How to Fix Bowling Thumb Issues
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- čas přidán 28. 06. 2024
- Do you have bowling thumb issues? Pain or hand issues when you bowl? Thumb Size Changing? Are you double jointed? This videos gives you some ideas on how to fix bowling thumb issues and my experiences with this too!
Video on interchangeable thumbs: • Why Use Interchangeabl...
Video on bowling ball fit: • How to Get the Right B...
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Bronze level bowling coach, wellness coach and former collegiate bowler Rebecca Colby, helping you with bowling tips, strategies, techniques and tricks to improve your bowling scores and average.
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If you're looking for quality supplement and personalized nutrition ideas to help your bowling, this is what I use and suggest: tinyurl.com/2j7fb3v2 - Sport
I've had lots of issues in years past where I would drop the ball a lot especially with my finger tip grip. I left bowling for 30 years and came back about 12 years ago. Bowling has changed during that time greatly. I met a new pro shop guy and he told me about using a relaxed finger tip technique. It helped. After kind of getting used to reactive balls, etc., I began researching things on the internet about improving my game. I read about fitting and pitches. What caught my eye was to use a forward pitch on the thumb hole to have a more relaxed grip. First change was to go to zero pitch thumb. That was like nothing for me. We made several changes after that and I think I'm at about 3/8" forward now and I could go more. Later I had my finger pitches reverse a little as my finger tips were getting sore. I use a tiered tape in the thumb hole and use some protective tape on the back of my thumb as well. It's quite an ordeal for me to prepare to bowl each week. Thanks for your great videos...
Thanks for sharing! It can definitely be a process to figure out what may work!
I am like you, I quit bowling in 2017 because of arthritis in my fingers, thumb and wrist. I recently started back bowling halfway through last season and have to relearn all over again. I am still using the balls from 2017 (Storm Sync, IQ Tour Fusion, Zone plastic). I too use IT grips for my thumb and have several sizes because my thumb shrinks a lot which causes me to drop the ball or squeeze it. After experimenting with my thumb I found the size that fits but I have to throw practice balls to it get shrink to the size I feel comfortable with. I also use a piece of tape on the back of my thumb but I do not like a lot of tape in the thumb. One to two pieces is enough. One thing I found out recently in the last month or so if adding Forward pitch to my thumb would help me hold onto the ball. I found out thru research that this would help me to stay in the ball longer where reverse pitch helps you come out of it faster. I then asked my PSO to add forward pitch to my thumb. My PSO then added 1/4 forward to one of my thumb inserts. I noticed when I use that particular insert I no longer drop the ball. When using my other inserts the ball slips off my hand a lot. This video confirms what I have been working on to relearn bowling and helps me to manage my Thumb issues. The reason I stopped bowling was because of the arthritis was so bad the tendons in my hands would hurt after bowling one game and I could no longer hold the ball. I then started working out a lot and after years of pushups my wrist and hands no longer hurt when I pickup a bowling ball. I am now trying to relearn the proper release a approach because I was lost after being away from it of so long.
Thanks Rebecca for this video as I have not seen another one like it on YT but it is needed for us older bowlers.
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Your comment really got eye, as a very good bowler in the 1960 I booked 185 as a 14 year old with a 16 lb Manhattan rubber, lost interest and stopped started back and average 198 really needed to upgrade from a 50 year old ball, tried 4 different pro shops, could not get a proper thumb fit, tried tape with lots of practice staying with the Manhattan and just quit again because of the thumb, you not alone my friend
Keep up the great words of wisdom.Thanks so much am really learning alot.
so glad the videos have been helpful to you! Thanks for the comment!
I use interchangeable thumbs as well and always fresh tape. I have a few different sizes, but my thumb size rarely changes.
Do you like the interchangeables? You're very fortunate that your size rarely changes!
