 2.5 weeks. My thumb is sore, but not at the place where I'm reading people's thumb is getting sore.  My pain is at the knuckle on both sides (not the top or bottom). Also I'm getting a little swelling, to the point where it takes a couple minutes of pressure or until the second or third frame until my thumb fits comfortably in the thumb hole, even with ultra slide.

 Is this normal?  What is happening for me to be experiencing this?

Thanks in advance, J

[charlest]

I don't want to hijack the thread, but on a related note that may also help the OP. Working on oval thumb holes now because it's become apparent to me how crucial a proper thumb hole fit is, and my thumb is really flat apparently. I'm dragging on the sides, but I hate the feel of 3-5 pieces of tape in the back. Are there any others who, like I tried Thursday night,  adjust the back of the thumb using multiple pieces of tape on the thumb instead of black tape in the back? Seemed to be a decent idea.... Second question. Can you/should you apply enough tape to the back to avoid the companion necessity of white tape in front? White tape up front, which used to be my favorite, now seems to just cause rubbing due to the roughness as my hands get older, and subconsciously make me grip the ball.
Also, thanks for the link to the Ron Clifton article. Good stuff.

Steve,

Do you use oval thumb inserts or do you just have the driller drill a round hole and you and/or he work it from there?

I ask because it seems like you're using too much tape in the back and the front of the thumb hole. It makes me think the hole, whatever type it is, is too big to start with. You  should start with a smaller hole and just work the sides where your thumb rubs. If you open it up with a dremel tool or a gouge or just sandpaper and finger or sandpaper wrapped around a thick pencil, you'll need less back and front tape.

Don't forget your thumb gets flatter as you put it in the hole and and then grip the holes to hold onto the ball. Not a "Death Grip" just and easy grip.

[MI 2 AZ]

Lefty50- Scissors.  Trim the edges of the tape or just cut it in half lengthwise.  One of my teammates does that all the time with his tape.

Also, what width tape are you using?  If 1 inch, then try 3/4.

[lefty50]

Answers:
- Seems like I would need wider strips, not smaller...? I use 1 inch now. 3/4 didn't work.
- I have tried vinyl inserts (liked them for a while), round inserts, and now have a new driller who does an oval for me, but I agree it's too big (we just started making them). I also bought all the tools and have started working them out on my own. The biggest problem is front to back, and I know my span is a bit stretched now. It's a process... So far I know I like oval better than round, despite what Rick what's his name used to say before I put him on the ignore list... . I know my angle currently is 55 degrees, and I'm heading back to 45-50, and I like urethane better than vinyl.

[charlest]

Answers:
- Seems like I would need wider strips, not smaller...? I use 1 inch now. 3/4 didn't work.
- I have tried vinyl inserts (liked them for a while), round inserts, and now have a new driller who does an oval for me, but I agree it's too big (we just started making them. I also bought all the tools and have started working them out on my own. The biggest problem is front to back, and I know my span is a bit stretched now. It's a process...

I use urethane oval inserts; they're less sticky/tacky than vinyl.

Fine; working them out is a learning process.
As someone said above, the thumb must be as large as your thumb will ever swell; then use tape to adjust tightness to a comfortable, easy, quick release level.

[Steven]

Answers:
- Seems like I would need wider strips, not smaller...? I use 1 inch now. 3/4 didn't work.
- I have tried vinyl inserts (liked them for a while), round inserts, and now have a new driller who does an oval for me, but I agree it's too big (we just started making them. I also bought all the tools and have started working them out on my own. The biggest problem is front to back, and I know my span is a bit stretched now. It's a process...

 
You'll continue to struggle with front to back as long as your span is longer than it should be. Years back I had the same issue, constantly searching for a thumb solution when it was the span that was the culprit. Read the article and look at the picture in the following link:
 
http://www.bowl4fun.com/ron/btm05_files/btm5.htm
 
If your span doesn't match, you're probably too long. Take care of this and the thumb will be much easier to address.

[MI 2 AZ]

Answers:
- Seems like I would need wider strips, not smaller...? I use 1 inch now. 3/4 didn't work.
-


From an earlier post, you said: 

However, most of the rub I get seems to be because of tape position. I seem to be riding the edge, and any changes  I make just lead to the other side rubbing...

Lefty50, I guess I don't quite understand.  If the tape is bothering you on the side(s) of your thumb, then having a narrower piece would put all of the surface on the front part (pad) of your thumb, not the side(s).  You said that it bothered you on the side and when you re positioned the tape, it bothered you on the other side of your thumb.  That is why I thought the tape was too wide for your thumb.

Is it actually the edge of the tape that is bothering you or the tape itself rubbing on the side of your thumb that is the issue?

[lefty50]

It's actually the tape edge. If I used smaller tape, both sides would rub, but unfortunately they don't make wider tape. MY thumb is a little over 1 inch before going into the hole. Hoping that a little experimentation will remove the need for front tape and we'll be good to go.

[MI 2 AZ]

It's actually the tape edge. If I used smaller tape, both sides would rub, but unfortunately they don't make wider tape. MY thumb is a little over 1 inch before going into the hole. Hoping that a little experimentation will remove the need for front tape and we'll be good to go.

Lefty50, not surprising but I am out of ideas.  Maybe try a different brand of tape to see if it is just that brand that is rough on your thumb?  Now, I am out of ideas. 

[lefty50]

I just switched from Brunswick to Real Bowlers Tape... I'm sure it will work itself out... Thanks though as always for the suggestions! - Since it's now officially after midnight here in Phoenix, my only other idea is to go to bed... Good night and Happy New Year to all.

[Jbultman]

That's for all the help guys. I ended up getting the thumb hole opened a little. Much better! Immediatly weny and bowled.  Don't do so hot,  everything just felt off... Went home messed with some tape and went to bowl this evening. Much,  much better.  No thumb pain at all.  Only had time for 2 games after work.  Bowled a 2017 high of 198. Low of 172. Thanks for the help,  much appreciated! Hoping to get better and more consistent when the league begins.