Expert: Chip Aki - 7/25/2008

Question
Hi, I’m a 22, female, right handed bowler. I have a 4 step approach and could be classified as a cranker as far as style goes, I suppose. I use a 12 lb ball and used my Hammer Black Widow Venom ball for the first time last night (an amazing ball I must say). I know I’ll get lectured on this for having lack of control but I don't use my thumb hole and insert my ring and middle finger down to the second knuckle. It is freshly drilled and everything felt comfortable for the placement of the holes (this is my first ball that fits right since I’ve been using a relative’s ball and house balls). As the night progressed my middle finger started to hurt from rubbing when I released the ball. I’ve got a blister superior (top) on the first knuckle and another distal (slightly passed) to the second knuckle (on the side). I have a bad habit of overly rotating my hand position to hook when I release (turning counter clockwise from 6 o’clock to 1 o’clock). Over rotating my hand gets me too much spin with this ball but was working with the house balls. If I consciously think about it I can release at about 3-4 o’clock and it doesn’t rub uncomfortable on the fingers and hits the pocket perfectly. I asked the pro-shop operator if I should get the hole drilled wider to alleviate the rubbing on my middle finger but he said I should try to refine the technique a little bit more and see if it’s still giving me issues. Is there anything I can do with the finger holes to make them less abrasive other than putting in inserts? Thanks.

Best Regards!
Beth


Answer
I would agree with trying to fine tune your release to help with the finger pain.  In the long run, not only will the pain go away, but your average score will go up.  Until then, I would suggest using some of the skin protection tape that is available.  Vise, Ebonite, and Turbo 2n1 make this type of product.  A lot of bowlers use this all of the time.

Good luck,
Chip