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Author Topic: Half Thumb release  (Read 9347 times)

Connor

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Half Thumb release
« on: October 31, 2006, 03:36:21 AM »
This question is for anyone out there that has ever used a half thumb release, or know anyone who has.

I used to bowl no thumb, I have had several injuries to my hand, and my thumb does not bend at the base.  I talked to a few drillers about the idea of putting a thumb hole off to the side for just the tip of the thumb, and it has worked great for the past 6 months, but I have started to develop stiffness in my wrist.  I have talked to a few other drillers, and no one has any ideas, I am just looking to see if anyone might know what is causing it.

I do not want to go back to no thumb, but I can if I need to.
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Pinbuster

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Re: Half Thumb release
« Reply #1 on: October 31, 2006, 11:58:51 AM »
I would presume that is because you are squeezing in order to hold onto the ball and/or the span is too long.

Using only your thumb tip is going to make it hard not to squeeze but pitching the hole towards forward may help.

If you are stretched then I would look to shorten the span.

I would also still cup the ball as you would bowling no thumb to put more of the weight of the ball on your palm/fingers and take some of the stress off you thumb.
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se7en

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Re: Half Thumb release
« Reply #2 on: October 31, 2006, 12:00:14 PM »
My uncle throws this way. I wish I could tell you if he had similar problems, but he bowls maybe 3 games a month, if that.

However, from observation, he still has to cup his wrist like a no-thumb release to throw it. I can see how it would put strain there.
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reefer on a budget

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Re: Half Thumb release
« Reply #3 on: October 31, 2006, 01:35:05 PM »
as a junior i switched from conventional to 2 fingers then later added the thumb to the side. i can tell u that adding the thumb helped somewhat in gaining some control over 2fingers alone.  i actually bowled pretty good this way averaging about 185  15years ago using a plastic ball.  unless you really need to bowl this way, everyone will recommend switching back to conventional just for the control aspect.  i recently came back to bowling and never looked back at going to a 2finger delivery.
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chitown

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Re: Half Thumb release
« Reply #4 on: October 31, 2006, 01:39:13 PM »
Dude think about what your saying.  Your wrist is hurting because of the way your holding the ball.

No thumb releases can be deadly.  I have messed around with this a few times.  I just can't get any consistancy bowling like this.  So I canned it!  

If there's any way possible for you to use your entire thumb then I would do it.  If not then just go back to no thumbing it.

Revs are not the only way to score!  One of the highest avg. guys in my mens league throws very little revs.  He's just super accurate and makes every spare.
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LuckyLefty

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Re: Half Thumb release
« Reply #5 on: October 31, 2006, 01:44:45 PM »
I just saw a no thumb guy yesterday who was awesome!

I love the look of the release.  The 1/2 thumb release I've seen some decent bowlers use a bit.  Never looks as good as either of the other options.

HAve you considered two hand with the no thumb release.  That to me looks like the best of all options if you don't like going full thumb release.

I had a friend once who was a classic stylist both ways thumb and no thumb.
Very good and just hooked it a little more no thumb and used that for oilier or oilier backends.  He was ...great!  He could switch right in a set depending on conditions!

REgards,

Luckylefty
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se7en

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Re: Half Thumb release
« Reply #6 on: October 31, 2006, 03:51:46 PM »
LL is onto something. No-thumb and half-thumb still require the wrist to support weight. You're screwed either way I think. Two-handed with no-thumb might be your best bet. There's two juniors (brothers) on my cousins league that do it. They are actually pretty good.
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shelley

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Re: Half Thumb release
« Reply #7 on: October 31, 2006, 03:54:37 PM »
There's a guy here that uses just the tip of his thumb.  Never heard him complaining about pain regarding his release.  As others said, I think it's basically like no-thumbing it, he still needs the cupped wrist or opposite hand to support the ball partway through the swing.

SH
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azus

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Re: Half Thumb release
« Reply #8 on: October 31, 2006, 06:24:11 PM »
Try put something more sticky in the thumb hole? Make the hole larger and fill the sides with some tape that has a nice grip to it, so you dont have to squeese as much when your holding the ball.
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Connor

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Re: Half Thumb release
« Reply #9 on: November 01, 2006, 04:55:15 PM »
the first thing to remember is I have thrown no thumb for over 7 years with no issues, so my guess is the span.  I now have 3 balls with the thumb tip style drilled into it, and I can always take out my thumb, but I was trying to take some hook off, and work more on getting the ball down the lane.
I have never had an issue with keeping the ball on the lane, but the half thumb is easier to throw a little faster, or take some of the hook off.

I feel like I am more consistent with the half thumb, and my avg jumped about 5 pins, but I have only been doing it about 6 months.  The cupping is true for both styles, but I have never had a problem keeping my arm straight, and sort of cupping the ball.  The ball rests solely on my hand in both cases.
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APheLion

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Re: Half Thumb release
« Reply #10 on: November 01, 2006, 05:11:23 PM »
uhmm there are some disadvantages bowling 2 handed, i started having problems on the back since i must go really low for the release... unless i want to loft it after the arrows.

well im crazy as well... bowling 2 hande for like 20+ games will surely give me pain in the back.
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