I had really bad thumb issues. Ball would stick to my thumb and not leave my hand. I took it to the pro shop. His advice? "Dude, you need to relax." And he was right. I was squeezing too tight. I have since learned to release my thumb at or behind my knee instead of lofting it. Gravity pulls the ball off my thumb. Problem solved. "Numb the thumb" is now my motto. I only use my thumb for aiming on the downswing. The middle two fingers provide the rotation.
great tips! Thanks for sharing and glad you found some things to work for you!
I have done 2 things to fix my thumb issues...went to the interchangeable thumb (had multiple balls with different size thumbs) and recently started using a thumb protector. So far it has fixed my issues.
Glad you found some things that have worked for you! I have seen the thumb protectors but never have tried them. Does it help you get out of the ball cleaner? or just help from keeping your thumb from getting torn up? Thanks for the comment!
I have thumb issues also. Either too tight or too loose so add or take out tape. I’m considering interchangeable inserts like you showed.
Even though I use the interchangeables I still do mess around with tape fairly often. But I like having different thumb sizes and shapes for a different feel. Keep us posted how it goes!
I just started bowling back in November and bought my own ball in March and got it fitted. I bowled 12 or so games with it throwing with thumb in but I had issues with my thumb not fitting my thumb hole right. My thumb fits perfect for the most part, but too often I would catch myself squeezing because the thumb was too loose or I would throw the ball almost to the ceiling because it was too tight. I got it drilled out a little to compensate and got some tape. With the tape, I could never get my thumb to release right. I ended up switching to two handed no thumb and I have been having some success with that. Two handed is harder to throw straight for spare shots but I feel more powerful with my strike shots. I initially felt less accurate with two handed, but with some practice I was able to get some good consistency out of it. My ball still has the thumb hole, so seeing that I’m still new at this I’m not sure if I should get it filled in or possibly get it redrilled for a turbo interchangeable grip.
glad you're figuring out what works for you and willing to try new things! If you end up bowling 2 handed you will want to have your thumb hole filled in to bowl in sanctioned tournaments and leagues but for now, enjoy the process of figuring it out. Thanks for the comment!
Starting with the thumb hole size, the technician at the pro shop puts in a urethane slug at or near the pitch I can use. Now it is 3/8 forward with 1/16 towards the palm. The hole size is about 31/32”.
After the tech does the hole and smooths out the inside texture and bevel, I work on getting the hole shaped to be oval. I mark on the thumb hole where the widest portion of my thumb is on both sides. Then using one of those Ebonite disc scraper tools I get down about 1 1/4” below surface and pull a notch out and repeat to get an oval shape going. Eventually, both sides get enough material removed so my thumb sides are not tight fit but loose. The thumb pad is my main gripping area to carry the ball thru the swing to the release point. A small tip I use is the oil on your nose can be used on the thumb portion where the wrinkle is to allow back of thumb to slide easily coming out of hole. Or a wipe of chapstick on the wrinkle works too. Thumb tape on the wrinkle works too but sweat eventually works the tape off the skin.
nice tips thank you! I have used chapstick in the past as well and it can be helpful.
Love that I found this video. I also have “Gumby hands” and its been a challenge getting my fitment right. I feel like it takes 20-30 pins off of my average when I have to manipulate my release to clear the ball.
Any resources you can recommend for getting my fitment and release dialed in? I tried a Mark Baker, but he doesn’t seem to have any suggestions regarding fitment.
It’s tough for sure. I would try your pro shop and if you’re not getting a good fit there either try to work with them or try someone else. Also doing foul line drills just focusing on release can help with repetition. Hope that helps!
@RebeccaBowls Thank you. I've worked with 8 different drillers over the years. Mike who works with Barry Asher in Fountain Valley did a good job, but it's till not right. I wish redrilling pitches was a faster process.
@@nathanielfuentes5294 sounds like you're doing all the right things. It's hard having double jointed hands both for us and the ball driller! I hope you can get it worked out soon. I know how frustrating that can be.
Find a great PSO and stick with them until they die. Seriously.
