Thumb Sticking…then slipping...

[Aslan]

So, after 4-5 months of starting this whole bowling journey I'm on…I'd say my number one aggravation is my thumb.

When I first got the ball drilled, the thumb hole was very tight, so the driller sanded it down just a bit. He told me to use the ebonite powder to make it a little more slick. And if it really felt tight regardless of the powder, to go from using powder to taping the back of my thumb with turbo tape.

So…I've been doing that. But, what happens is…I'll use some powder…throw it once, twice, three times, four times, five times…THEN PLUP…thumb sticks…ball goes high in the air and bounces left of target. So…back to the powder I go! But…first throw…into the right gutter…ball slips off my thumb. Then, again, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 throws….fine…then PLUP…sticks!! Then powder…ball slips…into the gutter. Rinse, repeat…

I mean, it isn't a "huge" deal…because I haven't had a 300 game ruined by it or anything. But today in practice…I missed a clean game by one frame. Actually, I almost had a clean game THREE times out of 9 games. But in the final of the 3…the thumb stuck a little as I picked up a 9 /. So, I powdered the thumb…it felt fine…I threw the ball…it slipped off and went in the right gutter. I only could get 9 pins with the 2nd throw. Frames 3-10…clean game. :mad:

Now, I know Iceman advocates the tape. And I actually have had more success with the tape than the powder so I agree with him. The issue I have with the tape is…it falls off. You have to get your hand completely clean and completely dry. If you do, it'll stay stuck for 1-2 games. But after 1-2 games, it starts to come off your thumb and bunches up. Not to mention it's about 50 cents per piece.

So has anyone else struggled with your thumb sticking then slipping then sticking then slipping?? What were your experiences? Thanks.

[bowlerRob2]

I had horrible problems with my thumb UNTIL I got oval thumb slugs put in. Then all my thumb problems went ***Poof*** .... gone.. You didn't mention what kind of thumb hole you have, but they usually start you out with round ones without even looking at the shape of your thumb. It took me going through two pro shops before I found one that diagnosed the problem correctly. Anyway, now I have plenty of wiggle room for thumb tape and the tape stays on all three games. (I never use powder). No more cramming my thumb in the ball and no sticking anymore. So that is my experience anyway. HTH.

[vdubtx]

Aslan, not sure if you will read this as I saw you have me on ignore per the chat window. :cool: :D

I would do away with the tape on your thumb as you say you have trouble with it staying on. I can't use the tape on thumb as it does the same thing. I sweat too much from my hands during bowling. Constantly using the hand drier before each shot.

My advice would be to use the black or white tape in the thumb hole. White tape which is textured goes in the front of the thumb hole where you grip, black tape if needed goes in the back of the thumb hole.

I just started using tape this past summer and currently only use 1 piece of white tape. With the winter about to set in, I would imagine I may have to add a piece due to my thumb shrinking with the cooler weather.

In any case, it is all trial and error until you find the exact right solution for you.
Good luck.

[Perrin]

you could also consider the tiered taping method. It helps to prevent thumb bending

'Change your damn tape' on Facebook

or you can also read about it on Joe Slowinski's site

[Bunny]

you could also consider the tiered taping method. It helps to prevent thumb bending

'Change your damn tape' on Facebook

or you can also read about it on Joe Slowinski's site



Do all Slowinski's tips have "damn" in the title? :o

[Aslan]

Aslan, not sure if you will read this as I saw you have me on ignore per the chat window. :cool: :D
That was a fib.


I would do away with the tape on your thumb as you say you have trouble with it staying on. I can't use the tape on thumb as it does the same thing. I sweat too much from my hands during bowling. Constantly using the hand drier before each shot.
Yeah, it's too bad because the tape really works well and I know Iceman swears by it (and he IS my hero and all)...but I can't usually get it to stay on more than 2 games.


My advice would be to use the black or white tape in the thumb hole. White tape which is textured goes in the front of the thumb hole where you grip, black tape if needed goes in the back of the thumb hole.

I just started using tape this past summer and currently only use 1 piece of white tape. With the winter about to set in, I would imagine I may have to add a piece due to my thumb shrinking with the cooler weather.

If I add tape to the hole, that'll just make it stick worse. I added tape to my tri-grip ball because the thumb hole was a little "off" or maybe slightly too big. But to add tape to my Frantic thumb hole which is very snug...I'd never get my thumb in there...it'd be an even worse situation. Are you suggesting I have it drilled/sanded to be a bigger hole and then use tape?

[vdubtx]

That was a fib.


Yeah, it's too bad because the tape really works well and I know Iceman swears by it (and he IS my hero and all)...but I can't usually get it to stay on more than 2 games.



