So, I've had this problem for a while now and I haven't been able to find a solution. I can usually bowl the first few games with no problem at all. However, after about 3 or 4 games my hand starts to swell some and my thumb constantly gets stuck in the ball on release. Last night it was especially bad and I was lofting the ball almost to the arrows.

I've tried everything I can think of to fix this, but nothing has helped. I've tried using more reverse pitch, larger thumb holes, tape in the front and tape in the back. I've tried using the white and black tape with the same results. My thumb doesn't sweat that much and I always make sure my hand is dry inside the ball.

My span is 4 3/8 with 3/16 reverse and 0 lateral pitch in the thumb. Could shortening my span be a possible solution? I remember using a ball with a span of 4 1/4 a while back and never got stuck in that.

If anyone has any advise on this I'd really appreciate it.

With that span and that much reverse pitch I'd guess that you're squeezing the heck out of the grip, which makes your thumb swell more than normal.  The further into your set, the more time it has to swell.

My span and yours are extremely close (1/16") and I've gone to 1/8" forward so I don't need as much hand pressure.  Many years ago I had 3/16 reverse and needed a "death grip" to hold on to the ball.  I gradually changed to 0/0 and then to 1/8 forward (I'm contemplating even more forward, but haven't done it yet).

If you try more forward pitch you'll want to slightly shorten the span (depending on your fit now) to get your thumb out cleanly. 

Try it on a ball for a few weeks before changing all your equipment, but I really think that excessive grip pressure causes swelling.

A couple of Vise IT's could help with that also. I drill two for almost all my customers and for myself

Notclay and John P have you going in the right direction here.  Make sure your spans are correct first.  Then adjust the forward and reverse in your thumb pitch based on the correct spans.

Sounds like too much reverse based on your current span.. And if the span is long for your hand, that is why you need the reverse to even get out of the ball at all.

There are a lot of other factors involved, but start with checking your span and go from there.

Just wanted to post an update on this. I recently started using 1/8 left pitch in my thumb hole and it's helped a lot. I still occasionally get stuck in later games, but not nearly as bad as before. The pitch change combined with a good amount of bevel seems to have done the trick. It also feels much more comfortable to my hand overall.

If you want to get rid of that late game sticking, open the thumb hole up a little more, 1/64" - 1/32", and use a Magic Carpet, as I mentioned earlier.  The website is

www.bowl4fun.com

Contact Ron Clifton at the phone number on the website or by e-mail and he'll probably send you one for free, that's how he gets us hooked.  Don't open the thumb hole up until you have the Magic Carpet in hand.  While you're on the site look at the great information in his hints section.  --  JohnP

1. I have same span, well, my cut is at 4 3/8 as the OP.
2. I have forward/side left thumb, reverse fingers
3. I switch from traditional thumb slug to Vise IT. (glad I did)
4. I use Magic Carpet for almost 10 years and I love it....but...

Right now, I'm trying to get used to not using magic carpet, I'm trying different tape combinations and it's not the same. Magic Carpet just allows for good timing and a more relaxed hand. Dan, give MC a try. Hopefully your PSO sells them, it's $2 each.

It sells for $20 for 10 and they go a long way. Now that I have the IT system, I'll have enough for a long while.

Jay - Why do you want to stop using the MC?  --  JohnP

Jay - Why do you want to stop using the MC?  --  JohnP

I haven't completely stopped. I'm testing the waters without it, but I'm finding it difficult. I'm so used to the feel, fit, and the timing of the MC tape. In fact, last night, I had placed MC tape on my Slug IT for tonight sweepers.