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Author Topic: Thumb hole problem  (Read 3229 times)

Buckwild

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Thumb hole problem
« on: February 05, 2008, 12:41:32 AM »
I am having a problem with a clean release out of the thumb, due to the hole rubbing on the inside of my thumb (If you look at the thumb with the nail up and facing you, it would be on the right side). My coach is having me put  light pressure when I hold the ball with the base and outside of my thumb, but I have a hard time feeling this, trying to move my thumb to the left to feel that part of the hole. I also have a callous on the inside of my thumb.

I read an old article in Bowling This Month by Bill Hall, where they show different callouses and the cause of them, and it showed where if you have a callous on the outside of the thumb and the base of the thumb, you are holding the ball correctly.

Right now my pitches are 0 lateral, 1/8 reverse.

What suggestions can you give me to rectify this, so that I can have an idea what to tell my driller?

Thanks and sorry for the long post.

Edited on 2/5/2008 9:51 AM
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JPratt

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Re: Thumb hole problem
« Reply #1 on: February 05, 2008, 09:05:09 AM »
It could be a number of things... but it sounds like a release problem.  I would guess that you are overrotating your hand just before release point.  Without video though, it's just an educated guess.
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Buckwild

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Re: Thumb hole problem
« Reply #2 on: February 05, 2008, 09:24:35 AM »
Thanks for the reply Mr. Pratt. When I described what the thumb should feel in the hole (outside and base of the thumb), is that correct? When the ball is in the downswing, I feel the thumb holding on the inside. I might be turning, but I don't think so. It is hard to concentrate solely on hitting my target when in the back of my mind, I'm worried about the ball being stuck on my thumb. I had surgery on my bowling sholder and I can ill afford to get stuck in the ball.
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1MechEng

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Re: Thumb hole problem
« Reply #3 on: February 05, 2008, 09:56:25 AM »
Hey Loose Cannon -
I had the same problem as you ... I was turning the ball way too early in my downswing, causing me to hang up at release. I have the remnants of the same callous (location-wise) that you are describing. I found it was partly caused by late timing, partly by poor release mechanics, and partly the tendency to want to grab the ball on the backswing. (I also have some injury issues with my thumb causing scar tissue and knuckle sizing issues that partly contributed to my problem). I also had a stretched span with too much pitch in the thumbhole (towards the fingers). These fitting issues have been corrected prior to the release adjustments I made.

I have very consciously tried to stay behind the ball more, focusing on using the base of my thumb and the tip of my thumbnail to hold the ball during the backswing. Close to release, I relax the thumb and throw the fingertips out straight - which starts the roll off of my hand (releasing the thumb). I then lift up through the back of the ball, being very careful not to turn until the thumb has cleared. This is tough and takes some practice. I have a natural tendency to turn, so there isn't a lot of effort on my part to get to the final axis rotation I need (30-45 degrees, typically) after release with the thumb.

I suggest starting out with pillows and a couch, and working with a small swing/slower release until you get comfortable with the timing. It's likely going to be quite a bit earlier than you're used to.

Hope this helps!
--------------------
======================
Dan
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Engineering * Bowling = a fun and practical application of rotational kinematics.

Bowling Nerd Herd (TM) Member
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Dan

Buckwild

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Re: Thumb hole problem
« Reply #4 on: February 05, 2008, 10:30:43 AM »
This is from another post:

quote:
Another observative way to check is, place your fingers in there respective gripping holes. Start placing your thumb in the thumb hole. See which direction your thumb wants to go and which way the hole is forcing it to go. This is at least a starting position. Remember release angle can be different.
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Ric Hamlin
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Brunswick Bowling


AKA "Rico" and L.I.M.O.M.


When I place my thumb in the ball, I feel the hole more from the inside than the outside. Should the feeling be even?
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JohnP

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Re: Thumb hole problem
« Reply #5 on: February 05, 2008, 03:00:57 PM »
What are your spans?  It sounds to me that you need some left lateral and possibly a change in forward/reverse pitches. --  JohnP
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Gazoo

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Re: Thumb hole problem
« Reply #6 on: February 07, 2008, 06:51:03 PM »
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Buckwild

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Re: Thumb hole problem
« Reply #7 on: February 07, 2008, 11:30:05 PM »
Problem solved. Before I had 1/8 right lateral and 1/8 reverse, he changed it to 1/16 left lateral, 1/8 reverse. I bowled with the new pitches tonight, the rubbing is no longer there, and I'm coming out the ball much better.
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crankncrash

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Re: Thumb hole problem
« Reply #8 on: February 15, 2008, 06:13:53 PM »
you might also try a vent hole to keep from swelling if you are worried about hanging in the ball later on in the night.  Any capable driller should be able to do that for you.
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the man

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Re: Thumb hole problem
« Reply #9 on: February 17, 2008, 12:02:34 AM »
Your span is too long. Been there, done that. Have a different driller check your measurements.
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