An in depth look at the variations of thumb fit for today's modern bowling techniques, with a goal of getting the tightest/snugest fit possible, for the most consistent release every time.
Oh hell this is going to change everything for me. I have had to grip my ball hard to keep from dropping it. My pro shop guy says you’re gripping too hard… I really wished he would have shared this info with me. I added two 1” pieces of white tape and one 3/4” piece of tape to my slug and I can hold it and swing it without gripping at all but I can easily release it into my couch at the end of my swing! 🤯 Thank you so much for sharing this
Picked up bowling again for the first time in 20 years, this video really helps get over my mental block of needing to squeeze the ball. Appreciate the detail and time you put into this!
Kenny, this was extremely valuable information. I know it's been a few years since you created this video but I can't thank you enough. This is shit that I wish pro shop operators would take the time to explain to their customers.
Yes. Im very new and just started league with my family and I knew nothing. Juat git my ball drilled and now that I am home find all these videos I wish I would have seen before I went. I didn't know and asked if it was supposed to be tight or loose. My thumb is killing me just doing simple lifts here at my home. I'm going to take mine back tomorrow and see what we can do about mine. Oh I don't have these mine is just the ball hole. My fingers are so skinny I hope he is able to fix mine
Oddly enough, when I was at a tournament this past weekend, it was hot outside, hot inside, and my thumb swelled up to the point where it was tight to the point where I had to actually put some effort into getting my thumb in (relative to what it was before). Somehow figured out how to throw without grabbing at the bottom since it didn't feel like my ball was gonna fall off. At the end of the tourney my thumb didn't hurt from squeezing the ball at the bottom, and I threw almost 20 over average and hitting my mark consistently. Bowling with a tight thumb was an incredibly different feel, but in a good way.
One thing to understand is your pitch has to be almost perfect for it to come off at the right time when that tight. I have to apply real pressure to get my thumb in. I use the blue turbo tape as well. But you must work with a real pro in a pro shop that knows what they are doing to get your pitch right to get to that point. Just because someone owns a pro shop does not make them a pro.
Thanks for this video. I’ve been searching for a few weeks now on how my thumb should fit and how to hold the bowling ball properly. Most vids and forums say “not too much pressure,” or what part of my thumb should be applying the pressure. I’ve also heard that the ball should let go of you but I never could understand how if I’m the one holding it. I’ve also done the wiggle thing but that only works after my thumb has swelled. The way you show how the ball should comes off the hand even with a tight thumb let me understand the concept of the ball should let go of me. I will now feel more confident adding more tape to my thumb hole without worrying about getting stuck. Once I can properly release from behind and I get used to the tighter fit, I’ll definitely switch to switchable inserts so I can have the same fit for my future balls. Once again, thanks for this great video!
This is incredibly informative and I mean no disrespect but in my opinion this is just another reason everyone at the junior level is moving to two hands / no thumb. It can take years to get to this level of fit (if ever)… or you could just bypass years of frustration fighting fits and trying to clear the thumb by going with no thumb. And I say this as a traditional one handed player - I totally get it.
My entire life I was led to believe that a tight thumb hole is what causes the skin on the side of my thumb to wear down and tear after a few games, but after 30 years I'm just now seeing that it's the complete opposite...
This might help me to stay away from muscling the ball on my swing, when I hold the ball I do focus on gripping way too much than I should which transfers into a little bit of arm strength being used which gives inconsistency. Will be investing in some tape so that my swing can be free!
ive been bowing thumbless most my life. learning a more traditional style for spares and short patterns as well as to teach my little sister, and i was surprised how tight a "good" fit was for me. im glad i trusted my pso because if it were up to me i would have gone the same route you did. im basically between the 1st and 2nd fits you showed. never been able to so effortlessly throw a ball traditionally as i can with one thats fit for me. thumbless bowling fits are pretty simple for the bowlers to tell if its good or not, since we dont rely on the fingertips to support the whole weight of the ball. awsome vid! thank you
Hey Kenny, Thanks for taking the time to make this video. It was very informative. I first watched this back in Mayand I proceeded to have slugs installed and drilled for a tight fit the next day. 3 Months later, I now have better control, my elbow pain is gone, I am a lot less tired, and I'm more relaxed. I even cashed in 3 tournaments this summer for the first time. I have always heard you will just know when your fitment is right; after this adjustment I experienced it. Thanks again.
Thanks for the video. When I had my first ball fitted a couple of months ago, it seemed like a perfect fit, but I've come to realise over the last few weeks that it is a actually quite a loose fit for my thumb. I currently use two pieces of tape in the thumb hole and one on the back of my thumb. that seems to work,. But after watching this video, I think I can go for an even more snug fit. Thanks.
Yeah when you first start it's really hard to wrap your head around how tight it should be, that's why it's really a process that can't be done overnight. You just eventually get used to a tighter and tighter fit, but mentally you have to trust it's going to come off with no issues.
@@KennyGrinols I realise that now. When I get. my next ball, I have to make sure the thumb hole is drilled for a tighter fit. I guess using an interchangeable thumb is the way to go.
Thanks for this video! I have recently started taking my bowling a lot more serious and had a complete refit about 6 months ago. That refit boosted my avg by 20 pins from a 180 to a low 200 avg. However the first thing I did when I got home was start sanding my thumb inserts (I went to switch grips), because I was not used to such a tight fitting thumb. My thumb does swell a lot during 3 games of league play, so I have 2 sizes with tape that I can use for a night. I would say I am in between your black and yellow on fitting to my thumb. I can't fully relax my hand holding the ball or it will fall off. I am glad I found this video because it clearly illustrates what fit I should be trying to achieve. Great vid!
this is such a great video !! I have to learn how to relax my thumb when going to a tight thumb hole. The ball just doesn't want to exit haha. Not sure if its my pitch of the drill of the thumb hole or its just me used to putting pressure on the thumb from using a ball that had loose thumb hole.
My fingers are small and weak wrist, working on it so i make sure mine is extra taped and heat my hand of my fingers get cold and shirnk. Which my thumb is too big or too small no in between. Lol i notice i dont throw the ball behind me as much. Im still learning to bowl. Hubby and son bowking200 average or 180. Me 130. Bowled my high game the other day. 197. It was 168. Goal is 200. 120 to 146 ia where i am stuck in league. When i go down to practice i bowl 140 to 197. thanks to your video on the thumb. So appreciate you. Hugs
@@KennyGrinols Hehe, i meant no offense, sorry if it came over that way. Just to clarify: when i clicked this video i was not expecting such useful information about how snug the thumb should ideally be. I had the thumb hole way too big and all i ever heard from others was that it is highly personal. And your video was the first one that clearly explained to me how to test the right fit and i thank you for that :)
Great video, but you could get it a little tighter if you had a vent drilled into the vent channel , had a lot of customers shocked how tight a thumb can be and jot have suction after that vent hole is drilled.
Glad I found this vid. I could relate, when you said we're sometimes scared that the ball would not come off and that I would fly down the lane. It did happen to me, and I've been so scared ever since. I admit my thumbhole has a wee bit loose fit, gripping the ball a bit, and dropping the ball on release if I forget to do so. But after watching this video, okay I'll try adding white tape again, and overcome my fear. Hopefully I don't fly down the lane again. Thanks.