I bowled quite a bit from 1997 through about 2007. I had one ball driller that knew my game (he was my coach for a while). I got back into bowling a few years later and needed a new ball. Unfortunately, he passed away during that time. I ended up going to this one guy and had him drill me up some stuff. I was never pleased with the grip or the feel of it. After some research time, I found a PSO about 50 miles away. This guy was very patient, precise, and just flat out knew what he was doing. After a number of trips, we finally got my gear fitting perfect.
Fast forward about 7 years and my hand suddenly changed. My thumb didn't feel right anymore & my whole hand was feeling uncomfortable. Instead of going to the guy I trusted, I went to "the local guy". While he talked a good game, he was an old schooler that followed old skills. He put me into a ball that was not suited for my game, installed a offbrand interchangeable thumb, and made the thumbhole look like it was installed by a beaver. But most of all, I was having bigger issues with my thumb. I ultimately went back to the other PSO. He took one look at that ball and just laughed. He originally told me I should go back to the local guy and make him fix it for free, and said if he had to fix it, it would cost about $80. (which wasn't bad, considering that I wanted the Vise IT and not the Mickey Mouse thumb the other guy put in). I ended up paying the $80, because my thinking was "if he screwed me up this bad, I don't want him touching anything else of mine!). He took on the project of fixing my ball & remeasured my hand. It turned out the local guy had my thumb completely torqued in the opposite direction! Needless to say, I love the PSO I'm using now. He's drilled everything spot on, which immediately elevated my game.
I did make the mistake of going to Reno for a tourney and picked up a ball. I had the Reno PSO take my measurements off of one of my balls. Turns out that he had somehow mismeasured and added too much reverse pitch in my thumb. Needless to say, if I had an IT in all of my balls, I could pick this ball out of a lineup blindfolded, just by feel. Ugh. But that's what I get.
As for IT's, I love the Vise stuff. The feel of their sleeves feel more natural to me.
In short: Get a good PSO. They're worth their weight in gold.
couldn't agree with you more! It's a tough lesson to learn sometimes! Glad you have someone now that does good work for you! Thanks for the comment
I just got back into bowling after a 30+ year layoff. New ball a few weeks ago, 203 first game. But I’m also double jointed in my thumbs, and I was getting exceptional pain in my ligaments after some throws. It’s really about the thumb. I will have to go back to the pro shop
glad you're back! good idea to check with your pro shop to make sure your fit is good. It can be tricky with double joints. Good luck!
Question Rebecca, how many balls do you take to a tournament? I am still reading the book you suggested and I'm fairly sure what my next ball purchase will be but I will try a different pro shop guy and get his feedback first.
I don’t own tons of equipment and sometimes feel less is more so it’s less confusing about which ball to use. Having said that, I take the 6 balls I currently use which includes my spare ball. But for me it’s honestly probably too many as I usually don’t need everything I bring.
i'm a leftie and my thumb keeps getting stuck in the ball and i end up with a late release and excessive tilt and rotation, but when i flatten my shot, i get a fantastic 3/4 roll on the ball. i have a stiff and short (2 3/4") thumb. my previous pitch was 1/16" right lateral and 5/16" reverse. had the thumb redrilled again. this time, it's 1/16 left lateral and 1/2" reverse. hopefully, i would get a clean release this time. sadly, we don't have proshops with actual serious pros' in them. just guys who are taught to drill holes and there aren't even any shops in my area interchangeable inserts as well. so, i'm struggling to get the right grip.
that's tough....but often PSO aren't pros but can be very skilled in what they do. I would suggest researching good pro shops that are driveable and maybe taking a road trip to one. I would ask around to other good bowlers in your area to see who they use. I drive about an hour and a half to mine. And because he's so good others travel a few hours once a year to see him. Best of luck finding someone who is a good fit for you! It's important.
I started back bowling a year or so ago with alley balls (I was an avid duckpin bowler in my youth and did some tenpins). I bought a ball a month ago or so and had it drilled. When I can get my thumb out, it works well. But I've had problems with the thumb sticking or dropping the ball, which I think are all problems of trying to get the release down better, especially the grip. When it was working, my speed was much higher then normal. I know I hear a lot about people with similar problems who had the thumb hole reworked but this made the problem worse as they then gripped it harder. Trying to find the right happy medium.
