possible ball weight change

Question
QUESTION: Susie, I love your website and enjoyed listening to you on the Lets Go Bowling show. Anyway I have a question. I currently bowl with 15lb balls. I am a power stroker type, medium revs, prefer to use 20degree to 45 degree angle of axis tilt on delivery, and throw about 17-20 mph off my hand.

I started having some wrist pain and "jolting shock type pain" when i would cup my wrist and angle it a bit for a stronger release. Usually this is my "C" game but it does come into effect at times. Anyhow, when this happens, I'm done, I cant really hook the ball anymore and the weight becomes an issue that affect my accuracy.

I've noticed after a three game session, sometime during game three my wrist is a bit tired and I'm struggling a bit. I've considered switching to a 14lb ball for a few reasons. Less weight on my wrist. I can control it more in terms of accuracy later in a session, and i get more revolutions on the ball when i want it.

I was told at a pro shop in Vegas that this wouldn't be an issue and i could still use my 15lb equipment. So I'm wondering what your opinion on switching is? Some say throw as heavy as you can, some say throw what makes you more accurate etc...

I'd hate not to be able to use my 15lb equipment but thought maybe I could use that until I fatigued then switch to the 14lb balls. What is your opinion on doing this? Do you think I would lose carry and consistency?

Thanks for your time,
MH

ANSWER: Hi, Michael!

Thanks for the kind words. It's always good to know your stuff is not just floating around in cyberspace!

Interesting question. My knee jerk response is that unless you are injured, you should be able to roll 15 lbs without pain if it fit your hand properly. In the second paragraph you talk about a jolting type pain. That's like an electric shock going up your arm, right? That is usually caused by a stretched span. You also mention wrist pain in that paragraph. You implied these things only happened when you cocked your wrist more.

In the third paragraph you said your wrist hurts after 2+ games. It's unclear to me whether your wrist hurts with every release or only after you cup your wrist more. At any rate, wrist pain, barring an injury, is not part of the deal in bowling. It isn't a requirement, kind of like calluses and cobra-shaped thumbs aren't good things!

The first thing I would recommend to you is to get your fit checked by an IBPSIA professional. If you have to drive a distance to get it done, do it. It's that important.

Now to your question about ball weight. Both Norm Duke and Chris Barnes have told me that rolling the heaviest ball you can is best. Keep in mind they are pros. We don't bowl on their conditions or as often as they do (or as well, for that matter!)

It is true that if you drop to a 14 lb ball you will pick up your speed. It is possible to put more on the ball at the bottom of the swing since there is less psi pressure. Below 14 you really do begin to give up hitting power.

As for rolling 15 until you get tired and then switching to 14, I think that's a band-aid for your fit issue. The ball should only be heavy getting it in and out of the car. If you have your fit checked and it is perfect, I still wouldn't roll different weights. Your swing will change, your rev rate will change, as will your ball speed. Other than that, it's a pretty transparent change!

I guess this has been a roundabout way to say get your fit checked and throw one weight ball. Generally speaking, 15 is probably better than 14. That's best guess not knowing your body type or strength.







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

QUESTION: Thanks Susie,
Ok I had my fit checked by two certified IBPSIA professionals. Basically checking out each other and both said my span was fine. Some adjustments done to the bevel on the thumb helped.

For the most part the pain comes when i cup my wrist and try for a stronger inside release on the ball, keeping my hand inside. Only when i come around the ball. If i cup my wrist and come up the back or at a 45 degree angle following through up the back of the ball. No issues. I think i will stick with the 15 as you mentioned. Maybe there is just something wrong with wrist in that position.  

Answer
That's really different. If the ball fits you well, you ought to be able to throw your version of zero degrees of axis rotation, your version of 45, and your version of 90. As you probably know, 90 is the most side rotation that you can create. It is usually what happens when you cup your wrist and really try and come around the ball. Maybe it's your technique. Have you access to a coach?