Grip it and rip it, or relaxed hand release?

[UBowling]

My general rule for fit in the ball is that when you bowl, the ball should be releasing your hand, not your hand releasing the ball. I believe it is better to create a comfortable and tight fit in the ball so you can relax your hand and throw it the same way every time, so as far as the thumb hole goes, I recommend getting a good oval on it, and the sanding it out so it is a little big to accommodate swelling when it happens and then perfect the fit with white tape.

With that being said, I know of a lot of great bowling who grip the ball as tight as they can when they bowl. I think it is the weirdest thing.

[Tampabaybob]

After getting a new ball, I have always carried small pieces of sandpaper in my bag. This to me, is a must have in every bowling bag/kit so you can "tweak" your thumb hole to fit the way it feels good to you. You may not always have a pro shop available to you when you need it and having this available can be life saving. This way you're taking just a little out at a time.

Bob