If I add tape to the hole, that'll just make it stick worse. I added tape to my tri-grip ball because the thumb hole was a little "off" or maybe slightly too big. But to add tape to my Frantic thumb hole which is very snug...I'd never get my thumb in there...it'd be an even worse situation. Are you suggesting I have it drilled/sanded to be a bigger hole and then use tape?

Knew you were fibbing about that. :cool:

Sorry, figured it was a given that the hole would need to be sanded just a bit to allow for the piece of white tape.

[Mudpuppy]

I use powder and never tape. It works for me. I don't have any slippage issues.

[vdubtx]

I use powder and never tape. It works for me. I don't have any slippage issues.

Used to be the same way until I started to learn to use tape. Does make a difference.

[noeymc]

what type of tape are you useing? and i cant really help over all with thumb issues if its sticking it may be that there is some moisture on your thumb that u are then carrying over to your ball making it a little sticky this is just a guess tho

[Hammer]

Maybe your thumb sticks for one of two reasons: First I think you said somewhere on this FORUM that you muscle the ball instead of using the gravity swing. If you do chances are that you grip the ball tighter on the way forward to the release area and when you do the knuckle of your thumb rises in the thumbhole and if it does your thumb will hang up. You have to keep your thumb flat in the thumbhole
so it can slide out quickly. In practice concentrate on keeping your thumb flat all the way through the swing until you release the ball.
Second, another thing that will hang up a thumb is if you start to turn the ball early before the release area. When this happens your thumb is more on top of the ball and has a harder time slipping out of the ball. I did that once and I had a 16lb ball coming back towards my face. YIKES! You don't want to have that happen believe me. I have my thumbhole drilled a little bit loose and adjust with one inch wide rough surface white tape. I find this works for me because of the temperature changes from the start of league season which is September and the end which is in May. Sometimes it is hard to figure out why a thumb is hanging up. Good luck.

[Stormed1]

Are you using a slug or a hard hole. If your ball fits properly you should not have to use powder. If you are not using a slug I would recomend getting one as it will make for a much more consistant release.I keep my thumb very tight and have no trouble with release

[Aslan]

Are you using a slug or a hard hole. If your ball fits properly you should not have to use powder. If you are not using a slug I would recomend getting one as it will make for a much more consistant release.I keep my thumb very tight and have no trouble with release

I'm just using the standard thumb hole, no slug. And the fit is snug. It actually feels like a very good fit...it's just that it's right on that borderline where on some days, with a good release, no issues. But on some days, maybe a little higher humidity...the thumbhole seems too tight. Usually the powder works to keep it from sticking...but then I gotta be careful that it doesn't slip. Using the tape on the back of my thumb solves the problem...but then the tape starts to fall off and bunch up after 1-2 games.

1069

But there's no pain or anything. On the tri-grip ball, I was getting pain and developed a callous because the thumbhole or angle was a little off and I had to over-grip with the thumb. And I fixed that issue with tape in the thumbhole. But on the Frantic (see photo)...the thumbhole seems to be a perfect fit...unfortunately my thumb doesnt want to be "perfectly the same size" every time I bowl.

Maybe on my next ball drilling I'll try using a slug in the thumbhole instead of just the thumbhole.

[vdubtx]

Maybe on my next ball drilling I'll try using a slug in the thumbhole instead of just the thumbhole.

I won't have a ball without a slug. Just plain feels better than a regular thumb hole in a ball.

[Stormed1]

Keep in mind that the coverstock can be grabby due to it's tackiness. a URETHANE SLUG WILL GIVE YOU A CONSISTANT RELEASE. i USE THEM IN ALL MY BALLS INCLUDING MY SPARE BALL

[Perrin]

I have to agree with vdubtx and Stormed1

I get the urethane slug in all my bowling balls. makes for a consistent feel and grip in all of them.

Another thing to consider with the slugs is that if you want to change the oval, span, or pitch of your thumb (within limits of course) you don't have to plug the thumb you just replace the slug and redrill.

[btaylor]

Is your driller IBPSIA certified? If not find one and get the ball properly fitted. If he is, then you should have your hand remeasured to ensure the grips and pitches are correct for you.

You should not have to use powder if the thumb hole is properly fitted. Use white tape on the pad side of the thumb hole to adjust for hand swelling or shrinking.

You should not have to grip the ball to hold on to it. Your hand should be relaxed with no grip pressure.

I use thumb slugs with oval vinyl inserts. I use white tape with the Slowinski taper and thumb tape on the back of my thumb.

HTH... Bob

[Aslan]

I might try a slug on my next ball.

I don't like the tape idea. To me, it seems like if you're using a lot of tape in the thumb hole, your thumb hole was drilled too big. I feel like my thumb hole is actually a perfect fit to my thumb…it's just "so perfect" that if my thumb swells or humidity or whatever…suddenly it goes from "perfect fit" to "just a little too tight".

And the powder works fine. I just have to not "overdo" it. And sometimes the difference between a good amount of powdering and a bit too much…is a fairly fine line.

