How tight is your thumbhole

[NewToBowling]

I see videos on YouTube and many of them seem to easily take their thumb in and out of their thumb hole (Norm Duke and Joe Slowinski to name a few on their instructional videos)

The thumb hole on mine is snug. I usually can't just remove my thumb hole like them. I kind of have to work at it to remove once inserted. This is good for me as I don't have concerns of dropping the ball on my backswing and the ball only releases from thumb hole from forward inertia.

[LyalC52]

I used to think I need a perfectly fitting, ovaled out, custom shaped thumb slugs. I spent a lot of time crafting them to be sure all my balls had matching holes.

Now, I go with no slugs, round hole, and my thumb slips out easily.
I've really worked on getting my thumb out of the ball as quick as possible. Which seems to keep my rev rate more consistent.

[fortheloveofbowling]

The trend for the last few years has been for guys to lessen their reverse pitch and increase the thumb hole size.

[NewToBowling]

The trend for the last few years has been for guys to lessen their reverse pitch and increase the thumb hole size.

Lessen reverse pitch meaning thumb hole angling more towards finger holes?

[fortheloveofbowling]

Correct.

[bubba809]

Just enough so your thumb drags the hole.

[fortheloveofbowling]

You just don't want to have to squeeze it. Pitch should hold the ball on your hand not tightness. Your thumb clears easier and you can potentially have a cleaner release. Think of most 2 handers and the revs they create...they have cleared the thumb cleanly......I would not recommend a huge change at first, just gradually move it forward.

[RobLV1]

Tightness is a matter of personal preference as long as the pitches (forward/reverse + lateral) are correct for your hand and your style.

[foreverincamo]

Mine are pretty tight but Easy Slide does the trick!

[fortheloveofbowling]

Tightness is a matter of personal preference as long as the pitches (forward/reverse + lateral) are correct for your hand and your style.

Very true, chris barnes is one that comes to mind that like a very tight thumb hole. You can see him force to get it out after a stopped approach. Again just stating what the current trend among many including tommy jones & missy parkin where they are going to forward pitches. Very different styles and those pitches i'm guessing probably would not be the normal match for their measurements. Just another instance where trying different things can sometimes be what brings it all together.

[ellisr63]

My ball used to be snug in the thumb hole, and occasionally I would rip some skin off of my thumb (from improper release?). Just recently I started to bowl again with the same ball, and I have noticed the thumb hole is on the loose side. I might have to go just a bit tighter on the thumb hole as there have been a few times I dropped the ball when I went to release it.

[SRB57]

My thumb holes are on the loose side because my thumb goes up and down so much. I can always add tape if needed. I see where a few have used forward on the thumb and my ball driller suggested to try it but have not yet. I have used reverse for 40 years so hard to change. Steve

[foreverincamo]

Missy went to a forward pitch to help out her grip. She said it's easier for her to hold onto the ball and doesn't stretch her hand as much.

[Jessiewoodard57]

I just got a new ball and planed on having it drilled Saturday. One local pro shop owner was with his son last night at leagues. He happened the very one that a few friends had recommended to me as very good so I stopped by his table to talk about drilling the ball for me. He asked to see the oil tracks on my ball I was using for league so as to evaluate the best drilling for me. As I showed him my Radical Score first thing he asked me was why it was setup the way it was . I confessed it was how I had asked for (pin under). seeing my oil track and knowing the lanes as he does he told me I would be best served drilling the First Blood to the number 1 on the drill sheet for length and a better backend response. He also asked my about how comfortable the grip I was using was. I explained that I could not seem to be consistent with my release. His reply was I'm not surprised and explained about pitch which my finger holes had none of. After he explained that I would benefit greatly to adding reverse pitch we made an appointment for Saturday to not only drill the First Blood for me but also fix my radical Score...Guess it pays to find someone that "really" knows what they are doing when fitting a ball grip for a customer...I believe I have found a pro shop.

[augoat]

My thumb size varies a good bit. My pro didn't want to over drill the thumb hole last time, so if I get hot or my hand it warm my thumb is a bit tighter than I like. Usually a little tape and I'm good when it gets big.

[Blomer]

I have some play in my thumb hole. I get a little freaked out about getting balls stuck on the fingers.