Author Topic: Gripping Technique (Read 830 times)

Jay · « **on:** June 22, 2009, 08:41:22 PM »

I'm just looking for discussion and maybe some help on this subject.

A few thoughts. Some believe you shouldn't have to grip the ball at all and that it should hang onto you and release from you at the correct time. Some believe you have to apply pressure to the ball to keep it on your hand. This is what I've been taught personally.

I'm not sure which school of thought is in the minority but it appears to me that both can work. I'm of the opinion that gripping is different from squeezing. I will say that I do agree it's nearly impossible to have a good release without a relaxed hand at that point. That is, unless maybe if one has quite a bit more reverse than they need so they get out of the ball really well, but then they're forced to really squeeze.

Me, I can't imagine not gripping the ball in the backswing. Not only because I feel like I have to, but it's a feel thing too. The only downfall to this is one side of my thumb is sore after bowling, but that might be the pitch. Other than that I'm content with gripping for this part of the swing. I'm trying to get to where I can relax the thumb from the apex of the swing down. When the thumb hole is really snug I feel like I can achieve this.

dizzyfugu · « **Reply #1 on:** June 23, 2009, 04:57:40 AM »

Since every hand is different, I think there is no general rule to this - except that you should not have to apply a kung fu death grip to hold onto the ball at all during the swing, at that the hold should be firm enough that you actually can let the ball go.

Personally, I went through dire gripping problems in the beginning. I used to cling to the ball with the base of my thumb (on purpose) and never could get out of the ball properly. After timing and thumb pitch adjustments this changed a lot, and I started shifting grip pressure from teh thumb to the fingers, so that I actually hold the ball with the pad of my thumb - most of the weight is on the fingers now.
I found this solution to be most effective so far, and in my shot preparation I make sure that I insert fingers first, "tug" the ball firmly, and just then insert the thumb. Makes for a much cleaner release, and holding the ball much easier, also during the swing. But that's just me so far.
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Jay · « **Reply #2 on:** June 23, 2009, 05:23:25 AM »

When you say the Kung Fu Death Grip I think of bending the thumb and quite a bit of pressure being applied. I normally hold the ball by applying pressure with the base of my thumb I guess if that's possible. The webbing part of the thumb specifically. I think I can understand how that would cause getting out of the ball improperly, as opposed to applying pressure more with the pad of the thumb.

dizzyfugu · « **Reply #3 on:** June 23, 2009, 05:37:15 AM »

Death grip also means using more force than necessary. A properly fitting thumb hole, the span, tapes, everything can play a role. And the ugly part is that it works out for everyone differently. I had 3 experienced players helping me with my release, and each of them made a good contribution - including the bevel, use of tape, and the pitch.

I think that every player has to experiment with all these elements and check what helps, and what not. Tough task, but only ourself can tell whether a change (and even small things can have a huge effect) is helpful or not. and it is not only the "technical" side of the ball, but also the player's release. Things can be very simple, but recognizing them and staying conscious is VERY tough.

But I know, when I make a bad shot (e. g. pulling the ball to the lft because I did not release it properly and hung onto it), I know what to check to get things back to normal - like the weight shift onto the finger tips upon finger and thumb insertion. Small, basic things, but you need to become aware of them. You cannot change or improve what you actually do not know.
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DizzyFugu - Reporting from Germany

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Adrenaline · « **Reply #4 on:** June 23, 2009, 01:16:21 PM »

Personally I have both in my bag, and I alwayss bowl better with the ball that grabs me. I've realized that I prefer the ball that literally feels like my thumb is going to stick in the ball, if I'm not 100% relaxed in my hand, and that is the ball I bowl the best with every time. But on the other hand, I've bought a few used balls, and used other peoples spans/thumbs and last week I shot a 255 with The Sauce, that was way to large for me, and I really had to squeeze the ball. So obviously both forms work well, it's just what feels more comfortable for you.
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Virtual Gravity 234
Twisted Fury 268
Black Widow Solid
The Sauce 255
Rogue Cell
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FS/FT: Angle Evolution Tour 266

Jay · « **Reply #5 on:** June 23, 2009, 05:00:23 PM »

Thanks for the input. I would prefer to be relaxed at least before the release point. It doesn't seem like my release will ever be good enough or at least consistent without achieving that.

bestbudzs24 · « **Reply #6 on:** June 24, 2009, 04:23:56 AM »

i would have to agree with all the points mentioned here. it is a personal preference thing. whatever works best for you. for me when i was younger i always had problems squeezeing the ball. and could never break that habit. so my driller suggested a very streched grip and only inserting my thumb just past the first joint. with this grip it forces me to squeeze the ball,but with my thumb only halfway in the ball i am still able to clear my thumb with ease. it took some time to get used to it and it made my hand sore at first but now i cant imagine doing it any other way. i know its not the most conventional way to do it but it works great for me. if you have any older balls laying around try messing with the span a little bit. it could make a world of difference. good luck with it .
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Author Topic: Gripping Technique (Read 830 times)

Jay

Gripping Technique

dizzyfugu

Re: Gripping Technique

Jay

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dizzyfugu

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Adrenaline

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Jay

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bestbudzs24

Re: Gripping Technique