Thumb hurts

[Hawk]

Hey if i have pain at base of thumb not normal right! is it wrong to try and grip with thumb where should pressure be applied. base of thumb looks like i sprained it! all swollen. Hawk..

[1VegasBowler]

If your thumb is hurting and swollen, you're either using too much thumb or it isn't drilled correctly.

Thumb should be the first finger out on your release.

[LOUVIT]

I had a 1/4" back pitch put into my thumb so it slides out and also had it drilled a bit larger and if it's lose I just put a piece of tape in it.... Not saying that's for you.. Have your Pro shop check your fit.

[Hawk]

so at no time am i to grip with the thumb , my thumb is out first, am i to grip with fingers only.

[1VegasBowler]

so at no time am i to grip with the thumb , my thumb is out first, am i to grip with fingers only.

You shouldn't have much grip with the thumb at all, and the fingers need to be relaxed because you can get too much grip and it can make a total mess of your release and timing.

But the thumb is the first finger out of the ball on your release.

[LOUVIT]

again with a house ball and not a finger tip ball you will have issues learning

[Hawk]

again with a house ball and not a finger tip ball you will have issues learning

I have my own ball.

[Hawk]

You shouldn't have much grip with the thumb at all, and the fingers need to be relaxed because you can get too much grip and it can make a total mess of your release and timing.

But the thumb is the first finger out of the ball on your release. so the ball should stay on with the momentum of the swing then..

[1VegasBowler]

so the ball should stay on with the momentum of the swing then..

That is correct.

[Hawk]

That is correct.
Thank you.

[ytlas]

For a pain at the base of the thumb, I would first see if you had enough bevel at the top of the hole. A span that is too long will also cause pain at the base of the thumb

[foreverincamo]

Have your PSO check the ball. The best description I give people is your ball should hold onto you, This way your hand is completely relaxed upon release. I use Vise finger inserts that are tight, and I use black tape in the thumb hole and Hada tape on my thumb to get it super-snug. But no thumb pain at all!

[stargell1]

I have thumb pain with my 15 ball. But no pain with 14 lb balls.

[Hammer]

Make sure that when you grip with your thumb your thumb knuckle should not raise up. If you grip with the tip of the thumb that will raise the knuckle and your thumb will hang up in the ball and cause pulled shots. You should grip with your thumb knuckle lightly because that will keep your thumb flat in the ball which is what you want so it comes out quickly at the release and your fingers come out last. If you have a fingertip ball that is drilled correctly you can put your fingers and thumb in the ball and let the ball hang below your hand and it will not fall off because of the friction of your fingers and thumb in the ball. When you practice you should see how lightly you can hold the ball when you throw it. You will be surprised how light you can hold it and feel confident in your shot. You just have to get used to it. Good luck.

[foreverincamo]

It's not the weight of the ball. It's the fit. I only use 16 lb equipment.