Semi-Grip (finger-tip)

Question
QUESTION: What should the thumb and finger pitch be for a semi-finger tip grip, my regular span is 4 1/2 and 4 5/8? Also, what should be the span for the Ssmi-grip based on my regular span?

         Thanks,
         Tim

ANSWER: Tim,
Don't understand some of your terminology.

A semi-finger tip is a grip where the fingers are inserted between the creases/joints of the fingers. I will assume you mean a finger tip or relaxed finger tip where the tip of the finger (bending at the first joint) is inserted in the ball.

Your pitches would reflect your flexibility and an encouragement of performance. Your finger pitches can start at zero forward/reverse and middle finger at 1/4 and ring finger at 5/8 (laterals). A couple of other evaluations can be made to fine tune the spans/pitches. International Bowling Pro Shop and Instructors Association (IBPSIA) parameters suggest between and 1/8 and 3/8 reverse pitch, depending on your flexibility, while lateral pitch in your thumb is unique to you and a couple of physical influences.

So there is no should in "What should the span be?", as the grip SHOULD reflect only your specific flexibility, condition of your hand (moist, dry or inbetween), tension of the web of your skin from thumb to palm and length of your digits. Can you expand on your question and share what you've had before, so I might be able to suggest an adjustment. If one is needed.

Thanks for your question.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I have a finger tip grip right now, and I want to switch to a semi-grip.So, my finger tip span is 4 1/2 and 4 5/8 and the finger pitch right now is 3/8 reverse on both fingers.The thumb pitch is 1/8 reverse and no lateral pitch.So, I want to change to a more relax grip because I am 58 years old.

Answer
Tim,
A semi-finger tip grip is significantly more difficult to roll as your fingers must bend where there is no crease to allow it. Are you thinking of the conventional grip, with the fingers inserted to the second knuckle? What does your ball weigh?

Your pitches for your spans aren't helping you relax your grip, rather grip pressure is probably necessary to just hang on to the ball. If everything is "normal" (I am assuming: right handed, medium length fingers and/or stiff knuckles and/or moist/sticky hand), I'd change the lateral pitches from none (zero and zero, is what I am assuming, to 1/4 right and 5/8 left) so you HAVE lateral pitches (they will help you roll the ball more consistently). The 3/8 away pitch in the fingers probably is helping with flexibility issues (leave it), and change the pitch in the thumb (from 1/8 reverse to 1/4 forward) and loosen the hole. Is your hand flat on the ball with the old fit? You must, MUST be flat with the change in pitch.

I'm guessing with most of what you are relaying to me here, but your age, loss of flexibility and strain from your current fit should be helped. Please get yourself refit, whether for a tip or conventional grip. I am NOT comfortable when I can't even see your hand to confirm anything.

I commend you for wanting to change your fit, so you can continue to enjoy the sport of bowling, but guessing about most of what is crucial for a good fit just is NOT a good idea. What area do you live/bowl in? I may be able to suggest a shop professional nearby.