Dumb Thumb Question

[Blomer]

I went in to throw a few games and all of a sudden for no reason at all, I was thinking about thumb in or fingers in first. Usually I do fingers in first. I can tell a difference when I stuck my thumb in. What does everyone do? Also, do you stick you thumb all the way in? I tend to stick most of it in but not all of it. Am I weird? Actually I k ow I am but do you stick your thumb in all the way?

[foreverincamo]

Fingers go in first, then bury the thumb in as deep as possible. Too shallow causes me to bend my thumb and hang in the ball.

[RobLV1]

Most bowlers put the fingers in first, then the thumb. Two notable exceptions, however, on the PBA Tour are Tommy Jones and Ronnie Russell, who choose to put their thumbs in first, followed by the fingers. Do what is comfortable for you, but make sure you do it the same each time.

[rv driver]

I was taught "fingers first," because it's the fingers that are ultimately responsible for how you deliver the ball, since they exit the ball last. Not everyone sticks their thumb in all the way, but Forever is probably right -- if you don't, your thumb may tend to "grab" or bend, and hang up.

[rv driver]

And there are no dumb questions!!

[got_a_300]

I have tried the thumb first a time or two after watching
Tommy Jones and Ronnie Russell do it but it just doesn't
work for me I can't hold onto the ball all that good.

I'll just stick with my fingers first and then my thumb and
put it in as deep as possible.

[white_rabbitt]

My thumb always goes in at the wrong angle/pitch whenever I've tried to put thumb in first and it gets stuck. So I stick w/ the fingers in first.

[manke]

I put my fingers in first then my thumb about half way. I also tuck my pinky finger under, does anyone else tucker there finger?

[rico]

you will not go wrong using the time tested method of placing the fingers in the ball before inserting the thumb all the way down in the hole without bending the thumb at the knuckle joint inside the hole.

Most of the replies here are good ones....there have been players throughout the decades who grip the ball differently - perhaps inserting the thumb before the fingers to get the palm of the hand to lay flat on the ball surface and on the heel of the palm as opposed to more aligned under the index finger joint....depending on your release technique, comfort, and your ability to grip the ball consistently, choose your favorite method and have at it....

[bowl1820]

According to what I've heard and read over the years.

You place the fingers in first and roll the ball back on to your thumb.

Now there is also a old trick to take some off the ball, where you put the thumb in first and then the fingers, (A Good trick for straightening out a shot at the ten pin.)


here's from Ron Clifton:

" If the lanes are really dry, try placing your thumb into the ball first and then your fingers. Think about throwing the ball more with your thumb, keeping your hand open and relaxed as you go through the release. Try to make your follow-through long and low instead of reaching for the sky. "


Experimental Tip # 1: Thumb in First to Reduce Grip Pressure
Written by Joe Slowinski
Thursday, 01 February 2007
Read about an experiment to help reduce your grip pressure. Can you imagine putting your thumb in the ball first? Well, you might be surprised at the results. This can be very effective in playing the extreme outside on short patterns or when you want to create a more consistent reaction.

http://bowlingknowledge.info/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=83&Itemid=62

[dnhoffman]

Fingers first, and then the thumb.