Bad release or bad fit?

[tokih]

Hello,

I just got my first very own bowling ball. I have been bowling quite a lot every now and then, but always with house balls before this. Not with the plastic ones though, I always try to find someone's old ball with fingertip grip. As one could imagine, they probably have not been the perfect fit, and I have got customed to squeezing the ball. However, getting curve to the ball has not been an issue, thanks to my (presumably) very unorthodox style.

The problem with my new ball, which I only took out for a test drive just today, is that the thumb release does not seem good at all. I can't seem to hold the thumb fairly straight, which may be due to the fact the I have been using house balls for so long. Also, the top-right side of my thumb rubs the socket, making me fear that the ball won't release at all if my fingers get moist, and this affects my courage to go for a decent curve. I consulted the driller between throws and he suggested various tape setups, which only seemed to make things worse. I now suspect that I might just be releasing the thumb too late, only after I have already started to turn the ball with my fingers. Any ideas? I googled this thing called a thumb sock, but also noticed from the comments on that thing that getting one might just be denying my real problem. Ideas?

Edit: Here's a low quality video of the fit. Not sure if you can actually make sense from it, but it's the best I've got at the moment:

[HunterRunsIt]

I had a problem where I would squeeze the dear life out of the ball, Your ball needs to be drilled to where it fits like a glove. You shouldn't have to squeeze at all or you get some nasty blisters!

[tokih]

I was kinda hoping that the main reason would be somewhere else than in the drilling, as I just had it drilled. To my offense I did not know anything about a perfect fit, so I relied completely on the words of the one who made the drilling. And to be completely honest, the squeezing is not the end of the world for me, although I understand that the core idea of the personalized fitting is to eliminate that. I justify my opinion by repeating that I have got customed to squeezing the ball; what I was mainly after by getting my own ball was to be able to "know" my equipment and not to have to always get to know new acquaintances when I visited a new bowling alley.

[J Anderson]

It looks to me like the span might be too long. Maybe one of the people who actually fit and drill balls for a living will give you some input.

[StormGirl]

It could be a lot of factors. One reason could be your pitch. Another could be a long span like the post above me stated. When you put your thumb in comfortably, your middle and ring finger's first knuckle should rest right in the center of the finger holes.

[bowl1820]

One thing I noticed in the video is the thumb hole looks kinda big.(unless its just the camera angles). If its too big you wont grip it right.

[tokih]

Here are a few pictures of the fit and the grip:



And here's a picture of my thumb after yesterday's practice session:



Somehow I feel like I would benefit from some left pitch, although I am just guessing. No experience there.

[The Mayor]

It's actually hard to check the span with your hand on top of the ball. This isn't the way you hold it when you bowl, and it can put your thumb at an awkward angle. I would say the span looks slightly long, but as bowl said, the thumb hole looks too large. This would be the main reason for you having to squeeze, and your biggest issue. That being said, the blisters you have on your thumb aren't uncommon for anyone who gets their first ball fit and drilled for their hand. It's a new feel and something you have to get comfortable with. That combination of a slightly stretched span and a giant thumb hole is something that needs to be adjusted or you might as well have just stuck with the balls you were using at the lanes.

[vgw]

I agree with everyone else - the thumb hole is way too big which is forcing you to squeeze the ball. Squeezing is a very difficult and bad habit to break and you will just need to practice. You should have the thumb adjusted either by adding tape or having the thumb redone. I am assuming that your form or release may be a contributing factor, but I would focus on the proper fitment first.

[StormGirl]

I'd go for a new thumb slug. If you still feel a bit of rubbing afterwards, get your driller to sand down the area where it bothers you most.