Question
ball specs
My ball is coming off my thumb early when I release the ball. I have 1/8 reverse and no lateral. If I will make it zero pitch, is this going to hold the ball much better? My second question is about the lateral pitch on your thumb, what is the purpose of this lateral pitch?
Answer
www.TrueBowlerAdjustme
Hi Rodel, You said your ball is coming off your thumb early when you release the ball. If you pitch the ball forward, or to zero, that would help you to hold onto the ball a little better. It would be much like closing the hand more, or bring the thumb and fingers to the palm more.
You were also wondering about the lateral pitch of the thumb, and how that would affect your release? Any pitch in the ball is designed to fit you comfortably. If you consider an expensive suit, the tailor is trying to make you feel as good in the suit as he can.
He is going to give you a little room to move. At the same time, he tries to ensure your fit allows you to do what you need to, comfortably, without putting a lot of wrinkles or tightness in the suit, which will make you look bad.
The same goes for bowling balls. In this case, the tailor is your ball driller. If he uses lateral pitch, it may be to get your ball off your hand more smoothly. It may be to move your track off your thumb, if you are rolling over it.
It could be to relieve a blistering effect caused by the bowler抯 inability to stop squeezing the ball. They may be squeezing so much they are tearing the skin off the side of their thumb. Overall, it is often about the 揻it?of the ball.
Most bowlers will opt for tape to ensure they can maintain a good swing with the ball. Tape is an inexpensive alternative to drilling. Especially since other problems can pop up.
Considering it is winter time, cooler temperatures also affect bowlers. If your body has responded to the coolness, or if your bowling ball has been affected. You may need to visit your local pro shop for a fit review. In winter, its not unusual to experience looseness of the thumb hole and fingers due to the coolness. Tape sometimes can be a bowler抯 best friend. The pro shop professionals would be happy to instruct you on placing tape or adjusting the pitch in your thumb if needed. In winter, my inserts are smaller. I change them out in the summer for a larger size. That is my adjustment. Its different for other bowlers.
One final point. Consider if you have pain in your wrist. Often bowlers who can not carry the ball through the swing will lose the ball off the thumb to avoid pain in their wrist.
If you do have pain in your wrist, a definite review of your thumb should be done immediately! A thumb hole that is too big will cripple a bowler who squeezing the ball though their release. Especially, if the bowler jerks the ball at any point during their release or is hitting up on the ball to impart revolutions on it. Thanks for your question Rodel. Get that thumb taking care of so you can roll the rock as well as you want!
- Coach Gary
Las Vegas, NV
www.TrueBowlerAdjustments.com (It抯 A Great Bowling Book!)
