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Author Topic: Making the Switch to Two-Handed  (Read 11308 times)

shakezilla9

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Making the Switch to Two-Handed
« on: June 11, 2018, 02:38:29 PM »
Hello all, half way through my two current leagues, I'm done letting thumb injuries, blisters, and swelling dictate my progression as a bowler.

After two practice balls on my Friday league, the callus on my thumb began to fill with blood, and I realized I would not be able to use my conventional delivery for the night (or for the next week for that matter). After apologizing to my teammates, I informed them that I would do my best at attempting a two-handed style.

Ended up averaging 186 for the night, about 10 pins lower than my book average, not a bad night, all things considered. Especially when accounting for the fact that I had no clue how to line up for spares. Striking was seemingly effortless as long as I was within 3 boards of my target and kept my speed up.

Now I am seriously considering making the switch full time. I just have a few questions/concerns about committing to the transition.

1. Health - I'm worried I will destroy my left knee with all the extra energy I'm putting on it. I didn't have any pain, but what are the things I should focus on to ensure I stay healthy?
2. Slide - I outright slipped on two shots, both went into the gutter. Do two handers use less slippery soles? Is it worth the money to buy a performance shoe that I can adjust the soles to my needs? Or is it poor balance on my part?
3. Transition - towards the end of game two, finding the pocket was difficult as everything wanted to turn early. I think my speed began to suffer as I got tired. Should I be making big adjustments left or is balling-down on the same line more appropriate (it's a relatively long, relatively flat house shot.)
4. USBC Rules - Am I allowed to use a ball with a thumb hole and a weight hole? I know about the rule changes coming in a couple years, but is this legal for now?

I know a lot of people despise the style...I did too, until I had no other option. Thumb issues are what made me quit competitive youth bowling, and the idea that I could completely eliminate my biggest weakness immediately is becoming more and more attractive.

Any advice is appreciated, I will be trying this style for the second time tonight, this time in my sport league (boardwalk pattern - 35 feet, high volume, practically flat)
2 Handed convert
House Ave: 205 / Sport Ave: 185

Currently using:
Hyroad, Forza Redline, Orange Vibe, Black Hammer Urethane, Purple Pearl Urethane, Widow Spare

 

bowling_rebel

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Re: Making the Switch to Two-Handed
« Reply #16 on: July 05, 2018, 05:46:28 PM »
This post was the last thing to motivate me to switching to 2 fingers (like Mike Miller and tom daugherty).

It just got to a point where I can't get any better where I am and it's not the drilling, or lack of opinions. I've gone to the better ball drillers, I've experimented with probably over 100 variations. And at the end of the day what feels good one month, feels not just poor, but unusable 2 weeks after and it's not fun to bowl when 90% of what I do is fiddle with my grip.

I think palming it, if it can be done, is less of a game adjustment. ie. studying what Mike Miller did, it's same basic 5 step delivery. So I can keep my otherwise fundamentally sound game and feel I loose nothing but my thumb problems.

sometimes just need to cut your losses and move forward.

anyway, thanks for the motivation.

BowlingForDonuts

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Re: Making the Switch to Two-Handed
« Reply #17 on: July 05, 2018, 06:26:44 PM »
This post was the last thing to motivate me to switching to 2 fingers (like Mike Miller and tom daugherty).

It just got to a point where I can't get any better where I am and it's not the drilling, or lack of opinions. I've gone to the better ball drillers, I've experimented with probably over 100 variations. And at the end of the day what feels good one month, feels not just poor, but unusable 2 weeks after and it's not fun to bowl when 90% of what I do is fiddle with my grip.

I think palming it, if it can be done, is less of a game adjustment. ie. studying what Mike Miller did, it's same basic 5 step delivery. So I can keep my otherwise fundamentally sound game and feel I loose nothing but my thumb problems.

sometimes just need to cut your losses and move forward.

anyway, thanks for the motivation.

Might also look at guys like Tom Smallwood who only put up to the first knuckle of the thumb into the ball.
Here today.  Gone tomorrow.

tunaman4u2

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Re: Making the Switch to Two-Handed
« Reply #18 on: July 17, 2018, 04:49:39 PM »
I'm 38 and a physical therapist... I throw with 2 hands as it's easier on my body IF I don't bend down too far. I hurt my back trying to get real low, it also flared up my left glute pain.
Fun to see the progress

storybook123

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Re: Making the Switch to Two-Handed
« Reply #19 on: July 19, 2018, 02:49:05 PM »
I have been making this transition as well, I have a 13lb plastic and a 14lb intel. My left glute is getting a work out for sure, but the more practice I have the easier it is. It is very new moving about 10 boards left with my feet and moving my target 5 boards right due to the amount of revs I now generate. The main reason I changed was to help with wrist and knee pain which I have accomplished.

tunaman4u2

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Re: Making the Switch to Two-Handed
« Reply #20 on: July 21, 2018, 09:01:54 AM »
I have been making this transition as well, I have a 13lb plastic and a 14lb intel. My left glute is getting a work out for sure, but the more practice I have the easier it is. It is very new moving about 10 boards left with my feet and moving my target 5 boards right due to the amount of revs I now generate. The main reason I changed was to help with wrist and knee pain which I have accomplished.

Exactly. As long as I stand tall at release I have no pain in wrist knee or shoulder. When I watch Tackett or Lavoie those guys can extend their shoulder way back & up, Impossible for me and really hard on my shoulder. I can go pretty painfree with 2 handed. Theres a reason Walter Ray is giving it a go here & there