Expert: Russ King - 9/27/2006

Question
Hey im 22 from dublin, i have been bowling for about 16 years and won many titles. I have taken a year out and now ready to get back into it. I have bought a brand new range of equipment and about to get them drilled. Im a right handed bowling with a long delivery and a snap hook at the end. I usually wear a thumb slug as i believed it gave a better release and contained swelling to a certain extent but i have now been told that there is no need for them anymore as it was kind of a fashion statement at the time. Is there any technical reason why i should get a slug or is a clean cut no differant.

Thanks

Answer
I would start by drilling up an old ball to get the grip right before experamenting on new equipment.As for thumb slugs,if you have a fast release it helps!The new equipment is a tacky resin.This interacts with your skin & develops friction resulting in a less than perfect release.It also helps in getting all your balls feeling the same.Most important when going to a spare ball & changing balls in the middle of the game.Every ball will have a slightly different feel. This is covered by a bevel in the right place or a slice of tape in the right place.This will get you as close as possible .I take out 6 or so balls in practice & rotate them thru the game. This gets an accurate copy of feel & knowing ball to ball what they do different.
If you dont want people to know about the slugs, color them the same as the ball.I like white so I can see the ball roll & learn how I am rolling it.
When your thumb swells & starts to hang up, try crushed SOAP STONE. Soap Stone is used in welding & comesb in bars. I grind them up with a file & put it in a bottle. I put a little on the back of my thumb for a clean release. Down here in South Texas, it is very humid & the soap stone works on this too.If not your cup of tea, try plain non flavored CHAP STICK.A little dab & rub it in.I guess you can tell I like a tight thumb.A clean release is a bowlers best friend to carry those 10 pins & trip 4 pins.
DRILL OLD TO GET YOUR GRIP RIGHT! THEN DRILL NEW!AFTER A YEAR OFF,YOUR HAND MASS WILL HAVE CHANGED.