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Author Topic: Span testing - Need feedback  (Read 1401 times)

lefty50

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Span testing - Need feedback
« on: August 16, 2004, 04:43:36 AM »
Ok, after 6-7 span changes, I've learned a lot and may be close to getting my span where I want. I've observed a few things and would like feedback on the following:

1. Is 1-16th considered a large or small difference? Please no "it depends" answers... what's general consensus?

2. As I've increased my span for testing, I notice the roll getting better and better. I'm now at the point where both fingers are on the pads fully, but on release my middle finger... how do I describe this... continues to feel the release on the pad after the shot, where the ring finger (1/8 longer on span) is a smooth release. That's the best I can describe it. What's considered best, "feeling" the release or not? Do I drop the middle 1/16 or raise the ring?

2A. I can see this being a matter of judgement, so let's throw in the question of pressure. What effect on your release can be achieved by stretching middle? What effect by stretching ring?

3. I've gone thru all the span checks about inserting thumb, relax fingers, position on center of grip, but how about the reverse? When I set my ball up according to that method and insert fingers first, I get a weaker roll and I can feel my thumb has room to move back. On an increased span that goes longer than recommended, my thumb is tighter and won't go back. Has anyone tried this and have comments?

4. If a properly inserted thumb feels tight at top but feels the need to move forward at bottom, should I increase reverse pitch to match up better?
TIA

L50
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Pinbuster

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Re: Span testing - Need feedback
« Reply #1 on: August 16, 2004, 02:46:58 PM »
I would call a 1/16 a small adjustment. I know bowlers who can feel 1/32 difference but personally if it is within 1/16 I probably wouldn’t know.

I want the pressure to be equal on both fingers. I believe the middle finger applies the most turn to the ball and the ring finger more lift. Robert Smith uses the Sarge Easter grip a lot where the ring finger is drill conventional and middle finger fingertip in order to reduce his lift and rev rate to a more controllable level. Another observation is that the ring finger is behind the ball more than the middle finger providing more lift than turn.

I would guess your span is too long for my book. When you insert your fingers first and then your thumb you appear to be having problems getting the thumb fully set in the ball. When you insert your thumb first then you are not getting you fingers fully into the ball. When spans are to long (unless you are exceptionally flexible) you have to cheat somewhere, either the thumb or the fingers will not be fully into the ball.

The reason your thumb feels tight at the top and the thumb nail is pressed out is the long span pulling the base of the thumb into the ball and pivoting the bottom of the thumb out. Additional reverse and some bevel will reduce that feeling.

You want to be able to lift and turn the ball with the full finger tip from the knuckle to end of the finger. Too long of spans require one of two things. You cheat on your fingers and lift/turn with only part of your finger tips. Or you cheat on your thumb making the ball feel heavier, harder to control, and your release inconsistent. If you are getting brown calluses on the tips of your fingers then your span is definitely too long.

Virtually all the bowlers on tour use a relaxed finger tip fit they bowl too many games and a long span will generally tear up your hand if you bowl a lot. also allows you to be more versatile in your release.



Brickguy221

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Re: Span testing - Need feedback
« Reply #2 on: August 16, 2004, 02:57:31 PM »
Lefty, I've experienced the exact same thing for the past 15 months or so, I believe I have finally resolved the problem with the help of a couple knowledgeable people on this site. I'm very busy this afternoon, but I will either post or message you sometime tonight on what I did.

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