Expert: Susie Minshew - 7/21/2009

Question
2 parter: I recently went to a shop and had my middle finger changed to 7/8 reverse and 7/8 left lateral as the finger veers left. I have 1/4 fwd in the thumb. What's your opinion? Also any thoughts on aproduct called Steelfingers(a brace foe the 2 bowling fingers)?  thanks

Answer
Depends on how long your span is. That's quite a bit of forward pitch in your thumb. That can be really good since it will force you to relax or else you can't clear the ball. However, if you have a long span that might not be so good. As for pitching your finger away, that's a good way to relieve pain. However, the pain should not have been there is the first place (providing it was bowling caused). Shortening the span on that finger combined with the away pitch until you stop hurting is the remedy in my opinion.

By the way, just fyi. Your finger hole is not pitched laterally left because your finger goes that way. It is pitched that way because you are drilling a sphere. If the Pro Shop Dude drilled the finger holes 'straight' down, they would meet and really weaken the bridge, so the holes are drilled laterally left and right.

I have personally used SteelFingers and highly recommend them.

They absolutely work. It's a non-combat sport. You shouldn't be hurting!