Bowling with Arthur

Question
Coach, I have developed arthritis in the middle and ring fingers of my bowling (right) hand. I like to release the ball (pitch it forward, no twist or turn of the wrist) with just a little "hit" with my fingers. Kinda like closing my hand or snapping my fingers as I let it go. Over the years I have worked with different ball drillers trying to get a span and finger hole pitch combination that will allow me to release the ball smoothly. I like my span to be close to 5 inches. I have had my fingers pitched forward say from as little as 1/8 up to 3/8. I feel like I cannot hold the ball without squeezing. If my fingers are pitched in I get hung up in the ball. Everyone wants to shorten my span and I say NO. It makes me feel cramped in the ball and I cannot get the roll I want to see. I'm 60 years young and trying to simplify my game. Any suggestions?

Answer
Hello Arthur, So you like a stretched out span. However its not helping because it is painful. When I first read the question I thought to myself, "Arthur is in his own way." However, last night while I was trying to bowl my perfect game...#finished with a 288#, one of the tournament bowlers comes over and ask me a question.  He ask, "Coach, how do you throw the ball up the 3 board like that? What he was asking me was a release question.  
  When I thought about your pain I know that it has everything to do with having to squeeze the ball prior to delivery. To me, this is totally a ball fit question. With an extended span, naturally bowlers will squeeze the ball. However, if it is not beveled or spanned properly, to get a grip on the ball, the bowler's fingers may slip over into the finger holes too far.
  What I am speaking of is the occurrence of the thumb coming out a little to accommodate the extended span. This in turn will cause the fingers to go past the finger hole openings, and down to far into the ball.
   This will work the smaller muscles, tendons and the joints of the fingers involved too much. Expert drillers will work the thumb out for bowlers until the ball truly feels good to the thumb and fingers.
   Custom thumb fitting is the hardest thing to do in ball drilling yet, it is the most rewarding part of a ball drillers job. Customizing the thumb is truly an art.
  As bowling ball drillers, we work to get the thumb all the way into the ball, while at the same time allowing the hand to relax just enough so the bowler does not have to excessively squeeze the ball, or alter their grip when handling the ball on the approach.
  If you have to fidget a lot on the approach to get your grip and hand set up prior to delivering your release, chances are you don't have the custom fit your hand needs. A little thumb beveling may be all that is required.
  In summary Arthur, put your fingers in the ball as you normally do, and then the thumb. Ensure your thumb is totally seated down so that when you flip the ball over it is not just on your finger tips or joints. The ball needs to rest comfortably on your hand also. Often times along the base of the middle finger, ring finger, pinky finger on the meaty part of the hand.  
   This will allow you to stabilize the ball in the swing back and forth. Also this will allow you to push the ball at your ankle if needed, verses squeezing and pushing the ball into the lane at delivery. Lastly, if you need beveling of your thumb, there should be no excessive pressure points when it is finished.
   This means if the ball digs into the bases of your thumb causing calluses, tearing or swelling, the fit is not good. Arthur, once you have found the fit that relieves the pain, ensure you get a thumb mole. This can be accomplished by the pro shop professionals.
    I use them and they are cheap to make. Walter Ray William, Jr. uses them also, if that helps... Just remember when you deliver the ball you truly should be "rolling the ball down the lanes." If you are unable to roll the ball, and you are just tossing it. That is when you truly need to seek out a coach that can get you to deliver the ball with a roll.
   God's blessing to you, I hope this helps to get you on the path to being pain free. By-the-way Arthur, I have answered this question a couple of other times with other readers. Each situation is the same, yet to each bowler somewhat unique. Give those questions a look when you can.  
   
Bowl well, and bowl well without pain!

- Gary
Las Vegas, NV

www.TrueBowlerAdjustments.com (It's a great book!)