Have you tried doing foul line drills? Taking your steps out of it and just practicing the release? That could help. For me I do need to put tape in or take it out regularly. And I also use rosin and sometimes slide powder on my thumb depending on if I am sticking or not. Hope that helps! It can be a work in progress for quite a while but stick with it.
@@RebeccaBowls Thanks. FWIW I'm 73. I thought I was making progress, but today I tended to either 1) loft it way down alley 2) over rotate it or 3) drop the ball. In an attempt to "get under the ball" (a release idea to help get out quicker) I was curling my arm instead of my wrist so my bicep is sore. Yesterday I was in the 11x or 12x (a good start) and today 60 or 70. My confidence is low - can't even bowl! I'll try the foul line drill.
@@jimkangas4176 hang in there! If it were easy we would all be bowling perfect games regularly. It takes time and patience to develop or relearn a habit. Foul line drills can help and set one thing to work on per session.
my inner thumb, closer towards my palm is what hurts me. would that need a pitch change or a interchangable thumb?
Could be a pitch issue. Best to have it looked at by your pro shop operator.
I own a 10 lb C300 WD polyester ball since 2007 and a 10 lb C300 Jazz cheap entry-level coreless ball since 2011. Both balls are configured for conventional layout. I bought a 12 lb C300 Power Torq Solid in the May of 2022 as an upgrade. I wanted the Power Torq Solid to follow the same conventional layout as my WD and Jazz, but the pro shop pro who sold me the Power Torq Solid told me that it might be a waste if I don't use a fingertip layout and don't use the ball for hooking delivery. I told the pro shop pro that I am still not ready for hook delivery and would like to fully explore the straight delivery to the maximum potential because I am still a novice player. The pro shop pro then suggested me the semi-fingertip layout so that I can continue with the straight delivery and switch to the hook delivery by the time I am ready in the future, and I compromise with this one. After becoming comfortable with the semi-fingertip layout, I sent my WD and Jazz for plugging and redrilling also based on the semi-fingertip layout. I bought Track Strata Hybrid in the August of 2022, and it is also drilled based on the semi-fingertip layout. An older lady at my university laboratory (I am doing PhD) gave me her old school 11 lb C300 WD polyester ball because she no longer play bowling and almost throw away the ball - the ball was originally drilled based on the conventional layout (because the original owner is a beginner), and then sent to my regular pro shop for plugging and redrilling based on my semi-fingertip layout. Now, I have 5 balls 😅. All my balls have the non-interchangeable thumb inserts and no finger insert. Recently, I got some kind of thumb muscle injury due to over-gripping while using my Power Torq Solid. It is suspected that I over-gripped because my thumb at that time shrunk a little bit and I had to grip stronger to prevent my ball from slipping off my thumb. My thumb still feel painful even though it has already been 3 weeks since I got that injury. I have been rubbing heating cream on the thumb for 1 week, but there is no improvement so far. I plan to go to the clinic next week. I contacted my regular pro shop pro recently to ask if I should put the bowling tape inside the thumbholes of my balls to solve the problem, but the pro shop pro suggested me to replace the the non-interchangeable thumb insert on my Power Torq Solid instead of applying the bowling tape. It might be costly acceptable if I replace the thumb insert for only 1 ball, but might be a waste if I also have to do it for all my balls (because those thumb inserts are still new). I decided to stick with the bowling tape as a temporary but cost-effective solution. The interchangeable thumb insert might be a cost-effective solution for the long run, but I think a novice like me should stick with the cheaper bowling tape solution and only go for the interchangeable thumb insert once some/most of my non-interchangeable thumb insert(s) are old/worn out. I still haven't attended any proper bowling class at the bowling alley nearby my area, and I think the right time for me to go for the interchangeable thumb insert might be after I improve my technique after attending the bowling class. But this is just my personal opinion based on my personal financial situation. Sorry for writing a long paragraph 😅.
