As with most of us I am always asking, watching, reading,for additional bowling knowledge to help improve my game.  Got a late start. I'm 45 and never picked up a bowling ball until I was 40.  Sometimes I have problems with getting consistent length on the ball so I was told by a house pro to tuck my pinky.  Applied this during my Wednesday league last night and went 223, 279, 254 for 756.  Before that my best series was 661.  Can anyone explain the dynamics tucking the pink vs not tucking it.  Thanks

It is a handy tip. A tucked pinky changes the balance of the ball in your hand. It is lifted up slightly, consequently you give a bit more finger action and side roll on the ball, due to a stronger leverage position. It may not be much, but it creates more power, revs and hook upon your normal release, which results in a 2-4 board adjustment on the approach? Additionally, the ball will come easier off your hand since it sits more loosely in your palm and gets better support by your index finger, which also gives more side roll.

I use this technique, too, and it works. Especially on oily conditions, when I need some extra punch or when I get tired and need some "other" muscle tension. I do not like to keep it up all the time, just some frames, because it squeezes my pinky and aches.
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DizzyFugu --- Reporting from Germany

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


Edited on 1/20/2005 10:00 AM

@ J M Harvey: I guess to are playing with more forward roll? I play with my hand tilted 45° (but I am working on this ), and for me the tucked pinky gives more side roll and hook.

I think the tucked pinky should increase ball rotation and therefore enforce your usual throwing pattern. I have seen American pros doing it occasionally. Generally, it should end up in a stronger finish, whatever you do?
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DizzyFugu --- Reporting from Germany

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

There is a gentleman on one of my leagues, a lefty full-roller, that has severe arthritis in his bowling hand pinky finger.  I'm not sure if it is due to years and years of bowling, but it very well could be.  He is unabble to straigten it out past 120 degrees or so.
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Everyone is entitled to be stupid but you're abusing the privilege.