Shorter Span

[fordman1]

Is it helpful to go to a shorter span when you get a little older? I have noticed that I bounce the ball too many times. Maybe it is because I have heard too much about the NEW STYLE of bowling. When I first learned to bowl you threw the ball over the foul line like there was a towel laying on it. Now you just throw it down into the lane. Anyway would it be helpful with a shorter span?

[J Anderson]

Is it helpful to go to a shorter span when you get a little older? I have noticed that I bounce the ball too many times. Maybe it is because I have heard too much about the NEW STYLE of bowling. When I first learned to bowl you threw the ball over the foul line like there was a towel laying on it. Now you just throw it down into the lane. Anyway would it be helpful with a shorter span?

While you may see bowlers who seem to "just throw it down into the lane", this is not a good way to deliver the ball.The way you learned at least as far as the just clearing a towel on the foul line is still a good method. If you bowl with people who beat the living daylights out of the heads, you may need to learn how to loft the ball properly.

Our bodies never stop changing and it is normal for your span to change even as an adult. Spans often shorten in our later years and sometimes arthritis requires a change in some of the pitches.

Hope you've got a good PSO there in Detroit.

[got_a_300]

J Anderson is correct our bodies are always changing especially
our hands I've had to shorten my span if I remember correctly
about 1/16 inch or maybe a little more.

Years ago I had to really stretch my hand to get my thumb into
the ball but now days I do not have to stretch it hardly at all it
just sort of goes right in so don't be afraid to shorten it a little.

[bowl1820]

Is it helpful to go to a shorter span when you get a little older? I have noticed that I bounce the ball too many times.

+1 J Anderson

Is it helpful to go to a shorter span when you get a little older? It's helpful to get your span checked more often as you get older, to try and maintain a proper fit.

As "J" stated as you get older your flexibility changes, which can affect span, pitches etc. These changes can go unnoticed because they are usually gradual and at first you compensate slightly for them without knowing it. But as time pass's these changes build up and start affecting your release.

[Timmyb]

My span got shortened by a full 1/4" last year. Went from 201 to 215 in average. I don't have finger pain anymore, my elbow feels better, and I think I may actually be getting more turn on the ball. I also got rid of the finger inserts and went back to plain drilled holes. A lot less tearing on the sides of my fingers now.

[santos314]

Wow, I never even thought about the span changing. I know my hands are not as strong as they used to be. I will have to check my ball and see?