Using tape in the thumb (or fingers) is important for any bowler in my opinion and can fix many issues with sizing and feel. Even with my interchangeable thumbs I use tape all of the time. Good luck and thanks for the comment!
@@RebeccaBowls. Thank you very much. I have gone to the same pro shop yesterday to bring my Power Torq Solid for inspection and asked the pro which brand, model, and tape size that I should use. The pro said the gap between the non-interchangeable thumb insert and my thumb is too big and it will take too many layers of tape to fix that problem. The Power Torq Solid was bought in May of 2022 and my thumb might be bigger at that time because of the calluses due to frequent practice. The thumb hole on the Power Torq Solid might have been drilled based on my bigger thumb back then. In addition, my other 1 newly bought ball and my 3 replugged balls have been drilled based on the Power Torq Solid. Now, my thumb might have shrunk because I play bowling less frequently after my university tournament is over. The pro told me that the best solution is to replace the insert, but it is costly to do so because I have to do it for all five balls. The pro told me to only fix 1 ball at the moment if the cost is so critical for me, but I still didn't go for it. All the thumb inserts on my five balls are still new, and I feel it is a waste if I have to replace them 😅. I ended up buying some kind of tape to wrap it around my thumb as a cheap temporary solution. If it doesn't work, then I have no choice but to go for the thumb insert replacement. Again, sorry for the long paragraph 😅.
3 games, I’m ok, but if I have to bowl several games I blister and tear every time. I use interchangeable thumb and tape and 1/8 foreword pitch. Will shortening my span help me? Relaxing my span?
blisters and tearing after 3 games shouldn't happen. I would definitely talk to your pro shop operator soon to see how they can adjust your fit so this doesn't happen. Thanks for the comment and hope you get this fixed soon!
Was your ball driller Tom(lash) laskow? He told me I am not gumby lol. Sounds like him.
The guy who drilled my first ball as a kid? I don't recall his name. My current PSO is Chad Robertson. He's the one who said I have gumby hands :)
I randomly get a bruise under my thumb nail. I personally think I'm not doing something consistently because it doesn't happen all the time. Any tips?
Have you had your fit checked lately? I would start there. And to gain more consistency in your release I would suggest the no step drill at the foul line, paying attention to whether you’re squeezing or pushing your thumb against the thumb hole. It’s hard to say without seeing you. I would ask your PSO or other coach in your area to take a look. Let us know how it goes!
Im having an issue getting and revs thumb fully inserted. With half thumb in i get excellent revs but less ball control. Any ideas on how to help. Sprained wrist bowling tonight trying thumb fully in bowling. It is not a tight fitment.
I’m sorry that happened to you and definitely shouldn’t happen with proper fit and technique. Having your thumb exit first and quickly is important. I would have an experienced PSO check fit. And if you have a certified coach in your area help you that would be the most effective way to help. Without seeing you bowl it’s hard to know what may be going on. Best of luck!
@RebeccaBowls thank you so much Rebecca!
I’m double jointed also and I am consistently inconsistent 😮
I hear you! If you know you know! Hang in there and keep working on your game and release.
I’ve had many problems with my getting my thumb out of the ball at the right time. Sometimes I don’t put my thumb all the way in or else my thumb won’t come out of the hole. This isn’t just one ball. I own many other bowling balls. Some of my bowling balls doesn’t even have tape in it so can’t do anything about those ones.
I would suggest talking to your proshop operator about the balls with too snug of thumb holes. They can open those up for you so you can use tape. Or consider switching to interchangables so you have more options. Thanks for watching and hope that helps!
@@RebeccaBowls yeah that’s what I’ve been thinking. Also I try to use tape if I have enough room. I prefer having the tape against the pad of my thumb, but when I put my hand in, it almost feels like it’s on the side of my thumb, does it have to be perfectly on the pad of my thumb or is it ok if it’s a little bit out of place?
@@Philycheeze222 placement of tape can affect feel so if you feel it's out of place you can just take that tape out and move a new piece or more in. If my tape is off I have to change it. I think having your thumb hole checked and opened will help as you want to be able to put your whole thumb in the ball. Hope that helps!
