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Author Topic: NEED HELP w/ measurements  (Read 1134 times)

spanky

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NEED HELP w/ measurements
« on: January 04, 2004, 01:37:49 PM »
Need some input from you experts:
I'm trying to get my measurements down; new bowler
I'm throwing a 15lb X Factor. Pin under bridge, cg kicked out about 1 1/2" to right of center grip, PAP is about 4 1/2" right of center grip.
I believe it's drilled with 1/8 reverse in the fingers (not sure about lateral), thumb is 1 1/8" offset to the left looking at ball (I believe this called right offset) with 1/4 forward pitch, and should be either a 1/4 or 1/8 right lateral (toward palm). Speed about 18mph, medium revs. Usually stand 25-27 on approach, across arrows at 12 out to 3 before coming back. (THS: Xmas tree pattern)

Now for the problem. My thumb seems to be coming out early. This is surprising considering the forward pitch. I'm a new bowler; a lot of it could be me. The thumb doesn't seem to be too big. I've put one piece of white tape on front, and currently have two pieces of black on back.
One problem may be my backswing. I don't open up my palm much; I try to keep my hand sorta cupped under the ball. I find I don't get back underneath the ball otherwise and lose a lot of revs. I also think my forward swing is faster than my backswing, like I'm trying to power the ball. I think I do it to stay under the ball. Some tell me this is to compensate for the ball not being drilled right so I don't drop it. The span seems ok to me, but maybe a smidge (I mean a smidge) too long. Not sure if that's a factor or not. The driller keeps asking me questions about if it feels right or is that the measurement you want. This is sooo frustrating. Number one there is a language barrier, but two, I keep telling him, "I have no idea what "right" feels like!!!! I'm a new bowler. It feels fine to me. You could change the measurement by 1/4" and it still feels fine. Which way should it be??? I want to get all my measurements worked out on this ball BEFORE I buy new equipment. Knowledge is rare in these parts. I need your help.

 

tenpinspro

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Re: NEED HELP w/ measurements
« Reply #1 on: January 05, 2004, 07:04:17 AM »
Hi Spanky,

Your pitches in the grip are relative to your span.  Here's how you check your own span, put your thumb all the way into the ball and then reach over the fingers and relax a little.  Your fingers should be about 3/8 to 1/2 inch above the edge of the holes/or inserts, this would create a relaxed fingertip span.  Based on that span, your thumb should normally require some reverse to release unless you are extremely flexible or the span is too short.  Typically, if your span were too long, you shouldn't be able to get out of the ball with the pitches you have unless your thumb hole is just huge.  I have seen bowlers able to release early(drop) from forward pitch but their wrist is completely broken while it comes forward in the swing.  If you try this, you should see how the thumb angle actually aims downward with the broken wrist thus causing the bowler to to drop the ball.

Try this, can you pick up the ball and let it hang at your side relaxed??  Is it slipping, if it is, then your thumb's to loose or the span is incorrect.  My customers (see profile) can hang onto the fitting ball with only the thumb and span fitting correctly because the finger holes are all 31/32.  Feel free to contact me if I can be of any further help...


--------------------
Rick Leong
Ten Pins Pro Shop
Track Pro Shop Staff

Edited on 1/5/2004 8:03 AM
Rick Leong - Ten Pins Pro Shop
Co-Founder - Tag Team Coaching
"El" Presidente of the Legion

LuckyLefty

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Re: NEED HELP w/ measurements
« Reply #2 on: January 05, 2004, 08:28:14 AM »
Tenpins,

I didn't exactly understand comment about fitting ball.

Yes Spanky, you left out most important stat.  What is your span in this ball and how far is your last finger crease past the front edge of the hole?

REgards,

Luckylefty
It takes Courage to have Faith, and Faith to have Courage.

James M. McCurley, New Orleans, Louisiana