Expert: Warren Friedl, Pro Shop Owner/Operator, - 6/14/2009

Question
WHEN YOU FEEL THAT YOU MUST GRIP THE BALL IN ORDER TO MAKE THE DELIVERY IT'S USUALLY THE DRILLING RIGHT?
IF THIS NEEDS TO BE CHANGED WHAT SHOULD THE BOWLER ASK THE BALL DRILLER TO DO TO CORRECT THIS FEELING ESPECIALLY FOR OLDER BOWLERS. I'VE HEARD CHRIS BARNES STATE THAT HE PITCHES HIS FINGERS 1/4 UNDER AND HIS THUMB 1/16 FORWARD. IS THIS SOMETHING THAT SHOULD BE LOOKED INTO? ANY SUGGESTIONS

Answer
Jim,
Ball fit is a very individual thing, involving your flexibility, hand/finger size, moistness, thumb web, etc.

The ball should let go of you.

So, gripping should not be necessary.

What is causing you to feel you need to grip? Hole sizes? Span lengths (short or long)? Can you get the fit information and hand details and e-mail them to me?

Determining your solution will demand more information about what you are trying to hang on to.

Also, do you throw fast or slow? hook the ball or not? what kind of ball is it? How long have you bowled?

Let me know more and I will help. Thanks for the question.