Need Advice, new equipment

[yummymanftw]

I'd like to first introduce myself, I currently play for my high school varsity team. My average is 207, with a high game of 280 (5 times).

Anyway I have a few questions to ask.

For about 2 years, I got all my balls drilled at my local pro shop. Hearing good reviews about another pro-shop 10 minutes away, I decided to check them out.

My intentions was to buy a new ball, my 920A is not working as well as it used too. Anyway, when he was measuring me he noticed that all my previous balls are different and are a horrible fit for me...too large of a span and way too big of a thumb hole.

We came to a solution to drill an unused ball of mine and see how it would fit. For 2 years I have been gripping the ball, severely hurting my thumb. Now that the thumb hole is tight, how long will it take for me to adjust and start bowling normally as I used too?

Also I am thinking of buying the taboo pearl...how is it?

My current arsenal is:
920A (primary ball)
Virtual Gravity Shined up (For drier lanes)
Spare ball (plastic ball)
505A (Haven't used it in 1 1/2 years)

[tumblebug1949]

Hi yummymanftw,

I will leave your questions to be answered by the better bowlers. Just wanted to welcome you to the forum. The forum has been somewhat quite for a couple of days. Don't know if everyone took off for the weekend or what. Keep checking your post and I am sure you will get some answers. Wow, 280 five times, while playing in high school, with a finger span that doesn't fit right. Great scores.

[littlelegs]

I'm far from being a better bowler (trying though) but have been through the thumb issue over the past 18 months or so. I'd give a less than helpful answer by saying 'it depends'.

Really it's just a matter of learning to relax the thumb (or I know some people keep a little pressure by pushing back on the thumb instead of gripping. I'll leave those who coach to say if they think that as acceptable as no grip). It's the learning part. If it's the only piece of your game you're currently thinking about I'd say you can conquer it in a few weeks. But it depends on the individual.

The problem I found is I would think I had a relaxed thumb until I threw a ball with the thumb sticking, which could only have been caused by me gripping (my thumb's snug but not *that* snug that it'll stick without gripping). Learning to truly trust the ball won't drop is tough. It's probably taken me a few months, but then where the release is concerned making changes seems to take me a long time.

[DanielMareina]

A good fit shouldn't take long to get used to, maybe 15-20 games. The key is to not let it into your head how different it is. Keep you mind on your mark and release, and just let your hand feel good about the fit. Enlarged spans and thumb holes will get you used to gripping the ball, and pinching with your thumb. If you continue to do that with the correct span, then you will need to focus more on relaxing. When I throw the ball, I don't actually feel the weight of the ball on my fingers or thumb. If you feel a decent amount of pressure on either, then you will know what part to relax more. I am glad that you found a pro shop guy to get you good fit. It is probably the single most important thing to have in bowling. Followed by good equipment, which you already seem to have. As for new equipment, I would say you are in need of a symetrical ball. Having an arsenal of top of the line equipment doesn't give you a lot of options. I would suggest the Storm Frantic if you want a medium aggresive ball, or I really like my Marvel pearl if you are in need of a strong pearl (since you were looking at the Taboo pearl I was guessing you were). Good luck!

[yummymanftw]

Thank you everyone for your advice, the release is already starting to feel smoother and more comfortable. For the first time in 10 months, my thumb or fingers don't hurt, can't wait for the match tomorrow

[littlelegs]

Have to love the lack of pain. I had my span too wide for a while. Release wise I liked the stretch but it was killing my fingers. Once the span was shortened to the correct length most of the pain went (any left now is just an age thing ). It took a little while to get used to but I'm so very glad I did it.

[The Mayor]

Welcome to the site yummyman! What Daniel said is exactly right, including the ball suggestions.

[10-in-the-pit]

If this all works out, you'll need to fix all the other balls. I don't think it will take long at all to figure out and get used to a good fitting ball. The one bad habit to focus on shaking is gripping the ball.

The Taboo Pearl looks like a good ball. My friends bowl with the Taboo and Black Widow and they both hit hard and are very predictable. The Pearl should be more of the same with greater length.

[StormGirl]

first off, welcome to the forum. i had the exact same problem as you, and it took me one night of practice to get used to it. try to over exaggerate a relaxed hand and thumb as that helped me not grip it.