Hi everyone, thought it might be a good idea discuss Span Measurement & Forward/Reverse as well as Lateral Finger & Thumb Pitches. The reason why I ask is for the last 15 years, I was bowling with pitches that differed so much from what Bill Taylor's book said.

I recently re-united with an old friend I used to bowl tournaments with (Tenpinspro - Rick). Funny thing, I found him here on the boards! Didn't know he owned of the local pro shops at an alley 25 miles away from me. I had him take a look at my Pitches as I was getting sick and tired of "Grabbing," the ball...

Here were my specs before...
Right Handed Bowler:
Middle Finger Span = 4 3/8
Ring Finger Span = 4 1/2
Finger pitch = 1/4" reverse
Thumb Pitch Forward/Reverse = 1/4" reverse
Thumb Pitch Lateral = 1/4" away from palm

After Rick checked out my grip, he knew immediately why I was grabbing. The 1/4" reverse pitch on my finger holes were barely touching the tips of my fingers!

Also, my lateral thumb pitch was 1/4" away. After doing the B. Taylor Coke Bottle test, I realized my thumb was pointing towards my middle finger! This corresponds to a 1/8" under palm lateral pitch in the thumb. I was way off!

I learned to bowl with my old pitches through the years and trained my wrist to stay behind the ball. I rev the ball quite a bit, so Rick told me that I won't have a problem getting around the ball once we bring the Thumb lateral pitch back towards the palm. We will try "0" lateral thumb pitch instead of the 1/8" under palm and see where we go from there.

Specs after changes
Middle Finger Span = 4 3/8
Ring Finger Span = 4 1/2
Finger pitch Forward/Reverse = 0
Thumb Pitch Forward/Reverse = 1/4" reverse
Thumb Pitch Lateral = 0

Gosh, I'm confident of the change and I can't believe it took me this long to figure all this out. I'm excited to hopefully finally get more axis rotation on the ball.

Sorry for the long story, but I was hoping to hear your Horror/Success stories regarding Span/Grip/Pitches. I believe this is a very important part of your game and encourage everyone to talk to a knowledgeable Pro Shop Operator if you have any doubts about your grip.

Good Luck!
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Ram
S.F. Bay Area, California

Edited on 12/9/2004 0:20 AM

Edited on 12/9/2004 0:24 AM

i dont know my span, but the other stuff is in my pfile.

I know what reverse is etc, i just think its easier putting left.right,up down lol
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Tom Kelleys Pro Shop

my span on both is 5 3/8 inches both fingers, im a little confused on what a pitch is and the reverse and stuff if someone could enlighten me i could figure it out
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I am an official BIG BULLY!!!

I got girl hands..

4" span
1/4 reverse pitch in both fingers
1/4 reverse pitch in my thumb


my pap is 5 1/4 over 7/8ths up
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I never dreamed it would be me, My name for all eternity, Recorded here at this hallowed place Alas, my name, no more my face. "In the line of duty," I hear them say: My family now the price to pay. My folded flag stained with their tears; We only had those few short years. The badge no longer on my chest, I sleep now in eternal rest. My sword I pass to those behind, And pray they keep this thought in mind. I never dreamed it would be me, And with heavy heart and bended knee, I ask for all here from the past: Dear God, let my name be the last.

Edited on 12/8/2004 8:39 PM

All information requested is in my profile.  Yes, I know I use a lot of reverse pitch on my thumb hole, but it works for me!  --  JohnP

I have played with the span and pitches a lot over the past couple years. Mostly testing the waters on the shorter spans with less reverse, even had Mo Pinel measure me up just for an opinion from one of the greats. I did not like the shorter spans either Mo's recomendations or my own. I drill my own stuff and have for years. Ran a pro shop for several years. I actually ended up very close to where I started. Just for reference I use the Soft White Countour Powr-Grip inserts. Here are my current numbers. Oh and I am right handed.

Span- 5 1/4" middle finger x 5 5/16" ring finger
(thumb hole to lip of insert, cut is 1/8" less)
Finger pitches- 0 reverse, 3/8 lateral middle finger, 5/16" ring finger
Thumb Pitches - 7/16" reverse, 1/16" left lateral.

Edited on 12/9/2004 0:33 AM

Edited on 12/9/2004 0:34 AM

My span is: Middle Finger 4 3/8 pitch: 0 lateral and 1/8 reverse
            Ring Finger 4 5/16 pitch: 5/8 right and 1/8 reverse
            Thumb: 59/64 oval @ 45 degrees pitch: 1/8 right, 1/8 forward

           Finger inserts: Vise Vacu system: Middle 23, Ring 11
My PAP is: 4 5/16 over and 1/4 up.


What does the PAP tell you about my bowling style? What does my span tell you?

FWIW I've experimented with my grip for a while and haven't changed anything in several years. It feels good. I consider myself a Tweener, and I get abover average revolutions on a bowling ball. I have good ball speed; @ 16-17mph on Qubica

Both Spans are 4 5/8, but I like to "miss" my ring finger short.
3/4 reverse pitch on both fingers.
3/8 lateral pitches on both fingers.
Thumb is Zero/Zero at the moment.

I use Vacu Grips in the fingers and Turbo Switch Grip for the thumb.
May go to 1/8 Forward and Zero lateral on the thumb.  Been having a bad "grabbing" feeling lately.

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Mike Austin
Mike Austin's Precision Pro Shop
Houston, TX
Storm VIP Shop Member
Brunswick Pro Source Member
Drilling and Tech Advice BirdDogbowling.com

Driller to many "Stars" and Tony Melendez too!
Onward through the Storm!!!!