It's important to make sure you have the right fit, at the right time. Every week the temperature and humidity fluctuate, you might need a specific fit. It's easy to assume 1 size will always fit your hand, but that's not really how our bodies work. What we eat, our hydration levels, the temperature, oils in our skin, moisture on our skin... These all factor into your fit and they all change. The only time I've had a ball get stuck was when I was using a 'winter' thumb, in the middle of summer. It's hard to overcome, but I know it was my fault.
Update: just came from bowling practice. Putting additional white tape worked! Plus an added layer of tape on my thumb. More snug, not so scary, hitting my target with more accuracy, better control, less dropball, higher scores. Thanks again for the tip, Kenny!
Thanks for the explanation about thumb fit. I only have thumb slugs. One important thing for me is to make sure the sides of my thumb are loose enough. Next I try to avoid that popping noise from the suction of no air being allowed to flow. Last I check the bevel of the hole as I have a forward pitch for my thumb to for a very relaxed grip. I used a tiered approach to taping the pad side of the hole so that my thumb tip feels something to prevent me from grabbing at the ball. The last thing is I cut white tape into about 3/8" wide strips and layer 3 or 4 pieces and position these farther deep in the hole on the nail side for something my thumb feels near the bottom of the hole. This too keeps my thumb flat and easier to assure my thumb releases consistently. When I was a kid, all finger tip grip balls were drilled with wide spans and reverse pitch holes. This forced me into grabbing the ball on every shot. Way too many times the ball would fall off my hand. I wasn't the only one who had these issues. I wish I had a better relationship with the pro shop guy back then like I do these days... :)
That is an elaborate method, but if it works then more power to you! The fit is so important for consistency and I've definitely considered the tiered approach for an experiment myself, but haven't gotten around to it yet. How long did it take you to come up with this system?
@@KennyGrinols The technique came in steps over time. Then I saw an article by Joe Slowinski in Bowling This Month mag where he described a way to get a very good fit using bowling tape. He also posted a video of it as well. I tried it and it was excellent. Since then I've reduced the thickness a bit, but added the narrow strips for my thumb nail which feels very good. :)
Great video. I had started to do the same thing about 10 years ago when my game got better and wanted to compete at higher levels. Thanks… Think you could do a video of finger grip inserts fit, with and without tape on fingers. I even know some bowlers rather have no grips and sharp edges on finger tip for more relaxed feel on release.
@Bowling Pinhead Personally I use VacuGrip inserts myself. This allows me to get a very tight fit feeling on my fingers, but due to the ability for the grips to stretch and expand, I never have to worry about fit. Additionally the room in the grip holes, means I don't have to worry about swelling, or shrinking. That also eliminates irritation for me, so personally I've never had to use finger tape. I bet with longer multi-game block tournaments, perhaps that issue could arise. Again, the vacu system would allow tape without messing with your fit too much either. I really like a tight fit, so for me, fingergrips just make sense. I will say, I've tried no-grips one time. I bought an old Lane 1 Time Bomb used, and it was drilled for no grips, and I was quite surprised at how good it felt. But as an at-home driller, having a single drill bit, and just buying grips makes life so much easier. (and cheaper)
You're not wrong, but that's why it's important to have multiple fits you can switch to, and also why I really like the felt tape on the back of my thumb. Luckily in California it stays pretty dry.
Nice video! Very informative.. I used to think Mark Roth had such a bad thumb because his thumb hole was too tight. Maybe it was too loose and he was always patching his thumb.
Mark's thumb was tore up because he spun the ball off of it. Plus he did use a fairly tight hole. Pete Weber's thumbhole was ultra tight, but his swing was relaxed. Earl used a fairly loose thumb hole, but he felt that it allowed him to alter his release point, something he was a master at. Mike Durbin had his greatest success when he went to a forward pitch on his thumb.
This is the video I I’ve been looking for. The blue one was what my ball was like the day I was getting it and I thought it was tight and it got stuck like you I’m going from old to new.
Yeah, believe it or not, I've gone 1 even tighter than the blue this year. The blue feels so loose to me now. It really is a process you have to work through, but so worth it. Currently carrying my highest average ever, and shit my 2 highest series ever this season.
I was getting refitted for my bowling ball and the proshop owner was telling me that as long as you can get the thumb in you can get it out. I was throwing my wifes ball which I cant fully get my thumb in and I was throwing the best shops of the night. Thursday I go pick up my balls and I will have by far the smallest thumb holes I have ever had
I've had so many problems with thumb release in the past that if I ever take up bowling seriously again, I'm going to learn the thumbless two-handed style.
I've experimented with 2 handed multiple times. I enjoy it for fun, the ability to hook the lane, but my consistency suffers significantly, and re-learning spare shooting from scratch would take me a long time and a massive hit to my average. I've considered throwing 2 handed for the first ball, and 1 handed at all spares, but... it's not easy.
I've been struggling with fit for years. Bowled a while early on with a ball that was drilled for someone else. I developed a death-grip habit as a result. Now whenever I get a ball drilled, I have the tendency to get the thumb hogged way out to get it off my hand. I have gotten better, but I'm still not there yet. Maybe I need to do release drills at foul line? Then add a step or two to get release/grip freed up?
Hey Tony, I use to practice at home. Slow swings, on the carpet, or into a couch, cushions, whatever it takes, and just get use to the tight feeling, and ball coming off my thumb, and build uip the confidence to the ball not coming off in the back swing, and not getting stuck on the release. Start slow, then head to the lanes, and do the 1 step, staying slow, and slowly work into a good fit for you!
Nice Video i have about 5 different sizes but i think I'm still using a thumb that's too loose. Great demonstration about checking the fit with your hand under the ball. I notice bowlers (including myself) adding tape and checking the final feel, they do so with their hands on top. I'm always gripping the ball as well. Do you have a video about thumb pitch? What is yours?
I don't have a video on pitches, but I recently just changed mine at the start of this season after the 2 year layoff from covid, I just got completely refit and wanted to experiment a bit. So far I've been absolutely loving it, and have had my best series and carrying my highest average with the new ball and fit. I don't know the numbers offhand though, I'm sorry.
Fwd pitch will help relax your hand, and come off slightly later, rev pitch the ball will come off earlier. This is a good explanation of how the ball hangs onto you! His blue could be even a little tighter. I use lip balm to adjust the thumb coming out earlier/later when thumb swells. Good discussion here!
Thanks for the video big help! I just got into bowling and I’ve seen other videos/ my local pro shop said to not have the thumb tight but I’m having trouble gripping the ball. Also is your finger holes suppose to be snug as well? I feel like I’m gripping the ball too much and I’ve heard you really don’t want to be using any pressure and your fingers/thumb should be pretty much snug for a smooth release. Any advice is much appreciated!
In the end, you always have to do what's best for you. The might take some experimenting, and some assertive talks with your driller about what YOU want to try, even if he disagrees. I use vacu-grips, to get a tighter feel, without any fear of hanging up in the ball. If you aren't familiar, Vacu Grips you use a smaller finger grip insert, but the hole drilled in the ball is bigger, so that your fingers can stretch out the insert, and the bigger hole allows room for the insert to expand.
Thumb getting stuck/ripping skin Just got a new ball, been a long time since I bowled, first game had like a 50, thumb kept getting stuck in the ball. Second game, I switched to only using my thumb up to the knuckle (instead of putting it all the way in) then hit 180. I played again a few days later and same thing, I put my thumb all the way in and it got stuck so bad one time that the ball didn’t even come out of my hands on release and I had to re throw. I kept thinking maybe I was gripping or something unintentionally, so I just played again today and my first few throws were on point. I was able to use my whole thumb and it wasn’t getting stuck.. until like 4 or 5 frames in and my thumb was red and irritated and it started to get stuck again. So I switched to using my thumb only up to the knuckle or a tiny bit past the knuckle and started playing well again. Not sure if I should have them drill out my thumb hole a little more or what. Any recommendations? My thumb hole is definitely not as tight as in the video and I did see you commented another reply about someone’s pitch, not sure what that even means lol.
