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Author Topic: Span Question?  (Read 21471 times)

tloy

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Span Question?
« on: July 08, 2012, 06:58:33 PM »
What effect, if any will shortening my span by 1/4 " make? I several balls with a 4 1/2 cut to cut and several newer balls( different driller) where the span is 4 1/4 cut to cut. The shorter span does not seem to carry as well( maybey it is my imigagination). Looking for opinions/advice.. Thank you

 

batbowler

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Re: Span Question?
« Reply #16 on: July 11, 2012, 11:17:45 AM »
Don't forget to factor in finger pitches with these measurements! Some people like pitches under/forward towards grip center or center of ball. Some people and those with less flexibility like pitches away/reverse away from center of grip or center of ball. Pitches can change the feel and the span because of the angle the finger tips go in the holes. With the case of high flexibility or double joints you have to adjust span and pitches to get the proper feel! Each bowler is different and you have to be open to the fact that all bowlers have different types of hands, flexibility, etc.. When I try to go with a shorter or too short of a span I can't get out of the ball as easy. My thumb puts to much pressure at the back of the thumb hole and then if I use more reverse I end up up squeezing the ball. I've been drilling for years and have read the books, been to the classes and you have to adapt to the bowlers needs not what a book or class says!!! Just my $.02, Bruce
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BallReviews-Removed0385

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Re: Span Question?
« Reply #17 on: July 11, 2012, 05:25:52 PM »

In addition to what has been discussed, remember that people's hands change over the years.  Usually flexibility decreases with age, arthritis sets in, pitches are adjusted, sometimes we add pinky holes... There are always things to consider, so having an open mind helps.

Every bowler can and should get their specs tweaked periodically.  One of our long time clients happened to see Bill Hall in Baton Rouge, who had made a few recommendations based on his expertise.  We looked back and discovered that the specs for this guy were from several years ago.  This bowler's physical shape had changed (for the worse) and so his game had very gradually changed.  He never mentioned any troubles, so we assumed his grip was okay. 

When he returned from Baton Rouge my friend (who has drilled maybe 20,000 balls over the past 25 years)  remeasured his hand and was amazed at how much the two spec sheets differed! 

The only reason I mention this is so those who read it will not assume that the "perfect fit" from 5 years ago may, or may not, be perfect today.  Fitting hands is the "art", and drilling (hitting lines) is the easy part.  Those of us who help others in this respect need to keep an open mind because there are no two hands exactly alike.

Thanks for everyone's input.



tloy

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Re: Span Question?
« Reply #18 on: July 11, 2012, 08:09:39 PM »
Thank you for the replies. I believe it was drilled shorter in error, I wanted to see if there were detremental effects and if it is worth adjusting back to the 4 1/2 " span. The 4 1/4 almost feels too relaxed. My question is it worth the trouble of redrilling( probably can be accomplished with a new thumb sug) 5-6 balls? Thank you

BallReviews-Removed0385

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Re: Span Question?
« Reply #19 on: July 11, 2012, 10:57:44 PM »

tloy,

Only you can decide if you want them fixed. If it was pro shop error then they should be willing to eat the cost involved. With it being a full 1/4 inch off, I'd rather they plug the thumbs and re-drill them instead of trying to fix it with a slug.

The slug only method would mean that the thumb hole would be so off center (in the slug) that every ball would look horrible, and draw attention to the fact that someone screwed up.