I've been bowling with pain in my wrist for 3 or 4 months. (non-bowling injury) I started using a glove/wrist brace just for the metal support in the back which helps only during my first ball. I feel no pain.

For spares, I normally throw end-over-end rolling over the thumb hole. But doing this release, even with the brace on, it's painful on my wrist. My wrist hurts most when my thumb turns laterally or away from my body with my palm facing upwards.

Now, I'm struggling with spares because I'm not use to throw at spares like a strike shot. Mentally it feels weird and it's affecting my game.

I will continue to maintain that the plastic ball in my bag is the most important ball in my arsenal.  It essentially all but removes the pattern from play and year-round spare shooting is simplified and the same from house to house, league to league and tournament to tournament. 

As the previous poster noted, it is a part of the game you should develop as the results yeild higher and more consistant scores.  Leave the adjusting to how you're playing the specific pair you're on, while your spare game remains the same.

All of that assuming you haven't already....if you have and are flat out missing spares, well.......................

Take some time off and heal.

I do use a polyester ball today. But, over a decade ago when I returned to the game, I simply used my strike ball for spares and threw it semi-back up ball. I only switched to a polyester cover because changing thumb slugs, or fixing cracked thumb holes became bothersome - polyester balls are cheaper. Anyway, it became a habit when I picked up a spare ball to release it flat.

I just need to get over this mental hurdle and try to throw the same way as my strike ball with spare shots - need lots of practice and adjustments. I use a modified "4th arrow" system for many years and never even tried to make an effort to learn to hook at spares with strike ball.

What kind of wrist support are you using? Is it adjustable?

Power Tac Plus by C300. I do use the old school Roby's original without the metal on the palm side. I lose the feel for the ball on my hand, but it helps keeping me playable for 3 sets.

Thanks Sir.

Quote from: xrayjay on October 13, 2012, 03:05:39 AM

I just need to get over this mental hurdle and try to throw the same way as my strike ball with spare shots - need lots of practice and adjustments. I use a modified "4th arrow" system for many years and never even tried to make an effort to learn to hook at spares with strike ball.

No question that it's a mental hurdle. Be patient and give it time. As far as what system to use, dont't feel constrained using something already developed. Get a feel for angles that are comfortable and repeatable for you, and burn it into muscle memory through repeated practice. Good luck.