@MrTyler8877 First you need to isolate where the skin is getting irritated or ripping. If it's the back of your thumb, I would experiment with tape that applies to your thumb, like the blue felt tape in the video. There are multiple colors, brands, and styles, that can alter some things, but the main goal is so that it's not your bare skin rubbing against the inside of the thumb hole. It's a smoother glide on thumb exit. Another option is that perhaps your skin is getting moist or swelling. You can try to combat this a few ways. Some people use Rosinn bags, which help keep your skin dry. Some use EZ Slide to keep everything slick. Some just use a black piece of bowlers tape inside of the ball. The black tape is smooth and might feel better on your thumb, or be less abrasive against your skin? Thumb 'pitch' in simple terms, is the angle that the hole is drilled into the ball. A common misconception is that holes are drilled straight into the ball, when in reality the hole is angled left or right AND forward or backward. If you hold your hand out like you're trying to palm a basketball. You can see your fingers and thumb are pointing away from each other, almost opposite directions trying to grip the ball right? That would be the equivalent of reverse pitch. Now take your 2 bowling fingers and touch them to your thumb, that would be the equivalent of forward pitch. Then from that same position, you can rotate your thumb to the left or right of your 2 bowling fingers. (Easier to go left for righties) That's lateral pitch left and right. So Your thumb hole should mimic the natural shape, dexterity, and flexibility of your thumb, as it comes out of the ball, to prevent excessive rubbing on any single side of your thumb. Lastly, I want to make sure you are aware of a style called a "half thumb" This is a style that isn't extremely common, but has been used by a professional bowler or two. It's the designed intent, of only inserting the thumb to the first knuckle, but having the thumb hole, purpose drilled for that goal. So if that is a feeling that you feel comfortable with, I would do some google on that, and then maybe have your thumb hole plugged and redrilled specifically for half-thumb grip, if you want to explore that avenue.
when you hold the ball on your swing, we have to put some grip because the ball is on our hand in upswing and downswing. How does the thumb come out if we are holding the ball with pressure? Its easier to just relax the hand when not actually bowling but when you do an actually approach and swing the ball , pressure has to be on the ball.
This video is priceless. I'm a 1H no Thumb bowler for strike shot but use the thumb for spares. (illegal ball I know). I currently have a conventional drill. I've decided to go full 3 finger with fingertips for several reasons. Ball is being drilled now, don't have it back yet, can't wait. I have 3 questions for you... 1) My PSO said I have no thumb pitch by looking at my hand. Seems weird but I trust him. Is this unusual for some hands to need no thumb pitch? 2) I'm getting the IT thumb insert. In the comments you said experiment with pitches if there is an issue with release, would this require a re-drill of the thumb hole? 3) Since I can now easily get good revs with my 2 fingers, and also throw comfortably with 3 fingers (but no revs to speak of this way), do you think this 3 hole fingertip transition will be fairly easy for me? Thanks again for this video.
Thumb pitch is all based on your hand. 0 pitch isn't a big deal, people range both forward and reverse, so being dead center gives you options. You won't have to redrill the ball, youll be able to drill the pitch into the inner of the interchangeable slug, so you can actually experiment cheaply that way. I can't say for sure about the transition, but if you can do both, you'll have the versatility to probably translate both games as you need. Thanks for the kind words and good luck! Please subscribe 👀
In order to get my fingers/wrist underneath the ball for a strong release, I feel pressure on the pad of my thumb with the nail side pressed against the backside of the thumb hole (I’m not squeezing the ball per se) but it enables my thumb come out of the ball cleanly. If I didn’t do this, I would hang up in the thumb hole every time and the release would be weak with very few revs. Is this the feel I should have with a tight thumb hole?
How do you get out of the tight one when you bowl? I grip my thumb as well so I make mine a little bigger so I can get out.. I would never come out of the 1st one
Hey Larry. Late in the video you can see, that once the ball is on top of your palm (they way it is at release) it's significant;y easier to roll off of your hand. I think a misconception people have, is that they test the tightness of the fit, from the top of the ball, but we never hold it that way at any point in our setup, swing, or release.
I feel like my thumb hole should be tighter and smaller than how it is right now, but I’ve had so many experiences where my thumb hangs up because of the tightness and I swear I wasn’t squeezing, I don’t like dropping it of course but hanging up because of the inertia not letting go of my thumb is just scary
You need to put a air vent hole on it, then it had no suction air sound pop. I have them on all my ITs. Those are all very old ITs because you have the old non removable safety molley.
Kenny, Do you have any pitch on your thumb? My fit is like your blue one, thumb goes straight in and out from the top, and isn't coming out with just a slight pressure, but, it is still pretty tight in the throwing position. It doesn't slide out effortlessly like yours does. It seems to be tight on the sides of the thumb. Think I should go ahead and ream out the sides a bit? I can throw it but something just isn't right and don't know if it's a hole size or pitch issue. What do you think? My thumb pitch is 0 btw.
Everything is so personal, and feel based, but if you know something is off, I would just experiment. I do use a little reverse and left in my thumb. You can also experiment with different thumb materials (some slugs are made of different things, urethane vs poly etc) or you can also mess with texture. Sometimes the smoother the thumb slug, the more surface tension there is, because more contact area between the slug and your skin, potentially creating suction. Sometimes roughing the surface can create some texture, allows air to escape, and less contact area on the skin. And lastly, you can also experiment with vent holes, to prevent any suction that may be causing artificial tightness.
@@KennyGrinols It doesn't feel like a suction problem, more of a size or angle issue. The inside of the thumb insert (the bendable side of thumb) is ground very thin. I kept asking for more because it just didn't feel right. Thanks for the info. Gonna go talk with my PO who drilled it and see what we come up with. Thx again.
Thanks, great information but I already have the bowler's thumb lump callous that stings when it gets ripped off or cracks open....what can I do to fix it?
Hey Bob, if you're getting callouses or skin tear, I would take a long look at your pitches, as discomfort like that is a big red flag. Additionally, I would use some lotion throughout the week just to keep mositure in the skin, prevent excessive drying out. When I use to work concrete I had to really make a point of using lotion after a shower on my hands just to keep them from drying and cracking constantly. Lastly, experiment with release tape over top of the callous to prevent irritation of your skin. All brands have multiple different coarseness tapes for different feels. They even sell variety/sample packs with all 5 in 1 pack so you can test and find what works best for you.
Hey Lusiv, feel is a personal thing, so you should always do what works for you, first and foremost. But... The less grip, friction, or pressure there is on your thumb, the more it requires you to squeeze or 'hold on' in your back swing, which can have very bad consequences. Additionally it forces.you to "let go" at release and timing that can lead to inconsistency.
Please your thoughts , started back after 40 years, 180 as a bantam . my thumb is still disfigured from practice ,I have a manhattan rubber , always fit tight for 4 frames or so, then fits perfect, i up graded to new equipment, three different pro shops, tried exactly, 2 others were fitted , my question is the material a difference? , i have tried tape, the new ball is in the rafters , with the manhattan rubber i average 190 seems like i am missing out on performance? your knowledge would be appreciated. it is fine if you say it's in my head
Hey Berry, reactive equipment definitely has its advantages especially in today's walled house shot oil patterns. But there is no arguing with results. If you bowl better with a rubber ball, then do whatever works for you. The entire world is evolving back into Urethane, maybe rubber is next!
