Thinking of changing to a finger-tip grip

[Big Nick]

Back at the beginning of the summer, my wife and I bought our first bowling balls and started practicing in earnest for the fall leagues that we are now bowling in. Not having had any experience with a finger-tip grip, the pro who I bought the ball from and myself decided that it would be best for me to stick with a conventional grip for the time being. Now that I've had a few lessons and my release has become consistent, I'm starting to consider getting my ball plugged and re-drilled for a finger-tip grip. However, given that we're about five weeks into league, I don't want to make too much of a change to cause my scores to suffer since I've inadvertently become the anchor on one of my teams.

So with all the background info out of the way, I have a few questions. First, is there a big learning curve to a grip change? Secondly, I currently throw a 13 lb ball and I would like to step up to a 14 or 15 lb ball. Would I be better off, for the time being, having my current ball plugged and re-drilled or just getting a heavier ball and having it drilled finger-tip?

[bowl1820]

So with all the background info out of the way, I have a few questions. First, is there a big learning curve to a grip change?
I personally don't believe there's a big learning curve, but it would depend on the person. When I started bowling I didn't know squat about bowling, I started right off with a fingertip grip. It took maybe 2-3 games I had the basics, never had a problem with fingertips.


Secondly, I currently throw a 13 lb ball and I would like to step up to a 14 or 15 lb ball. Would I be better off, for the time being, having my current ball plugged and re-drilled or just getting a heavier ball and having it drilled finger-tip?

You have two options:
1- Get your current ball plugged and redrilled, this way you can work out any fit issues with it getting the grip perfect. Then get a new, heavier ball with the perfected grip.

2-Go ahead and get a new ball and have it fitted fingertip. That way you can keep your old ball as a backup for league if needed, till you get the hang of the new ball. Then once your comfortable with it, you can get the old ball plugged and drilled fingertip as a second ball.

[Ball99999]

Here's the thing, before I got a ball I thought the idea was to hold on to the ball with my fingers. I thought fingertip would make that hard. Well it isn't. But that's besides the point. The truth is the ball holds on to your hand not the other way around. So it really doesn't make it harder. You let go of the ball, it swings, it stays on your hand then slips off.

[J Anderson]

Conventional to fingertip is one of the easiest changes to make. Assuming the fit is right, after a game or two the grip will feel comfortable, and natural. A few more games and you'll know where to stand and where to aim.

[Zothen]

My suggestion is to not change your ball while in leagues,but,a new(Slingshot or Cyclone) or used ball off the rack and drill it for finger tip. It takes most people about a 1-2 weeks to learn and get comfortable with the feel of a finger tip. I would spend free time practicing throwing a hook before trying it in leagues,this way your mistakes wont cost you your average. I would also suggest a lesson or 2 in learning to throw a finger tip ball.

Good luck & good scoring!

Zothen

[Big Nick]

Thanks for the info, guys. I was speaking with my wife while I was at lunch today, and she says that I can get a new ball if she can have my current one..... so, I'm going to see the pro this afternoon. I'll let everyone know what I decide after speaking with him.

[Big Nick]

I met with the pro at the local lanes yesterday afternoon, and after speaking with him I decided to go ahead and get a new ball and keep the old one as is until I get used to the new one. Since he's also been coaching me for the last few months and has seen me bowl, I took his recommendation on getting a Storm Manic. He should already have it, but I won't be picking it up until Thursday afternoon. It just so happens that I also have a lesson with him that afternoon, and he's going to fit and drill the ball before the lesson. Needless to say, I'm excited for Thursday afternoon!

[billf]

Nick, when I switched from conventional to finger tip my average went up 30 pins. I didn't do it during the season though but I would still suggest doing so. The Manic is a good ball and I'm glad you decided to take the plunge. Remember, don't grip it! Especially not with the thumb. At least your lesson is right after you get your ball so any fit issues or questions can be answered immediately.

[Big Nick]

bill, I'm hoping that I see an increase in my average, as well. I've been bowling pretty well recently, but I'm finding it extremely hard to break 200 on a regular basis. I'm not normally one to blame my tools or equipment, but I'm having a hard time getting strikes in one of the leagues that I bowl in. That particular league uses heavier pins (3 lb 10oz, I think) and my 13 pound ball doesn't carry well, and I get very little pin action. In order to strike, I've got to be pin-point accurate when hitting the pocket. I know it doesn't take many to get to 200 if I'm picking up my spares, but I've gone entire nights in that league beating the pocket to death and still not picking up any. While I'm excited about trying the new grip, I'm more interested in seeing how the extra weight will help. The other league I bowl in uses AMF Lite pins, so I'm really hoping to see some more explosive pin action there with the heavier ball, as well.

[billf]

I'm curious. Why does Big Nick use such a tiny ball? I can't tell you how many times I've read a post you made with 13lbs ball in it and thought, there's no way, got to be a typo. If changing both the grip type and weight, how will you know which made the biggest difference? Just kidding. Who cares what does it as long as it works.
Equipment does make a difference. Good stuff makes a good bowler better. It will not and can not make a bad bowler good though.

[Big Nick]

Well, I guess to answer your question, I'm not really that big (6'1" and 170 pounds); I just like the way "Big Nick" sounds. Anyway I picked up the new ball last night instead of waiting until today, and the weight definitely makes a difference. The grip didn't take too much getting used to, but it's going to take a little practice to become consistent with the new ball. I've got another lesson this afternoon, so I'll definitely get some pointers regarding how to make the transition from a conventional grip to finger-tip.

[J Anderson]

Well, I guess to answer your question, I'm not really that big (6'1" and 170 pounds); I just like the way "Big Nick" sounds. Anyway I picked up the new ball last night instead of waiting until today, and the weight definitely makes a difference. The grip didn't take too much getting used to, but it's going to take a little practice to become consistent with the new ball. I've got another lesson this afternoon, so I'll definitely get some pointers regarding how to make the transition from a conventional grip to finger-tip.

Definitely better than "Somewhat Taller Than Average Nick".

[Big Nick]

Definitely better than "Somewhat Taller Than Average Nick".

That made me laugh! :D

[bayedup84]

i agree with bowl1820...also throw few practice games not during league bowling. I myself started out with finger tips

[Big Nick]

My lesson yesterday afternoon went really well. My coach helped me with the finer points of switching grips, and by the end of the lesson I was rolling the ball really well. It was kind of amazing how little effort it took to get a nice hook going with the new grip versus the old one. With my old ball, it took a perfectly timed series of movements to really rev the ball well. With the new one, all I have to do is set the angle of my hand and wrist, swing, and follow through. The mechanics are far simpler..... Had I known how easy it was to begin with, I would have gone ahead with a finger tip grip from the beginning.

Anyway, I'm going to go practice again after work today, and then I've got league on Sunday night. We're bowling the BYE team, so everyone just needs to get within ten pins of their averages to win. So... I'm planning on using the new ball on Sunday night. It'll be nice to see how the ball reacts in fresh lanes.

[eugene02]

Firstly... i thought the name was Big D*ck instead.. hahaha... so.. congrats on learning! better still with a coach! hope i'll be better when i join my school's bowling club.. >_> sigh.. playing really bad now..

[bayedup84]

nick you made out, you get new ball and wife gets old one.. i'm gonna try that one....hope new ball works out for ya