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Author Topic: Thoughts on using the conventional grip?  (Read 21240 times)

Juggernaut

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Thoughts on using the conventional grip?
« on: June 19, 2011, 07:03:00 AM »
Back before I broke my arm and fractured my elbow, I had given this some thought. I have, since I became reasonably proficient, always been a slowish, rev dominant bowler. I have been able to change me release some, adding a bit of tilt (yes, tilt), which allowed me to get a bit more length and a smoother reaction, but I still had trouble with the balls just being too strong for me most of the time. When the oil seemed good to me, 80%-90% of the other guys were complaining that their balls "wouldn't hook", so I knew I needed to learn how to bowl on "their" condition, but I was never fully able to do so, so I just did the best I could with what I had and was afraid to "screw up" an expensive ball by drilling it conventional.

 

 Then, while I'm out of action and healing up, I come across this guy, who claims to be using conventional grip stuff, and also claims to have 34 300's and 17 800's while using it. I know it is a cake shot, but give it a look and see what you think. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRD0ocDtv3w .

 

 Now I'm really thinking about drilling one up conventional for when I can bowl again. My grip strength isn't going to be back to normal for a while, and I just need to get my elbow used to handling the weight in a swinging motion, but I also want to score as well as possible. Do you guys think that this might be something I could expect much out of or not?
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nospareball

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Re: Thoughts on using the conventional grip?
« Reply #16 on: July 07, 2011, 11:03:39 PM »
From your video it doesn't look like you put a ton into the ball, but dry lanes or short patterns are hell when you have any kind of hand.  I say go for it.  I've used a conventional grip in the past, it really simplifies the game if you have lanes that hook.  There is a guy on my fall league that uses a conventional grip in his Hy-Road and averages 210 with it.  Pretty much down and in, but really stays behind it, I would guess 300rpm.

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bullred

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Re: Thoughts on using the conventional grip?
« Reply #17 on: July 10, 2011, 10:49:38 PM »
juggernaut......Back in the "early" days we used to go forward(towards the fingers 1/2") then start putting some reverse in the thumbhole till you could clear it.

 

If you have access to "help" we also used to "teardrop the fingers and thumb".     This is a stretched conventional with the inside bevel on the thumb and fingers carved(beveled) out(teardropped) til the hand lay flat on the ball.