@Kenny Grinols well , it's not that I bowl better with the Manhattan it is I can not get a thumb fit after 3 pro shops to throw the new equipment, this is why I asked for your knowledge, this is why the new equipment is out of my use, I want to try but if I am dropping or it is sticking when using tape, I can not dial it in, I practiced trying tape , after many frames different tape, different drilling not one good release, so you are kind to not saying it is in my head and stay with Manhattan.
So why cant i just make a mold of my thumb like you do with teeth cleaners or mouth pieces? Isnt there something out there to make molds of your fingertips and or thumb or a med hardner
Hey Steph, you absolutely can, but I believe it's done in reverse for bowling. A company called Vise sells a kit by the name of "Exactacation. Once you get a thumb fit that you really like, you cast the mold inside of your thumb, and then it creates a sleeve you can install in any slug, ball, or interchangeable system of your choice I believe. Unfortunately it has limitations with the original mold, because some thumb shapes wouldn't allow for an exact mold to release due to the contours of our thumbs, but once you get a fit you like, you can copy it to any ball. Interchangeables also accomplish this, but it's definitely something worth looking into if you're interested.
@@KennyGrinols thank you. I just bought my firsr fingertip grip ball 2 months ago. And im strugglimg. Ripped skin off oitsdode if knickle bone. I was hooking the ball fine but forgot how. I was a fast pitch softball player. And the qhole throwing leg behind me is hard. I ten to drag my right foot forward and seem to be pitching the bowlong ball i cant get my wrist all the sudden to turn slightly and then up while keeping my forearm straigjt. I now come straigjt up in the middle of the ball which is killing my thumb and im flipping my fingers at the wholes. But hardle hook. I bought a zen soul and probably shouldnt had yet. Anyways. I was teying to learn all i can and found some good stuff on your channel. I loke to do things myself and not depend on someone else. As in pro shop. I need to find one thats close to make sure om good with span and pin placement that is the main problem. Sorry im rambling. 😂 i get excited about bowling. Addicted easy. Lol. Thank you for sharing and gettong back to me.
I have lost the ball a few times behind me. My pro said when i went back after my thumb was ripped and nasty he redrilled and put a reverse pitch in. Now i sometimes throw behind me as well as really drop the ball before i get past the foul line. Lol. Any ideas there. He probably should had givimg me a firward pitch slightly indidnt know befofe i went to even ask before and or after, why reverse? Oh well. Ill need to change my span and everything up soon anyways for next yeaes league. I hope i get better. Lol.
I struggle with this because In my mind I feel like the ball will fall off during my backswing if I am relaxed and not gripping :( maybe next time I go practice I'll just try it and if the ball falls off oh well lol
You can always do a little squeeze in the backswing to be safe, but technically, the position of your hand/wrist in the back swing should be cupped, and the ball shouldn't come off. Easier said than done, for sure, but worth keeping in mind, maintaining a strong wrist position leading up to the release.
@@redd634able definitely safer, lower speeds, to learn the feeling before you do any full swings. You can do it at home on the floor too, just nice and slowly.
Focus on relaxing your arm swing, not squeezing, and letting the ball roll off your hand. Use some felt tape if the surface tension of your skin is causing issues, or even some easy slide. If you're still having issues, then you can either loosen up the thumb hole, or alter pitches.
@@KennyGrinols thanks for the quick reply. Pitches are perfect. I think I’m still squeezing a bit but I physically don’t feel it. Came from a ball that was all out of wack. Now I’m basically relearning how to bowl. Any more ovaling and it would be too loose. Worked on the release today but coming from such a bad fit I’m going to struggle for a while
@@papernoflavors1022 start with no-step drills, at the foul line. This allows you to focus entirely on the release and get a feel for it at a lower speed.
@@papernoflavors1022 keep the ball on your hand by pushing your thumb out towards the back. Do not squeeze towards your palm but instead push your thumb out using your thumbnail. Use fit tape on the back of your thumb if your feeling irritation.
@@xouijit77 if you know you struggle with swelling, you should absolutely get another thumb made. They're only like $10 and it saves you so much time, effort, tape, and stress. Just swap it when needed and keep focusing on your bowling.
I've had more than one driller and even Gold level coaches say if your thumb swells while bowling, you haven't been fitted right. My thumb actually shrinks while bowling so I have to change inserts or add tape.
THIS is the biggest problem I have. I've been away for 10 years, and in order for me to catch-up I have to un-learn 45 years of bowling. It is NOT going well. This explains a lot of why. Between this and slowing my ball speed is why I'm having such a hard time. Thanks for posting and explaining the new fit. I wish I'd seen this a month ago. Then everything I'm going through would make sense.
True, but I'm unsure of what you mean about swelling rates. The main benefit of these systems is the ability to switch thumbs as needed to account for the swelling.
I am a mechanic at a bowling house in Phoenix AZ, and a bowler of 50+ years. I have a marvelous collection of interchangeable thumb slugs in my shop (63 at last count) that I have pulled out of my machines and undergrounds. In my personal opinion, these things are the worst invention in bowling history. Also kind of pointless. From what I've seen, the main problem is the direction of the tread at the base of the slug. It should rotate the opposite direction of the torque bowlers release. But the pretty much all go to the right. I'd advise having permanent slugs put in your ball. Yes, it's not as tech savvy (or cool) as an interchangeable, but you are less likely to have to buy another because yours got lost in a machine or an underground. Just my opinion.
Oh hell this is going to change everything for me. I have had to grip my ball hard to keep from dropping it. My pro shop guy says you’re gripping too hard… I really wished he would have shared this info with me. I added two 1” pieces of white tape and one 3/4” piece of tape to my slug and I can hold it and swing it without gripping at all but I can easily release it into my couch at the end of my swing! 🤯 Thank you so much for sharing this
Picked up bowling again for the first time in 20 years, this video really helps get over my mental block of needing to squeeze the ball. Appreciate the detail and time you put into this!
Glad to hear it!
Kenny, this was extremely valuable information. I know it's been a few years since you created this video but I can't thank you enough. This is shit that I wish pro shop operators would take the time to explain to their customers.
Thank you!
Yes. Im very new and just started league with my family and I knew nothing. Juat git my ball drilled and now that I am home find all these videos I wish I would have seen before I went. I didn't know and asked if it was supposed to be tight or loose. My thumb is killing me just doing simple lifts here at my home. I'm going to take mine back tomorrow and see what we can do about mine. Oh I don't have these mine is just the ball hole. My fingers are so skinny I hope he is able to fix mine
Oddly enough, when I was at a tournament this past weekend, it was hot outside, hot inside, and my thumb swelled up to the point where it was tight to the point where I had to actually put some effort into getting my thumb in (relative to what it was before). Somehow figured out how to throw without grabbing at the bottom since it didn't feel like my ball was gonna fall off. At the end of the tourney my thumb didn't hurt from squeezing the ball at the bottom, and I threw almost 20 over average and hitting my mark consistently. Bowling with a tight thumb was an incredibly different feel, but in a good way.
One thing to understand is your pitch has to be almost perfect for it to come off at the right time when that tight. I have to apply real pressure to get my thumb in. I use the blue turbo tape as well. But you must work with a real pro in a pro shop that knows what they are doing to get your pitch right to get to that point. Just because someone owns a pro shop does not make them a pro.
