OK, I'm sure this topic has been discussed a billion times on this board by now, but I believe my case is a bit more unique than the simple "more/less revs cleaner release, etc.)

For almost a year now I have been battling a problem with my ring finger.  I continually bruise under the nail, and after sets longer than 6 games, the finger becomes numb and sore for a couple of days.  I've tried everything, went from lifts to ovals, changed pitch in both fingers AND thumb, changed the span (both shorter AND longer).  Nothing has worked, and while the pain has lessened over the last month or so, it's still not gone.

Today my coach suggested moving to a no insert drilling to see if that would solve my problems.  Less give, less hang, less time the bowling ball is in contact with the nail and finger tip.  Now, I'll admit, I'm somewhat rev-challenged.  I'm not a stroker, but am I by no means a cranker.  My speed isn't that fast either, only 15-16 mph.  One thing I've noticed lately is I've been having trouble releasing the ball the same way time, after time, after time.  It seems when I try to play direct, and come up the back of the ball, I'm great-- I can pick a board 40 feet down the lane and nail it.  Problem is when I try to get some hand in the ball, come around the side of it, I seem to have problems.  One shot it hangs, then it falls, then my fingers catch and I come over the ball.  Problems abound.  Never throw the same shot twice.  What's terrible is that when my revs are off, my speed is off-- Two problems for the price of one.

So if you've gotten this far; thank you.  Here's my question.  Does anyone believe that if I switched to a no-insert finger grip that I would lessen the strain on my ring (and to a lesser extent, middle) finger?  Also, do people notice the ability to repeat certain shots easier without inserts than with them.  Common logic dictates so, but common logic can be wrong in many ways.

For those of you who have had the expierience of trying both, your input would be much appreciated, especially if you are in the 15mph tweeker range...

Thanks again for all the help guys!

Edited on 3/31/2005 0:30 AM

What are you pitches in you fingers?
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Paul

yea dude, your pitches are deffinitly wrong. You might have changed them, but you need to change them again. Sounds like your finger is not very flexible, and you have to much pitch away from your palm.
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....BRUNSWICK!
¡Viva la nación de Brunswick!
Nothing more to be said.
....DEATH BY CHEETOS!!!!

I used to tear the skin on my fingers with the inserts - it would separate at the joint on the palm side.  Since I went to no-grips, I have not split open yet.

Now then, for your release problems...

 

quote:

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Problem is when I try to get some hand in the ball, come around the side of it, I seem to have problems. One shot it hangs, then it falls, then my fingers catch and I come over the ball. Problems abound. Never throw the same shot twice. What's terrible is that when my revs are off, my speed is off-- Two problems for the price of one.

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My guess is that you are "muscling" the ball.  In other words, your arm swing is becoming forced and tense, causing your problems.  I know, I learned to "hit up" on the ball and am trying to undo that habit as we speak.  When I come up on the ball, trying to get more revs, I fail to extend toward my mark.  This decreases my speed, decreases my ability to get the ball out to my mark (more pulled shots) and basically wreaks all havoc with my game.  I am guessing that might be some of what's going on in your release as well.  Someone had posted a link to an article on how to properly increase revs, wish I had it, but it was a good read.  Maybe someone will post it again to help you out...

Good luck!
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9~