I had surgery on my thumb 4 months ago to remove bone spurs. I've had my balls redrilled but now my thumb nail hits on the top left portion when releasing and its very painful. Any suggestions? I cannot squeeze the ball because my thumb joints have been fused together so the thumb is always straight.
I am sorry you're dealing with this! I would suggest talking to your pro shop to see what changes they can make to help your thumb issue. And if they aren't able or willing, then shop around for an experienced PSO who has worked with hand injuries and issues. Best of luck!! and of course you could always consider not using your thumb.
@@RebeccaBowls thank you for such a quick response. I'm a 66 year old female and I don't think two handed bowling is in my future. I've only been bowling a few years and absolutely love the sport. I will see the guy Monday, again to see if he can do anything to help me out.
best of luck! hope you find a good solution.@@charlotterigney7853
I go straight to a thumb sock once my fingers start to swell
I’ve never tried one. I’m such a feel player but I may get one to try soon. Thanks for the comment!
i have small d type thumbs. there small and pudgy. i worry that it could effect me bowling
Everyone is different. I would suggest having an experienced pro shop operator fit you and if you can find a coach in your area that could be helpful. Best of luck!
@@RebeccaBowls okay thank you! i have my first PBA jr tournament next month! im hoping i can do well
@@futureairmedicalpilot3072 best of luck!!
Morbid as this sounds, I'm convinced that nothing is EVER gonna fit me right and that there isn't a single PSO out there who can fit me properly. The only thumb pitch that isn't extremely uncomfortable is 1/16'' forward and that is NOT easy for a PSO to replicate. And if I put tape in the ball? It's now stuck to my thumb. My thumb swells up THAT much lol. And this is with me bowling on almost a completely empty stomach. If I make the mistake of eating before I bowl, my thumb will get cartoonishly big haha.
That said, I've accepted that fact and now see thumb issues as part of my game that I must deal with. It just means I need to make an adjustment and it's a pretty weird one. Instead of putting my whole thumb in the ball I'll put just the end of my thumb in the ball. Makes me hold onto it a bit, but it clears all the same.
I understand your issues! My thumb changes sizes so much too and it can be very frustrating. Do you use interchangeables? That has helped me having various sizes to go between but I do end up using tape often too. Have you played around with different types of tape? The smoother tape on the back of my thumb hole is helpful and I’m thinking in the humid months it may be beneficial to use that in other parts of the thumb hole too.
Yes pitch is important BUT CORRECT USE of the fingers gripping the ball is more i.portant! I learnt tbis from Dick Ritger. Watch The Norm Duke sequent of releases and watch the fingers only after release. You will notice that they are still in the grip position. Lock (fingers in ball), press oufside fingers against ball, relax (thumb). When this grip becomes automatic you will find more revs due to fast thumb release and excellent repeatability of shot. Thumb problems will vanish! If you dont know who Dick Ritger is... your training drills were developed by him?
thanks for the comment!
Drill the thumb wider than I need, forces me to let the ball rest in my head and release without pinching
has that helped you? sounds interesting!
I always release it late, its so frustrating me
Have you tried no step or one step drills? They can help with release timing. If that doesn’t help then maybe have your fit checked to help to not get hung up in the ball.
@@RebeccaBowls yes already tried, but i release better with no step or one step and always failed whenever i tried full step. 🥹
I broke my thumb right after my ball got drilled
oh my gosh I am so sorry! I hope it heals quickly and you can get back to bowling soon! Or consider not using your thumb and plugging the thumb hole.
You’re telling me with gummy hands I’m going to have thumb issues forever 😭
are you double jointed too? It's a continuous struggle for me..... but keep at figuring out what works for you. Lately I have had to tape my thumb to help get a more consistent release. It's a work in progress. :)
Slide right
Yes sliding correctly can help many things.
tape tape tape tape tape tape tape tape tape tape tape tape tape tape tape 😁