This might be the break through I’ve needed
Thanks for this video. I’ve been searching for a few weeks now on how my thumb should fit and how to hold the bowling ball properly. Most vids and forums say “not too much pressure,” or what part of my thumb should be applying the pressure. I’ve also heard that the ball should let go of you but I never could understand how if I’m the one holding it. I’ve also done the wiggle thing but that only works after my thumb has swelled.
The way you show how the ball should comes off the hand even with a tight thumb let me understand the concept of the ball should let go of me. I will now feel more confident adding more tape to my thumb hole without worrying about getting stuck. Once I can properly release from behind and I get used to the tighter fit, I’ll definitely switch to switchable inserts so I can have the same fit for my future balls.
Once again, thanks for this great video!
THIS WAS THE EXACT VIDEO I NEEDED TO SEE
Hope it helps!
This is incredibly informative and I mean no disrespect but in my opinion this is just another reason everyone at the junior level is moving to two hands / no thumb. It can take years to get to this level of fit (if ever)… or you could just bypass years of frustration fighting fits and trying to clear the thumb by going with no thumb. And I say this as a traditional one handed player - I totally get it.
Excellent video! Lots of people look for "more revs" and thumb fit is the key. A loose thumb is the enemy of RPM.
Thanks Marc!
My entire life I was led to believe that a tight thumb hole is what causes the skin on the side of my thumb to wear down and tear after a few games, but after 30 years I'm just now seeing that it's the complete opposite...
Better late than never!
This may be the most important bowling video that I have seen. Thank you so much for this. 👍👍
Thanks Blaine, hope it helps!
Great video! Surprised more videos don't go into the depth you did about the fit of the thumb. Thank you! 👍
Great tutorial... best explanation of why and how we achieve a better thumb fit! glad i learned this now since i just started bowling.
Saved this video. Been bowling since I was 5 and this is mind blowing.
This might help me to stay away from muscling the ball on my swing, when I hold the ball I do focus on gripping way too much than I should which transfers into a little bit of arm strength being used which gives inconsistency. Will be investing in some tape so that my swing can be free!
ive been bowing thumbless most my life. learning a more traditional style for spares and short patterns as well as to teach my little sister, and i was surprised how tight a "good" fit was for me. im glad i trusted my pso because if it were up to me i would have gone the same route you did. im basically between the 1st and 2nd fits you showed. never been able to so effortlessly throw a ball traditionally as i can with one thats fit for me. thumbless bowling fits are pretty simple for the bowlers to tell if its good or not, since we dont rely on the fingertips to support the whole weight of the ball.
awsome vid! thank you
Hey Kenny, Thanks for taking the time to make this video. It was very informative. I first watched this back in Mayand I proceeded to have slugs installed and drilled for a tight fit the next day. 3 Months later, I now have better control, my elbow pain is gone, I am a lot less tired, and I'm more relaxed. I even cashed in 3 tournaments this summer for the first time. I have always heard you will just know when your fitment is right; after this adjustment I experienced it. Thanks again.
That's incredible to hear, honestly thank you for the kind words, and congratulations on your success!
Thanks for the video. When I had my first ball fitted a couple of months ago, it seemed like a perfect fit, but I've come to realise over the last few weeks that it is a actually quite a loose fit for my thumb. I currently use two pieces of tape in the thumb hole and one on the back of my thumb. that seems to work,. But after watching this video, I think I can go for an even more snug fit. Thanks.
Yeah when you first start it's really hard to wrap your head around how tight it should be, that's why it's really a process that can't be done overnight. You just eventually get used to a tighter and tighter fit, but mentally you have to trust it's going to come off with no issues.
@@KennyGrinols I realise that now. When I get. my next ball, I have to make sure the thumb hole is drilled for a tighter fit. I guess using an interchangeable thumb is the way to go.
Thanks for this video! I have recently started taking my bowling a lot more serious and had a complete refit about 6 months ago. That refit boosted my avg by 20 pins from a 180 to a low 200 avg. However the first thing I did when I got home was start sanding my thumb inserts (I went to switch grips), because I was not used to such a tight fitting thumb. My thumb does swell a lot during 3 games of league play, so I have 2 sizes with tape that I can use for a night. I would say I am in between your black and yellow on fitting to my thumb. I can't fully relax my hand holding the ball or it will fall off. I am glad I found this video because it clearly illustrates what fit I should be trying to achieve. Great vid!
Glad it helped, and congrats on the average increase!
Great video, understand more about thumb fit than ever!
Excellent video ! Thanks !
Luv it ! Thank you great job
this is such a great video !! I have to learn how to relax my thumb when going to a tight thumb hole. The ball just doesn't want to exit haha. Not sure if its my pitch of the drill of the thumb hole or its just me used to putting pressure on the thumb from using a ball that had loose thumb hole.
My fingers are small and weak wrist, working on it so i make sure mine is extra taped and heat my hand of my fingers get cold and shirnk. Which my thumb is too big or too small no in between. Lol i notice i dont throw the ball behind me as much. Im still learning to bowl. Hubby and son bowking200 average or 180. Me 130. Bowled my high game the other day. 197. It was 168. Goal is 200. 120 to 146 ia where i am stuck in league. When i go down to practice i bowl 140 to 197. thanks to your video on the thumb. So appreciate you. Hugs
best video on bowling
Surprisingly useful information!
Thanks... I think? Lol
@@KennyGrinols Hehe, i meant no offense, sorry if it came over that way. Just to clarify: when i clicked this video i was not expecting such useful information about how snug the thumb should ideally be. I had the thumb hole way too big and all i ever heard from others was that it is highly personal. And your video was the first one that clearly explained to me how to test the right fit and i thank you for that :)
Good info. Thanks
Great video, but you could get it a little tighter if you had a vent drilled into the vent channel , had a lot of customers shocked how tight a thumb can be and jot have suction after that vent hole is drilled.
Glad I found this vid. I could relate, when you said we're sometimes scared that the ball would not come off and that I would fly down the lane. It did happen to me, and I've been so scared ever since. I admit my thumbhole has a wee bit loose fit, gripping the ball a bit, and dropping the ball on release if I forget to do so.
But after watching this video, okay I'll try adding white tape again, and overcome my fear. Hopefully I don't fly down the lane again. Thanks.
It's important to make sure you have the right fit, at the right time. Every week the temperature and humidity fluctuate, you might need a specific fit. It's easy to assume 1 size will always fit your hand, but that's not really how our bodies work. What we eat, our hydration levels, the temperature, oils in our skin, moisture on our skin... These all factor into your fit and they all change. The only time I've had a ball get stuck was when I was using a 'winter' thumb, in the middle of summer. It's hard to overcome, but I know it was my fault.
Update: just came from bowling practice. Putting additional white tape worked! Plus an added layer of tape on my thumb. More snug, not so scary, hitting my target with more accuracy, better control, less dropball, higher scores. Thanks again for the tip, Kenny!
This helps a lot! Thanks 😢🙃🤔🤔👍🏾👍🏾👏🏾👏🏾! Knew I was doing something wrong!
Great vid! Scary but accurate. Need to learn to trust it!
It definitely takes time.
