Expert: - 9/25/2009

Question
QUESTION: I am currently 51, having bowled most of my life. I am a strong league bowler averaging 210-225 over the past 10 years. 2 years ago, the last joint in my ring finger fused, completely immobile. I went to a Sarge Easter grip. At the end of last year, I injured the collateral ligaments of the proximal joint of my ring finger. I bowled through the pain to the end of the year. Over the summer it healed. However, in the first game preparing for the fall season the injury flared up. I am currently unable to bowl.

Can I utilize my index finger instead? Would I need to change the pitch of the fingers and thumb? What will this drilling pattern do to ball reaction? Do you have any other ideas? or should I find another hobby?

Thank you for your help,  Don

ANSWER: Don,
I'm not a doctor and don't know your prognosis for the finger injury. If waiting for it to heal and protecting it from further injury isn't possible, using other fingers is an option.

You definitely will want to change pitches and spans if you use index and middle finger for delivering the ball. Thumb pitch wouldn't necessarily need to change, but how your hand sits on the ball may necessitate a small change just for comfort. Your hand action may change because of the injured finger, but you won't know until you try it. So, ball reaction should be similar if slightly changed as you get used to the feel (you'll probably roll the ball a little slower and not turn it quite as much).

Do you use any kind of wrist device for support of the fingers?

I'd hate to hear a proficient member of the bowling community give up the sport, but your doctor should be able to give you more info on the injury and it's likelihood of eliminating use of your ring finger permanently. Thank for the question. Good luck with the changes. Let me know what happens.

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

QUESTION: Thanks for the prompt response.  

I have typically spread my index finger away from my middle finger. To drill an index finger, would you recommend bringing it in tight to the middle finger

Answer
Don,
Yes, I've drilled a few players with injuries/accidents and drilling the finger holes to support the ball and allow yourself some balance in swing and delivery worked for my customers. Spreading out the fingers to much makes any hand action at the point of delivery difficult to impossible. Best of luck.