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Author Topic: thumb hole question  (Read 4543 times)

xiek376

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thumb hole question
« on: October 15, 2013, 01:33:28 PM »
Hi all,

Just got back into bowling after a 15 year hiatus.  Loving the new ball technology!  I've been having some issues with thumb swelling.  Ball felt great the first time I rolled it.  Thumb started swelling and sticking about halfway through first league night and developed a blister halfway through the 3rd game.  Brought it in to my proshop and had it opened up a little.  Now, it feels too big at first and I have to squeeze like crazy to hold on during my backswing.  By the 2nd game, my thumb has swelled enough so that it feels fine.  Problem is, if I put tape in for the first game, it's too tight.  Any suggestions? Are the new interchangable thumb inserts I've heard about the way to go? 

Last week, I threw a 183 (1st game, had to squeeze) followed by a 255 and 237 when my thumb swelled and the fit was good.  Thanks for your help!

 

LuckyLefty

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Re: thumb hole question
« Reply #16 on: October 17, 2013, 06:34:13 AM »
Hmm?

As you get better your hole size will decrease!  Hmmmmm?

I believe ones thumb is their thumb!  An absolute I am finding for myself, is that getting the width of the thumb correct is an absolute.  (I have an oval shaped thumb like many!).

Purchasing an old time AMF grip measuring device I believe has helped me quite a bit.  I found my real time side to side everyday measurement.  I then add tape or something to adjust from front to back the snugness of the hole.

For about a year I was a little snug on the side and my arm was pulled in front of my face various different amounts.  Even though that is a modern trend, (ala Ryan Cimonelli), it didn't work for me!

Once I got that spec nailed!  I have been following through my old school way and the hot old timers at my center have come over and commented on the dramatic improvement.

Recently had a 1 Brooklyn only night in a center that is known for a fast crossover on the left with any error.

From Bill Taylor's book.  Updated to today.

A properly fitting thumbhole, with proper pitch and bevel!  Priceless!

Regards,

Luckylefty
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It takes Courage to have Faith, and Faith to have Courage.

James M. McCurley, New Orleans, Louisiana

itsallaboutme

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Re: thumb hole question
« Reply #17 on: October 17, 2013, 06:49:36 AM »
Yes, your thumb is your thumb.  But bad bowlers want a large hole they can grab ahold of and as you get better and you learn to grab less and relax your hand you will need a tighter hole.  So yes, as skill level increases hole size decreases.

Gizmo823

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Re: thumb hole question
« Reply #18 on: October 18, 2013, 07:34:50 AM »
I'd have to agree with this.  He's not saying it's a hard and fast rule, just a very very common trend. 

Yes, your thumb is your thumb.  But bad bowlers want a large hole they can grab ahold of and as you get better and you learn to grab less and relax your hand you will need a tighter hole.  So yes, as skill level increases hole size decreases.
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