Thanks for the explanation about thumb fit. I only have thumb slugs. One important thing for me is to make sure the sides of my thumb are loose enough. Next I try to avoid that popping noise from the suction of no air being allowed to flow. Last I check the bevel of the hole as I have a forward pitch for my thumb to for a very relaxed grip. I used a tiered approach to taping the pad side of the hole so that my thumb tip feels something to prevent me from grabbing at the ball. The last thing is I cut white tape into about 3/8" wide strips and layer 3 or 4 pieces and position these farther deep in the hole on the nail side for something my thumb feels near the bottom of the hole. This too keeps my thumb flat and easier to assure my thumb releases consistently. When I was a kid, all finger tip grip balls were drilled with wide spans and reverse pitch holes. This forced me into grabbing the ball on every shot. Way too many times the ball would fall off my hand. I wasn't the only one who had these issues. I wish I had a better relationship with the pro shop guy back then like I do these days... :)
That is an elaborate method, but if it works then more power to you! The fit is so important for consistency and I've definitely considered the tiered approach for an experiment myself, but haven't gotten around to it yet. How long did it take you to come up with this system?
@@KennyGrinols The technique came in steps over time. Then I saw an article by Joe Slowinski in Bowling This Month mag where he described a way to get a very good fit using bowling tape. He also posted a video of it as well. I tried it and it was excellent. Since then I've reduced the thickness a bit, but added the narrow strips for my thumb nail which feels very good. :)
Great video. I had started to do the same thing about 10 years ago when my game got better and wanted to compete at higher levels. Thanks…
Think you could do a video of finger grip inserts fit, with and without tape on fingers. I even know some bowlers rather have no grips and sharp edges on finger tip for more relaxed feel on release.
@Bowling Pinhead Personally I use VacuGrip inserts myself. This allows me to get a very tight fit feeling on my fingers, but due to the ability for the grips to stretch and expand, I never have to worry about fit. Additionally the room in the grip holes, means I don't have to worry about swelling, or shrinking. That also eliminates irritation for me, so personally I've never had to use finger tape. I bet with longer multi-game block tournaments, perhaps that issue could arise. Again, the vacu system would allow tape without messing with your fit too much either. I really like a tight fit, so for me, fingergrips just make sense. I will say, I've tried no-grips one time. I bought an old Lane 1 Time Bomb used, and it was drilled for no grips, and I was quite surprised at how good it felt. But as an at-home driller, having a single drill bit, and just buying grips makes life so much easier. (and cheaper)
Yep...try that in florida sometime with the humidity and you will be fred flintstone heading down the lane with the ball still on your hand, lol
You're not wrong, but that's why it's important to have multiple fits you can switch to, and also why I really like the felt tape on the back of my thumb. Luckily in California it stays pretty dry.
Very helpful!
Thanks Michael, hope it helps!
Nice video! Very informative.. I used to think Mark Roth had such a bad thumb because his thumb hole was too tight. Maybe it was too loose and he was always patching his thumb.
Mark's thumb was tore up because he spun the ball off of it. Plus he did use a fairly tight hole. Pete Weber's thumbhole was ultra tight, but his swing was relaxed. Earl used a fairly loose thumb hole, but he felt that it allowed him to alter his release point, something he was a master at. Mike Durbin had his greatest success when he went to a forward pitch on his thumb.
This is the video I I’ve been looking for. The blue one was what my ball was like the day I was getting it and I thought it was tight and it got stuck like you I’m going from old to new.
Yeah, believe it or not, I've gone 1 even tighter than the blue this year. The blue feels so loose to me now. It really is a process you have to work through, but so worth it. Currently carrying my highest average ever, and shit my 2 highest series ever this season.
@@KennyGrinols That’s fantastic. Yeah definitely a process of trial and error
@@KennyGrinols How high did you shit? : )
I was getting refitted for my bowling ball and the proshop owner was telling me that as long as you can get the thumb in you can get it out. I was throwing my wifes ball which I cant fully get my thumb in and I was throwing the best shops of the night. Thursday I go pick up my balls and I will have by far the smallest thumb holes I have ever had
It's definitely a different feel and takes some time to get used to, but I can't ever go back.
I've had so many problems with thumb release in the past that if I ever take up bowling seriously again, I'm going to learn the thumbless two-handed style.
I've experimented with 2 handed multiple times. I enjoy it for fun, the ability to hook the lane, but my consistency suffers significantly, and re-learning spare shooting from scratch would take me a long time and a massive hit to my average. I've considered throwing 2 handed for the first ball, and 1 handed at all spares, but... it's not easy.
I've been struggling with fit for years. Bowled a while early on with a ball that was drilled for someone else. I developed a death-grip habit as a result. Now whenever I get a ball drilled, I have the tendency to get the thumb hogged way out to get it off my hand. I have gotten better, but I'm still not there yet. Maybe I need to do release drills at foul line? Then add a step or two to get release/grip freed up?
Hey Tony,
I use to practice at home. Slow swings, on the carpet, or into a couch, cushions, whatever it takes, and just get use to the tight feeling, and ball coming off my thumb, and build uip the confidence to the ball not coming off in the back swing, and not getting stuck on the release. Start slow, then head to the lanes, and do the 1 step, staying slow, and slowly work into a good fit for you!
Nice Video i have about 5 different sizes but i think I'm still using a thumb that's too loose. Great demonstration about checking the fit with your hand under the ball. I notice bowlers (including myself) adding tape and checking the final feel, they do so with their hands on top. I'm always gripping the ball as well. Do you have a video about thumb pitch? What is yours?
I don't have a video on pitches, but I recently just changed mine at the start of this season after the 2 year layoff from covid, I just got completely refit and wanted to experiment a bit. So far I've been absolutely loving it, and have had my best series and carrying my highest average with the new ball and fit. I don't know the numbers offhand though, I'm sorry.
Fwd pitch will help relax your hand, and come off slightly later, rev pitch the ball will come off earlier. This is a good explanation of how the ball hangs onto you! His blue could be even a little tighter. I use lip balm to adjust the thumb coming out earlier/later when thumb swells. Good discussion here!
So how SHOULD it fit? How do you grip with the your thumb ? (Back of the thumb? Or pad?
Just found this video. Great info .. also has the same color thumbs i do .lol
I need a few more colors to complete the collection. Haha
Thanks for the video big help! I just got into bowling and I’ve seen other videos/ my local pro shop said to not have the thumb tight but I’m having trouble gripping the ball. Also is your finger holes suppose to be snug as well? I feel like I’m gripping the ball too much and I’ve heard you really don’t want to be using any pressure and your fingers/thumb should be pretty much snug for a smooth release. Any advice is much appreciated!
In the end, you always have to do what's best for you. The might take some experimenting, and some assertive talks with your driller about what YOU want to try, even if he disagrees.
I use vacu-grips, to get a tighter feel, without any fear of hanging up in the ball.
If you aren't familiar, Vacu Grips you use a smaller finger grip insert, but the hole drilled in the ball is bigger, so that your fingers can stretch out the insert, and the bigger hole allows room for the insert to expand.
Thumb getting stuck/ripping skin
Just got a new ball, been a long time since I bowled, first game had like a 50, thumb kept getting stuck in the ball. Second game, I switched to only using my thumb up to the knuckle (instead of putting it all the way in) then hit 180.
I played again a few days later and same thing, I put my thumb all the way in and it got stuck so bad one time that the ball didn’t even come out of my hands on release and I had to re throw. I kept thinking maybe I was gripping or something unintentionally, so I just played again today and my first few throws were on point. I was able to use my whole thumb and it wasn’t getting stuck.. until like 4 or 5 frames in and my thumb was red and irritated and it started to get stuck again. So I switched to using my thumb only up to the knuckle or a tiny bit past the knuckle and started playing well again. Not sure if I should have them drill out my thumb hole a little more or what. Any recommendations? My thumb hole is definitely not as tight as in the video and I did see you commented another reply about someone’s pitch, not sure what that even means lol.
