I am a slow stroker (ball speed ~15mph), more than 6' tall and through "feeling" and finally a video shooting I found a severe release problem: I tend to keep my thumb too long in the ball upon release, resulting in lack of rotation and power of the ball (= only 225 RPM/8 hand revs, though I am quite exact).
I play without a wrist support, and I guess that my "gripping" problem is a final result of a broken-back wrist which moves the thumb downward. Consequently I grip with the thumb too tight to the ball because it feels like losing it upon the downswing. My finger action is good, and my wrist firmness HAS become better over time - but it seems like there is a serious problem behind it all.

I suppose that a large wrist support (covering forearm and back of my hand) will do the job, but I do not like these cumbersome things, especially when throwing a spare ball. Are there any suggestions or advice to this wrist problem, or will I have to go for the supporting device?

Thanks for your help!
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DizzyFugu --- Reporting from Germany

"All that we see or seem, is but a dream within a dream..." - Edgar Allen Poe

Try to find the name of a good pro shop who's an expert in grips and pitches; ask all the really good bowlers in scratch leagues.

From your description, I seriously doubt if your ball is fitted correctly. Wrist devices should not have to make up for mistakes in the fit of the ball to your hand. Eveyrone's hand is slightly different; yours may be more different and generic pitches may be a problem for your hand and hand strength.

If other pro shops (more than 1) say your grip and pitches are fine, then I would still check with a certified (if at all possible) coach to see a wrist device is the right solution for you.

Charlest, what pro-shop do you use,i also live in N.J.and i am in need of a good pro-shop.

To help, you should get a wrist support, I hated wearing mine at first but I had the same problem as you. I reccomend the Robby's Revs Line (The first one to be exact). I use that for my strike shot and any spares on the left side of the lane. Then I take it off when I shoot at 10 pins and any other right side spares. Hope this helps you, send me a message if you need more help.
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Ninety Percent of this game is half mental.

dizzyfugu,
If you will read all the articles I have written on my website all your questions will be answered.
Here is a link to the archive page.
http://www.bowl4fun.com/ron/roncarchive.htm

There are 36 articles there and I am getting ready to post another one.
That should keep you busy for a while and fix all your problems.

NOW about my FEE!
Send me one "M" series BMW in Black.
Bowl great!
Ron Clifton

Hi everyone,

thank you very much for the suggestions and ideas, you are a great help.

Some details and replies:
I am playing 15 lbs. balls, mostly with thumb slugs, and they fit perfectly. I shrug from having negative thumb pitch - I tried ball of a friend but was not able to hold it, it just slipped off (I have quite long and sleek fingers). I am sure it is not a ball problem, just my wrist bending too much and me getting used to it - rather something mental and a bad habit, yes.

I got in the meantime advice from local senior players, even a national team player (Yeh, that's service...). They confirmed independently that I tend to grip too tight to the ball. Timing and anything before my release is O.K.

A lighter ball won't do; I tried this, but I throw 14 lbs balls halfway down the lane, due to gripping too strong & long. And it does not feel good at all, the 15 lbs is really perfect.

I have a WristMaster II device, and I have tried it in recent trainings again. Have to get a feel for this, but it seems to help, keeping my hand straight.
I also settled for a larger wrist support now, and I tried to open my hand/thumb earlier, so that the ball "falls" onto my fingers as it should. This also feels... unusual, but works fine so far and my results did not drop.

Thank you very much again, and good bowling!

PS:
The M series BMW might be difficult, though...
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DizzyFugu --- Reporting from Germany

"All that we see or seem, is but a dream within a dream..." - Edgar Allen Poe