Hi...newbie here

[abbynormal]

Hi,
My name is Abby. I bowled in high school a few years back and my husband and I have just taken up bowling again last year. I admit I don't know a whole lot about bowling so I hope I can learn a lot from here.

In high school I bowled on a few leagues (not through school) and on my school team. It was a lot of fun and really enjoyed it. My "coach" didn't know a lot about bowling he was there pretty much to supervise us so we could have the team so we didn't learn a whole lot from him.

Currently my average is right about a 120. I was using a regular plastic ball drilled conventionally. I decided today that I wanted to step it up a bit and got a Grape Vibe. We went bowling today and I feel like I get the exact same reaction as I did with my plastic ball. I really can hardly tell any difference and it's really starting to frustrate me. Before we got it drilled the owner of the store told me to keep it conventional until I get used to the difference in the ball. IDK. I really am thinking about going back tomorrow and have him drill it for fingertip. I have never bowled like this so I am a little nervous to try it. From what I can tell and what I have seen online I will get a way larger reaction if I get it drilled this way.

So I guess I have a question. Of course I realize if I switch to fingertip it will be different but I am worried that I wont be able to hold the ball. I feel like it will seem like the ball is heavier. Does that make sense? I don't know if I have the strength in my hand to keep it in there long enough. Is it a really hard adjustment? Am I going to be screwed if I change it?

TIA

[eugene02]

Hi,
My name is Abby. I bowled in high school a few years back and my husband and I have just taken up bowling again last year. I admit I don't know a whole lot about bowling so I hope I can learn a lot from here.

In high school I bowled on a few leagues (not through school) and on my school team. It was a lot of fun and really enjoyed it. My "coach" didn't know a lot about bowling he was there pretty much to supervise us so we could have the team so we didn't learn a whole lot from him.

Currently my average is right about a 120. I was using a regular plastic ball drilled conventionally. I decided today that I wanted to step it up a bit and got a Grape Vibe. We went bowling today and I feel like I get the exact same reaction as I did with my plastic ball. I really can hardly tell any difference and it's really starting to frustrate me. Before we got it drilled the owner of the store told me to keep it conventional until I get used to the difference in the ball. IDK. I really am thinking about going back tomorrow and have him drill it for fingertip. I have never bowled like this so I am a little nervous to try it. From what I can tell and what I have seen online I will get a way larger reaction if I get it drilled this way.

So I guess I have a question. Of course I realize if I switch to fingertip it will be different but I am worried that I wont be able to hold the ball. I feel like it will seem like the ball is heavier. Does that make sense? I don't know if I have the strength in my hand to keep it in there long enough. Is it a really hard adjustment? Am I going to be screwed if I change it?

TIA

Only to answer your ball seems to be heavier,
when the ball is drilled to your hand span, it will definitely be much lighter. You can carry 1 - 3 lbs heavier ball because of it.. Hope I ain't wrong about this..

am a newbie too >_<

[abbynormal]

Only to answer your ball seems to be heavier,
when the ball is drilled to your hand span, it will definitely be much lighter. You can carry 1 - 3 lbs heavier ball because of it.. Hope I ain't wrong about this..

am a newbie too >_<

Well I really hope that's the case. Thanks

[eugene02]

Well I really hope that's the case. Thanks

yea sure! welcome.. hope more experienced players can share their thoughts with you too

[billf]

Welcome to the forums Abby! Some people think I'm nuts but the first thing I do with a new bowler, as a coach, is get them into fingertip grip. Conventional the balls all react about the same; round and go pretty straight. Besides, when starting to try to get better you will encounter lots of changes along the way so may as well get the most mentally challenging change out of the way. When a ball is properly fitted to your hand, you WILL NOT drop it. It will feel like it at first, until you learn to trust it. Now with the fingertips, you want them to have a loose but snug fit. If they are too tight you will feel a burning sensation on the pads of your fingers as callouses develop. Luckily changes the tips is cheap and easy.
Centrifugal force will keep the ball in your hand on the downswing. Momentum is our friend in the swing with this grip. If you start to get pain or callous on the knuckle of your thumb then you are trying to hold onto the ball. Don't squeeze. It is a huge mental obstacle for some to overcome but the first key to a good release.
There are some very knowledgeable people here so don't ever shy away from asking a question.
Let us know how the change to finger tip goes and best of luck.

[Florida Bowler]

I had the same experience. I got a new ball and it was not hooking any more than the plastic one. Then I got it drilled for a fingertip grip, and boy what a difference! It took me a while to tame the hook, but once I did, my average went from about a 150 to about a 175.

-DJ

[eugene02]

i was using my forearm to throw before i got my own ball.. after i played maybe 5 - 7 games in a night.. my arms would be aching.. luckily I have my own ball now.. much better.. don't feel as painful even though i bowl 13 - 15 games..

[JaMau24]

Welcome Abby!

[The Mayor]

Welcome to the site Abby! You will have no problem with a fingertip grip! Actually, your hand is spread out over more of the surface of the ball which makes up for the fact that you don't have your fingers in as far. I think fingertip is easier to throw and is easier on your hand. As Bill said, I recommend starting with a fingertip grip for everyone (besides small children). Your goal is to go to fingertip and throw a hook anyway, so why learn to bowl with conventional and then learn to bowl with fingertip? You might as well start out with the fit you'll end up with!

One more thing, just because you get a fingertip grip, doesn't mean you will absolutely throw a hook. If you throw a ball straight, it will go straight. It doesn't matter if it's the most aggressive ball on the market. You've still got to release the ball in a way to get it rotating in the right direction. Having fingertip and a good ball like the Grape Vibe will make it so much easier though!

[Mi5hka]

what weight is the bowling ball you are using right now ? fingertip like everyone said would probably be the best thing if you wanted to learn that way anyway. hey get some coaching also! good luck!