Expert: Warren Friedl, Pro Shop Owner/Operator, - 9/21/2009

Question
Hi, I am getting a bruise on the end of my thumb every time I bowl. I throw a 15lb Jigsaw, fingertip, with a thumb slug. I am told that my release is completely wrong. /my wife put grip tape in my thumb hole, and I think it made it worse. Help!

Answer
Lee,
Sounds like a span that is too short or too much reverse pitch. Hard to diagnose a pitch problem unless you have all the numbers from your fit sheet. But, with your thumb fully inserted into the thumb hole, where do the fingertip creases fall as you place your fingers across the finger holes?
I'll need to know how long your fingers are, and how flexible they are. What do you average? Does the thumb hole feel big when you swing the ball?

If you feel your release is causing inconsistency, try to find a coach that can get eyes on what you are doing, to help identify the problem and begin you on a path to improvement.

Let me know more info and I think I can help. Best of luck, hope to hear from you soon.