@MrTyler8877 First you need to isolate where the skin is getting irritated or ripping. If it's the back of your thumb, I would experiment with tape that applies to your thumb, like the blue felt tape in the video. There are multiple colors, brands, and styles, that can alter some things, but the main goal is so that it's not your bare skin rubbing against the inside of the thumb hole. It's a smoother glide on thumb exit.
Another option is that perhaps your skin is getting moist or swelling. You can try to combat this a few ways. Some people use Rosinn bags, which help keep your skin dry. Some use EZ Slide to keep everything slick. Some just use a black piece of bowlers tape inside of the ball. The black tape is smooth and might feel better on your thumb, or be less abrasive against your skin?
Thumb 'pitch' in simple terms, is the angle that the hole is drilled into the ball. A common misconception is that holes are drilled straight into the ball, when in reality the hole is angled left or right AND forward or backward. If you hold your hand out like you're trying to palm a basketball. You can see your fingers and thumb are pointing away from each other, almost opposite directions trying to grip the ball right? That would be the equivalent of reverse pitch. Now take your 2 bowling fingers and touch them to your thumb, that would be the equivalent of forward pitch. Then from that same position, you can rotate your thumb to the left or right of your 2 bowling fingers. (Easier to go left for righties) That's lateral pitch left and right. So Your thumb hole should mimic the natural shape, dexterity, and flexibility of your thumb, as it comes out of the ball, to prevent excessive rubbing on any single side of your thumb.
Lastly, I want to make sure you are aware of a style called a "half thumb" This is a style that isn't extremely common, but has been used by a professional bowler or two. It's the designed intent, of only inserting the thumb to the first knuckle, but having the thumb hole, purpose drilled for that goal. So if that is a feeling that you feel comfortable with, I would do some google on that, and then maybe have your thumb hole plugged and redrilled specifically for half-thumb grip, if you want to explore that avenue.
when you hold the ball on your swing, we have to put some grip because the ball is on our hand in upswing and downswing. How does the thumb come out if we are holding the ball with pressure? Its easier to just relax the hand when not actually bowling but when you do an actually approach and swing the ball , pressure has to be on the ball.
perfect
This video is priceless. I'm a 1H no Thumb bowler for strike shot but use the thumb for spares. (illegal ball I know). I currently have a conventional drill. I've decided to go full 3 finger with fingertips for several reasons. Ball is being drilled now, don't have it back yet, can't wait.
I have 3 questions for you...
1) My PSO said I have no thumb pitch by looking at my hand. Seems weird but I trust him. Is this unusual for some hands to need no thumb pitch?
2) I'm getting the IT thumb insert. In the comments you said experiment with pitches if there is an issue with release, would this require a re-drill of the thumb hole?
3) Since I can now easily get good revs with my 2 fingers, and also throw comfortably with 3 fingers (but no revs to speak of this way), do you think this 3 hole fingertip transition will be fairly easy for me?
Thanks again for this video.
Thumb pitch is all based on your hand. 0 pitch isn't a big deal, people range both forward and reverse, so being dead center gives you options.
You won't have to redrill the ball, youll be able to drill the pitch into the inner of the interchangeable slug, so you can actually experiment cheaply that way.
I can't say for sure about the transition, but if you can do both, you'll have the versatility to probably translate both games as you need.
Thanks for the kind words and good luck!
Please subscribe 👀
@@KennyGrinols Thank you so much ... 👍
In order to get my fingers/wrist underneath the ball for a strong release, I feel pressure on the pad of my thumb with the nail side pressed against the backside of the thumb hole (I’m not squeezing the ball per se) but it enables my thumb come out of the ball cleanly. If I didn’t do this, I would hang up in the thumb hole every time and the release would be weak with very few revs. Is this the feel I should have with a tight thumb hole?
I think feel is very personal, but I've definitely heard of that 'swing thought' to drag the thumbnail on the back of the ball to get out clean.
How do you get out of the tight one when you bowl? I grip my thumb as well so I make mine a little bigger so I can get out.. I would never come out of the 1st one
Hey Larry. Late in the video you can see, that once the ball is on top of your palm (they way it is at release) it's significant;y easier to roll off of your hand. I think a misconception people have, is that they test the tightness of the fit, from the top of the ball, but we never hold it that way at any point in our setup, swing, or release.
I feel like my thumb hole should be tighter and smaller than how it is right now, but I’ve had so many experiences where my thumb hangs up because of the tightness and I swear I wasn’t squeezing, I don’t like dropping it of course but hanging up because of the inertia not letting go of my thumb is just scary
Experiment with more reverse pitch in your thumb.
@@KennyGrinols Agree- especially if you have really long fingers some reverse pitch really helps.
You need to put a air vent hole on it, then it had no suction air sound pop. I have them on all my ITs. Those are all very old ITs because you have the old non removable safety molley.
Kenny, Do you have any pitch on your thumb? My fit is like your blue one, thumb goes straight in and out from the top, and isn't coming out with just a slight pressure, but, it is still pretty tight in the throwing position. It doesn't slide out effortlessly like yours does. It seems to be tight on the sides of the thumb. Think I should go ahead and ream out the sides a bit?
I can throw it but something just isn't right and don't know if it's a hole size or pitch issue. What do you think? My thumb pitch is 0 btw.
Everything is so personal, and feel based, but if you know something is off, I would just experiment. I do use a little reverse and left in my thumb.
You can also experiment with different thumb materials (some slugs are made of different things, urethane vs poly etc) or you can also mess with texture. Sometimes the smoother the thumb slug, the more surface tension there is, because more contact area between the slug and your skin, potentially creating suction. Sometimes roughing the surface can create some texture, allows air to escape, and less contact area on the skin.
And lastly, you can also experiment with vent holes, to prevent any suction that may be causing artificial tightness.
@@KennyGrinols It doesn't feel like a suction problem, more of a size or angle issue. The inside of the thumb insert (the bendable side of thumb) is ground very thin. I kept asking for more because it just didn't feel right.
Thanks for the info. Gonna go talk with my PO who drilled it and see what we come up with. Thx again.
Thanks, great information but I already have the bowler's thumb lump callous that stings when it gets ripped off or cracks open....what can I do to fix it?
Hey Bob, if you're getting callouses or skin tear, I would take a long look at your pitches, as discomfort like that is a big red flag. Additionally, I would use some lotion throughout the week just to keep mositure in the skin, prevent excessive drying out. When I use to work concrete I had to really make a point of using lotion after a shower on my hands just to keep them from drying and cracking constantly. Lastly, experiment with release tape over top of the callous to prevent irritation of your skin. All brands have multiple different coarseness tapes for different feels. They even sell variety/sample packs with all 5 in 1 pack so you can test and find what works best for you.
@@KennyGrinols thanks kenny, the tape is on order and I could probably use some coaching.
sir do you have old bowling balls that youdoesnt played or used anymore
Hello Weng, I sell all of my used equipment on the Storm Facebook Group. SRGBBFS.