Early on in my Friday league…I had quite a "scare" because I didn't use enough powder…thumb stuck…and well, lets just say now I know why the drywall above the lane is patched. Mine released…just before dragging me over the foul line…but it went straight up…and straight down…and yes, that was embarrassing. :(

[vdubtx]

I might try a slug on my next ball.

I don't like the tape idea. To me, it seems like if you're using a lot of tape in the thumb hole, your thumb hole was drilled too big. I feel like my thumb hole is actually a perfect fit to my thumb…it's just "so perfect" that if my thumb swells or humidity or whatever…suddenly it goes from "perfect fit" to "just a little too tight".

And the powder works fine. I just have to not "overdo" it. And sometimes the difference between a good amount of powdering and a bit too much…is a fairly fine line.

Early on in my Friday league…I had quite a "scare" because I didn't use enough powder…thumb stuck…and well, lets just say now I know why the drywall above the lane is patched. Mine released…just before dragging me over the foul line…but it went straight up…and straight down…and yes, that was embarrassing. :(

Honestly, I used to think that same thing about using tape. Then I used 1 piece of white tape to try it out, and it was like a whole different feel. Had all of my thumb holes opened up just a bit to accommodate 1 piece and that is all I have used so far. At Nationals this past spring I saw this guy while we were in the squad room working taping his thumb holes on his balls, and he was putting 6-7 pieces in each ball. Now that is overkill.

Powder can only get you so far. The feel of the tape is a more secure fit and you won't ever have to worry about powder being too much or too little on your thumb again.

Trust us that just 1 piece of tape can make a world of difference.

[btaylor]

Well, all I can say, is if you have to use powder your drilling is not correct. Take it or leave it!

Tape is the standard. You CANNOT comment on my drilling if you don't know why or how it was drilled the way it was.

One of the things I can emphasize is to get a good "qualified" driller behind you that can get your ball properly fit for your hand. If he suggests powder, go somewhere else!

If you don't like the tape idea, then you are going to be stuck where you are. Learn why and how to use tape.

Open your mind and read! There are tons or articles on how to manipulate your thumb hole to get the best fit. Joe Slowiniski, a gold level USBC coach, is one of the best. Go to his website, http://bowlingknowledge.info and download and read his PDF articles he posted for BTM. Learn what the tiered tape method is.

Go to Ron Clifton's site, http://www.bowl4fun.com/ron/roncarchive.htm and read his articles.

[Stormed1]

One of the reasons I use interchangable thumbs is my thumb varies between morning and night leagues and also between Monday and Friday due to dialasys. I have between 1 ans 3 pieces in all my thumbs

[dnhoffman]

1) The ball should be so tight on your thumb that it will not come off unless in motion.
2) If you have a regular thumb hole or slug (not an IT or tg) then you'll want it about two pieces of tape larger than the above (1)
3) Stop gripping the ball with your thumb - it should be so tight that you KNOW if you don't have your hand completely relaxed then it WILL stick and you'll loft halfway down the lane and miss.
3) As your thumb swells and you get some slight stickage (when hand is TOTALLY relaxed) then remove 1 piece of tape.
4) Repeat step 3.

This should get you through any 1 league night. If you think the above does not apply, then you're gripping the ball and don't understand the modern release yet. Best of luck.

[Aslan]

Honestly, I used to think that same thing about using tape. Then I used 1 piece of white tape to try it out, and it was like a whole different feel. Had all of my thumb holes opened up just a bit to accommodate 1 piece and that is all I have used so far. At Nationals this past spring I saw this guy while we were in the squad room working taping his thumb holes on his balls, and he was putting 6-7 pieces in each ball. Now that is overkill.

Powder can only get you so far. The feel of the tape is a more secure fit and you won't ever have to worry about powder being too much or too little on your thumb again.

Trust us that just 1 piece of tape can make a world of difference.

I actually used tape on the tri-grip back-up ball I carry because the thumb was slipping quite a bit and I had to "pinch" my thumb...which was causing pain. And I DID use the white, textured tape (VISE I think). 3 pieces. And the problem was alleviated. I ended up taking one piece out during practice once my thumb started to swell a little.

So I'm not opposed to ever using tape...I just, if I DID choose to have the thumb hole drilled slightly larger to use tape, would probably use the smooth tape on the back of thumb rather than the textured in the front. I just don't like the feel of the textured tape. Some people can't bowl without that textured tape...I guess it's just a feel thing.

And like I said, I totally agree with Iceman that the BEST solution is thumb tape (I've been using Turbo tape). When I have that tape on...I usually don't have to worry about taping the thumb hole or powder...perfect fit, easy release every time! UNTIL....the tape starts to come off my thumb.

But, good things to think about when I consider having my next ball drilled. Thanks.