QuestionI was a league bowler about 25 years ago! I used a LT 48. Now it seems that everything has changed! I rely on a fast approach and a good strong swing for my game. I used a semi finger tip grip. I like to throw a straight ball that hooks at the last minute real hard into the pocket. Now after joining a league I purchased a moderately priced Avalanche ball because it was cheap and the cover was "reactive" at the reccomendation of the pro shop. In the past my ball weighed 14 pounds but being older I have dropped to 12 lbs and I have a finger tip grip! The ball does not react well to my "speed", does not carry the pins well when in the pocket and my ring finger ends up swollen while my index finger has no signs of use! I have been told to slow my approach because todays' game is more finesse than power. That's like telling a homerun hitter to bunt! I really need help and I would like to start with my ball because I need to have confidence in what I am throwing. Please help me.
Answer
www.TrueBowlerAdjustme
Hello Kim, You are right, it is hard to tell a home run hitter to bunt. However as I recall, that was one of the first drills I learned to move the runners around the bases so we could score and "win!". Basically, we have to adjust to what the game needs "us" to do, not necessarily what we would like to do. Dry conditions and speed, yes you can move faster to the line and deliver your ball.
Today's game you have to find the ball for your game and adapt yourself as much as you can to the lanes. You are in luck though. I saw the Curve and the Hardball bowling balls the other day. They rolled very well and moved just as you described.
I attend a lot of tournaments and I watch 100's of bowlers every week. Now honestly, I can not tell you how the lay out of the bowling ball was drilled. I know you can bowl, however, after 25 years, you would truly be a person who needs a little coaching perhaps. And, if you are not into that, you can purchase my new bowling book. It could help you a lot. Regardless, you are seeking a little knowledge and not a lot of people are forthcoming about that because it requires an open mind, and lots of time nowadays to explain the new game.
However, here is the real problem! Your ring finger! Most often the span is laid out correctly for a bowler, but sometimes it just doesn't feel right.
A bowler will adjust their hand in the ball. Sometimes the middle finger and thumb are connecting but it leaves the ring finger too far down in the ball. When you release, the ring finger will try to help push or spin the ball down the lane and it gets hurt "really bad" over time.
Take your bowling ball to your pro shop and get your span checked. Although you are complaining of your ring finger, show the pro shop staff how "you" are holding the ball. If you are not able to put your thumb in the ball, you may have to use some bevel to smooth the edge of the thumb hole out so it is not so sharp on your thumb. The next action may be to extend your ring finger so that it is not short.
In summary Kim, Your ring finger is a big problem. Your thumb should go all the way into the ball. When it doesn't, the ring finger will dip into the ring finger hole and cause injury at release. Often times the span "is correct," but the thumb hole can be sharp edged causing pain. Once the thumb can go into the ball the span will corrected itself. Concerning a good ball; Ebonite makes the CURVE and the Hard Ball, bowling balls. They go long and break at the pocket. In closing, you have to be adaptable in today's bowling game. It is not easy as you already know. Learning to adjust to the game is what makes it so fun. Your friends and I are here to help. Keep an open mind and by all means get a certified coach. Follow the lead of someone successful in today's game. Git `yer Roll on Kim! But first, make sure you check out that ball fit. You may even find you don't need another ball. :-)
-Gary
Las Vegas, NV.
www.TrueBowlerAdjustments.com (It's a great book!
