Expert: Chip Aki - 8/12/2004

Question
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Followup To
Thanks for your response, Chip. I do have an oval hole drilled for the thumb. Someone mentioned that I should use a tape inside of the hole so that it doesn't slide down my thumb. Will that work ?

Also, where should I start and end the rotation, assuming my backswing is with my palm facing forward and the plane of the palm is at 90 degrees to the direction of throw ?

Thanks,
Arvind

Question -
I've been bowling for a while now, with an average of 150. I bowl with my own bowling ball, aiming to develop a good spin technique. But I don't think I'm doing the right thing. The right side of my right thumb wears out really fast, so I have to use tons of powder. I have a very good approach and swing, but I'm not sure about the way I'm gripping the ball. If I try to loosen the thumb area so that it doesn't chafe as much, the ball slips out early. I just need some pointers on how to hold it and release it without chafing my right thumb. Thanks,

Arvind
Answer -
It sounds like you need to go with an oval thumb hole or add some lateral pitch in the direction of your thumb rubbing.

You may also be over rotation during you release.  With a firm wrist, you only need to rotate your hand counterclockwise about 2 to 2 1/2 hours on a clock face.

Good luck,
Chip

Answer
If the ball is slipping that much, I would look at going a bit smaller on the thumb or changine the revers pitch a little.  Atlhough using tape may work, if you have to use several pieces, the two things I just mentioned may need to be looked at.

If you start with your thumb at 1 oclock, you would rotate it to 1030 or 1100 oclock durint the release.  More rotation than that will produce more spin and less overall hook.

Good luck,
Chip