So I’m supposed to have some pressure on my thumb? I got my ball drilled and my thumb goes in and out no problem at all, like no grip/friction at all
Hey Lusiv, feel is a personal thing, so you should always do what works for you, first and foremost. But... The less grip, friction, or pressure there is on your thumb, the more it requires you to squeeze or 'hold on' in your back swing, which can have very bad consequences. Additionally it forces.you to "let go" at release and timing that can lead to inconsistency.
Please your thoughts , started back after 40 years, 180 as a bantam . my thumb is still disfigured from practice ,I have a manhattan rubber , always fit tight for 4 frames or so, then fits perfect, i up graded to new equipment, three different pro shops, tried exactly, 2 others were fitted , my question is the material a difference? , i have tried tape, the new ball is in the rafters , with the manhattan rubber i average 190 seems like i am missing out on performance? your knowledge would be appreciated. it is fine if you say it's in my head
Hey Berry, reactive equipment definitely has its advantages especially in today's walled house shot oil patterns. But there is no arguing with results. If you bowl better with a rubber ball, then do whatever works for you. The entire world is evolving back into Urethane, maybe rubber is next!
@Kenny Grinols well , it's not that I bowl better with the Manhattan it is I can not get a thumb fit after 3 pro shops to throw the new equipment, this is why I asked for your knowledge, this is why the new equipment is out of my use, I want to try but if I am dropping or it is sticking when using tape, I can not dial it in, I practiced trying tape , after many frames different tape, different drilling not one good release, so you are kind to not saying it is in my head and stay with Manhattan.
Debating a thumb grip. Thanks for the video
So why cant i just make a mold of my thumb like you do with teeth cleaners or mouth pieces? Isnt there something out there to make molds of your fingertips and or thumb or a med hardner
Hey Steph, you absolutely can, but I believe it's done in reverse for bowling. A company called Vise sells a kit by the name of "Exactacation. Once you get a thumb fit that you really like, you cast the mold inside of your thumb, and then it creates a sleeve you can install in any slug, ball, or interchangeable system of your choice I believe.
Unfortunately it has limitations with the original mold, because some thumb shapes wouldn't allow for an exact mold to release due to the contours of our thumbs, but once you get a fit you like, you can copy it to any ball.
Interchangeables also accomplish this, but it's definitely something worth looking into if you're interested.
@@KennyGrinols thank you. I just bought my firsr fingertip grip ball 2 months ago. And im strugglimg. Ripped skin off oitsdode if knickle bone. I was hooking the ball fine but forgot how. I was a fast pitch softball player. And the qhole throwing leg behind me is hard. I ten to drag my right foot forward and seem to be pitching the bowlong ball i cant get my wrist all the sudden to turn slightly and then up while keeping my forearm straigjt. I now come straigjt up in the middle of the ball which is killing my thumb and im flipping my fingers at the wholes. But hardle hook. I bought a zen soul and probably shouldnt had yet. Anyways. I was teying to learn all i can and found some good stuff on your channel. I loke to do things myself and not depend on someone else. As in pro shop. I need to find one thats close to make sure om good with span and pin placement that is the main problem. Sorry im rambling. 😂 i get excited about bowling. Addicted easy. Lol. Thank you for sharing and gettong back to me.
I have lost the ball a few times behind me. My pro said when i went back after my thumb was ripped and nasty he redrilled and put a reverse pitch in. Now i sometimes throw behind me as well as really drop the ball before i get past the foul line. Lol. Any ideas there. He probably should had givimg me a firward pitch slightly indidnt know befofe i went to even ask before and or after, why reverse? Oh well. Ill need to change my span and everything up soon anyways for next yeaes league. I hope i get better. Lol.
I struggle with this because In my mind I feel like the ball will fall off during my backswing if I am relaxed and not gripping :( maybe next time I go practice I'll just try it and if the ball falls off oh well lol
You can always do a little squeeze in the backswing to be safe, but technically, the position of your hand/wrist in the back swing should be cupped, and the ball shouldn't come off. Easier said than done, for sure, but worth keeping in mind, maintaining a strong wrist position leading up to the release.
@@KennyGrinols thank you ill focus on this next time I go practice!
Should we practice with a short backswing on a one or no step drill first?
@@redd634able definitely safer, lower speeds, to learn the feeling before you do any full swings. You can do it at home on the floor too, just nice and slowly.
Man I am struggling so much. I went to a PSO that believes the Tighter the better but I can’t get the ball off my hand now. I need help
Focus on relaxing your arm swing, not squeezing, and letting the ball roll off your hand. Use some felt tape if the surface tension of your skin is causing issues, or even some easy slide. If you're still having issues, then you can either loosen up the thumb hole, or alter pitches.
@@KennyGrinols thanks for the quick reply. Pitches are perfect. I think I’m still squeezing a bit but I physically don’t feel it. Came from a ball that was all out of wack. Now I’m basically relearning how to bowl. Any more ovaling and it would be too loose. Worked on the release today but coming from such a bad fit I’m going to struggle for a while
@@papernoflavors1022 start with no-step drills, at the foul line. This allows you to focus entirely on the release and get a feel for it at a lower speed.
@@KennyGrinols with no step the ball feels like it’s pulling super hard on my thumb when relaxed
@@papernoflavors1022 keep the ball on your hand by pushing your thumb out towards the back. Do not squeeze towards your palm but instead push your thumb out using your thumbnail. Use fit tape on the back of your thumb if your feeling irritation.
This is the PG version of the device Kenny made for his pp
What if your thumb swells?
You switch to one of your other thumbs. That's the benefit of interchangeable systems.
@@KennyGrinols what if you don't have any other thumbs...?
@@xouijit77 if you know you struggle with swelling, you should absolutely get another thumb made. They're only like $10 and it saves you so much time, effort, tape, and stress. Just swap it when needed and keep focusing on your bowling.
Or you can use a little lip balm on the sides of your thumb that are dragging.
I've had more than one driller and even Gold level coaches say if your thumb swells while bowling, you haven't been fitted right. My thumb actually shrinks while bowling so I have to change inserts or add tape.
THIS is the biggest problem I have. I've been away for 10 years, and in order for me to catch-up I have to un-learn 45 years of bowling.
It is NOT going well. This explains a lot of why. Between this and slowing my ball speed is why I'm having such a hard time.
Thanks for posting and explaining the new fit. I wish I'd seen this a month ago. Then everything I'm going through would make sense.
Scares me having a thumb that tight
Not every method works for everyone, some people thumb swell and shrink and different rates.
True, but I'm unsure of what you mean about swelling rates. The main benefit of these systems is the ability to switch thumbs as needed to account for the swelling.
Voice sounds a little like napoleon dynamite brother
Kip?
I am a mechanic at a bowling house in Phoenix AZ, and a bowler of 50+ years. I have a marvelous collection of interchangeable thumb slugs in my shop (63 at last count) that I have pulled out of my machines and undergrounds. In my personal opinion, these things are the worst invention in bowling history. Also kind of pointless. From what I've seen, the main problem is the direction of the tread at the base of the slug. It should rotate the opposite direction of the torque bowlers release. But the pretty much all go to the right. I'd advise having permanent slugs put in your ball. Yes, it's not as tech savvy (or cool) as an interchangeable, but you are less likely to have to buy another because yours got lost in a machine or an underground. Just my opinion.
My solution for this - Just don't use a thumb! 🤣
Username checks out. 😉
I switched to 2 handed this season to give it a try. Half way through the season I'm on the fence long term.
@@KennyGrinols I switched to 2 hands during the summer after a baseball broke my thumb. Go figure!
You are making this wayyyyy to complicated for the average joe bowler. Just sayin.