Expert: Chip Aki - 1/16/2008

Question
Hi, i very recently bought a new bowling ball, drilled with a fingertip grip. Prior to this i've been throwing balls with only two fingers, without using the thumb. When i try to throw my new ball, i get this suction pop as the ball is released. I  am also starting to get a callus on the outside knuckle of my thumb and the inside base of my thumb. The driller says that the ball is fitted correctly, and that i have to relax my thumb on release. Do you have any advice?

Answer
I would ask the pro shop to see if the pitch of the thumb hole needs to be adjusted.  The only place you should ever get a callous on your thumb is at the base.  It might also help if you used one of the skin protection tape products that have become so popular.  Vice, Turbo, and Ebonite make them.

Good luck,
Chip