QuestionGary,
I injured my right middle finger (tore the ligament) last year and have since switched to leftie. I'm now having some left arm pain and am considering switching back to rightie. Is it better to have the ball drilled with fingertip holes for my ring and pinkie or for ring and pointing finger? I certainly don't want to re-tear the middle finger ligament. Thanks.
Answer
www.TrueBowlerAdjustme
Hi Paul, first off, your health is most important to me. I played basketball most of my adult life. If I knew I would love bowling so much I may have stayed away from all the injuries that have foreshortened my bowling career. I suffer from a wrist injury during basketball that has robbed me of the joy of bowling what use to be a 220 average on a monthly basis.
Bowling in pain is not my thing. I am down to league bowling once or twice a week. One challenge pattern and the other a house shot. But that is it. I love the game, but I want to play for a long time to come, without the pain.
I say that to connect with you about your injury to your right hand. Most likely the tendon or ligament tear came from an incorrect span or fit. It may have yielded great results from time to time, however injuries like these often have warning signs. Soreness, aching, swelling, point tenderness to the touch.
Having worked with many disabled athletes and veterans, some with missing digits. I can tell you that it is something you can definitely try.
I have worked with bowlers with 4 finger holes plus the thumb. As a young ball driller, I have been mentored to drill what I see when it comes to adding the pinky, or leaving out a digit. The point here is to make the hand comfortable. Ball drillers who purposely extend a bowlers span, or even send a bowler out the door with a span that is too short often puts that bowler in a world of hurt in the long run.
A shorten span will cause the bowler to grab and yank on the ball. The small muscles, tendons and ligaments of the fingers below the joints will flare up and ache. Extended spans will cause further damage down line to the wrist, forearm, biceps, and shoulders.
In summary Paul, using fingertip for all fingers including the pinky is best. Likewise, if you decide to use conventional drillings they should all be the same.
Should you decide to continue your journey in bowling, I can not begin to stress to you how important it is to get a proper fit. No matter if you decide to do fingertip or conventional drilling. It is a decision that you and your pro shop staffer have to come to terms with. Of course with your injuries, the final decision is going to be on your shoulders.
I want to help... I feel in my heart that the best help I can give you though is for you to understand that the ball needs to "roll" off your hand like "a ball," so that you can be injury free. It can not be heavy to your hand on any points. Your total focus should be that the ball rest "in" your hand. From my experience, getting your thumb to the right just a little will do this. Here again, you need to consult your ball driller! If he says let's try it, then just try it.
It's a terrible thing because I can not begin to tell you how important the communication is between your middle finger and thumb really is. My heart goes out to you. And also for your success if you can pull this off Paul! You've heard it before. Just take one step at a time on your journey. Listen to the feedback you get from any changes you make and don't ignore them.
-Coach
-Coach Gary Oatis
Las Vegas, NV.
www.TrueBowlerAdjustments.com (It's A Great Bowling Book!)
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