Expert: Chip Aki - 5/14/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hi, I been bowling for quite some time now, but I have been trying to figure out a way to bowl better. I been bowling with only two fingers and when I bowl with my thumb in the ball I feel like I have to grip the ball in order to control it. I have a gap from my palm to the ball when my fingers and thumb is inserted. I have tried an Ebonite ReactRX glove and it helps a little. Also, I am double jointed. What would I need to do to correct the feel?

ANSWER: I would suggest you have your span looked at by a certified pro shop operator.  You can have the span changed so you get the feel that you want.  It sounds like you would need to have the span lengthened.

Good luck,
Chip

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Would lengthening the span make a better fit for me? The span righ now is 4 7/8" and my middle and ring fingers are double jointed. When I place my fingers inside the holes I have to bend my fingers a little to make it straight.

Answer
I cant tell you for sure without being able to fit you.  However, you can check to see if the span is close.  
Place your thumb in the thumb hole.
Place your fingers over the finger holes.  Do not put them in the holes.
Look to see where the edge of the finger hole closest to the thumb hole hits your finger.  It should be somewhere close to the halfway point between the two finger joints.

Some people do like it to be longer than that and it works well for them.
This is just a general test.
It will need to be looked at by someone local for the best answer.

Good luck,
Chip