Expert: - 7/16/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hello,

Background info...About 7 weeks ago I started bowling after a long absence.  During my absence of about 7 years, I had spinal fusion of L2 to S1 which was officially 1 1/2 years ago.  I used to carry a house average of 231 back in the day and since returning I decided to bowl in a PBA Experience league and my average is 172.

I bought a new ball before this sport league started and my ball is a Hammer Hot Sauce Pearl and is 16lbs.  Since getting this ball I've had nothing but problems with my thumb.  

On the inside of my thumb knuckle I've had this constant pain which I believe is being caused by extreme rubbing on that part of my thumb.  Our proshop guru has adjusted the pitch and I'm still getting some rubbing but not quite as bad.  Anyhow, I think my thumb is hanging in the ball too long causing this issue rather than a problem with my ball, but I could be wrong.  Do you think this just a matter of working on my timing using the 1 step method and working on coming up through the ball?  I'm not getting the lift off of my fingers like I should and this is causing me to sacrifice good games on a constant basis.

Do you have any advice on how to stay under the ball rather than trying to come over the top with my thumb still in the ball?  Also since I'm getting this rubbing on the inside knuckle would you think I should have my driller move my thumb hole inside a bit more?

I would like to get all of this figured out so that I can improve my games and get back to my old self so that I can join the ABT after I bowl my required amount of games with a good average rather than a mediocre average as I don't think I can be competitive at this point in time without working through the details I have described above.   

Any helpful advice would be great.

Thanks,

Eric

ANSWER: Eric,
I'd be led to believe that the adjustments made so far are on the right track, since you've experienced less discomfort. Did the shop guy adjust just the lateral or forward/reverse too? Using grip or slug in the thumb? or not?

Sounds like you're either gripping the ball a bit, or its coming off late because of span or pitches. Is the hole loose? tight?

I'm concerned that with your back issue, you went back to a 16 pound ball. Unconsciously, you may be a bit wary of the strain the 16 is creating, so you are "adjusting" what you normally would do with the ball.

On page 21 of this month"s "Bowling This Month" magazine, Photo C is a terrific example of the wrist collapsing prematurely. Ron Clifton writes that grabbing the ball at the bottom results in what you describe (delays thumb exit, slows the rev rate, minimizes the effect of fingers).

I've found if you press the tip of your index finger into the ball it will tighten your wrist and keep it from collapsing to soon. Use this idea and one-step drills to reconfirm to your body that what you want to do won't injure your back. (Did your Doctor clear you to return to bowling with a 16?) Start slowly, and any aggravation stop immediately.

I'd work on release but if the thumb rubs, it's a sign that the thumb isn't clearing cleanly, and size of hole or span or pitches or a combination of the three is complicating an easy and more effective release.

Thanks for the questions. Please follow-up. Bowl well.

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

QUESTION: To answer the 1st question, he just adjusted the lateral from 3/8" to 1/8" and actually moved my ring finger drilling back 1/4" because we originally drilled it for the odd longer length of my ring finger.  Secondly, I have a slug in the thumb.  The hole itself feels fine, not too loose and not to tight.  My back feels fine with the 16, in fact I have a tough time throwing under 17.2mph.  I am 6'3" and about 160lbs with long monkey arms.  My backswing barely breaks past horizontal.  I tried slowing down my steps, starting with my ball low and all and still can't get below 17mph.  It's a bit tough especially considering I need to get the speed down on heavy oil.    

I'm going to work on my release this evening and try the index finger trick.  I'm going to keep an eye on my wrist as well.  It may be a bit weaker than I think so I  may check into a support if that is the case.  And yes I was cleared by the Doctor about 6 months ago.  I'll let ya know how all of these changes work.

Thanks again!!

Eric

Answer
Eric,
What direction was the lateral? Under palm or away from palm? Does either finger feel like the finger nail is pressing back against the finger hole? What is the reverse pitch in the thumb and how long are your spans?

Don't give up any ball speed. It is the single best asset to have, I believe, these days. Thanks for the follow-up. Let me know how you do?