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Author Topic: Knuckling The Ball Help  (Read 3064 times)

tenpin477

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Knuckling The Ball Help
« on: May 16, 2008, 11:46:20 AM »
Lately I have been having a problem knuckling the ball, even when it is a nice firm fit, and it leads to a tear on the back of my thumb, requiring new skin.

Any advice on how to avoid this habit, because i know its terrible, but I can't seem to fix it.
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Re: Knuckling The Ball Help
« Reply #1 on: May 16, 2008, 08:04:13 PM »
I add tape until I cannot bend the knuckle. Period. No problems releasing it cleanly off the thumb, no scars, etc.
 
What is your thumb pitch? Possibly too much reverse, which causes you to squeeze harder than you should to make it feel secure. In the past year or so I've gone from 1/4" reverse back to zero without any problems. It's nice to be able to relax the grip more, too. Good luck.




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JohnP

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Re: Knuckling The Ball Help
« Reply #2 on: May 16, 2008, 08:47:00 PM »
Try a Thumb Straight.  The Ebonite version can be found through the link below.  --  JohnP

http://www.buddiesproshop.com/products/All/0~99999/All/All/0/16page16.htm?straight
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frontiers2

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Re: Knuckling The Ball Help
« Reply #3 on: May 17, 2008, 08:33:57 PM »
the thumb straight works. i've used it but it feels funny.  one thing i've always was taught and kept in mine is hold your fingers and thumb out like a aligator and picture that when you put your hand in the ball.  i'll relax your thumb and help you keep it straight.  also your pitch could be off a little and your thumb hole could be too big or you have lots of bevel, in which that will make you squeeze the ball aka knuckle it, and with lots of bevel, that'll change your span a little bit and cause you trouble.  if at any part of your swing you think you're losing the ball off your hand and you have to squeeze, you're thumb hole is too big.  you may just need to add some tape but be careful but if you have to put in anymore than 3 pcs than its probably too big.

hope this helps..
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Brickguy221

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Re: Knuckling The Ball Help
« Reply #4 on: May 17, 2008, 10:17:13 PM »
quote:
These things are like adding 1/2" reverse to the thumb. I wouldn't recommend these with advising folks to plug or slug their thumb and redrill to accommodate these things.
 


Deadbait is correct that the Thumb Straight adds reverse pitch to the thumb. I was getting ready to post that here and then I saw his post before I posted about it.
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"Whenever I feel the urge to exercise I lie down until the feeling passes away"

JohnP

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Re: Knuckling The Ball Help
« Reply #5 on: May 19, 2008, 10:46:09 AM »
I don't use the Thumb Straight myself, but I have a few customers that do.  I didn't realize it added reverse.  It fits all the way in the bottom of the hole (I do secure them with a drop of Super Glue) and prevents the thumb from bending at the joint by holding the thumb tip away from the front of the hole, which is the proper way to grip the ball anyway.  Any pressure with the front of the thumb should be applied with the base of the thumb, not the tip.  I'll have to stick one in one of my thumb holes and see how it feels.  --  JohnP
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Smash49

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Re: Knuckling The Ball Help
« Reply #6 on: May 19, 2008, 11:01:28 PM »
I would have someone that is really good with fitting to check your hand.  It could be a number of things including:

Excessive reverse pitch
Span too Short or long
Hole too big
Excessive right lateral pitch
Hole too small
Excessive left lateral pitch
If you do not use slugs a moist thumb may cause the issue
and my favorite....  I hate vinyl slugs and inserts

Smash49

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JohnP

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Re: Knuckling The Ball Help
« Reply #7 on: May 19, 2008, 11:31:01 PM »
I use vinyl sleeves in my thumb holes, but I use Magic Carpet on the back and white tape on the front of the hole.  So only about 15 - 20% of the sleeve actually touches my thumb.  --  JohnP
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mrbowlingnut

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Re: Knuckling The Ball Help
« Reply #8 on: May 19, 2008, 11:46:36 PM »
100 percent agree just like the fable of total free armswing, worked with Billy Hall a bunch he proved to me it cannot happen. You can free up the armswing but total free armswing is just BS.


quote:
Next question!!!     What's wrong with "squeezing" the ball.    Done it all my life.    Most people do.    It's like a trigger.  Hang on until release point and pull the trigger,  "release it".    I've heard this "no squeeze the ball" all my life, nonsense!!!!  I want to control when I turn loose of the ball.   Anybody that says they don't squeeze the ball in this "grip it and rip it" environment we have today is maybe fibbing a bit.
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Atochabsh

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Re: Knuckling The Ball Help
« Reply #9 on: May 20, 2008, 01:14:45 AM »
I agree too Deadbait and mr.  There' no such thing as effortless swing and release.  

There is a point where you have to grip the ball.  And the times you grip and release is where all the fuss is about.  IMO.  Timing is everything and if you can learn this timing or at least get a glimpse at it, then you will achieve.  Not one of my coaches, including a WPBA multi titalist, has told me to NOT grip the ball.   I've been to clinics, coaches, read materials in multiple books from a wide variety of areas and no where have I ever gotten the impression that I don't need to grip the ball somewhat.  

Now the swing is totally different.
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Pinbuster

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Re: Knuckling The Ball Help
« Reply #10 on: May 20, 2008, 07:51:30 AM »
I do not believe a thumb straight adds reverse.

The top edge of the hole is the same angle it always was.

But it does make the thumb release so much quicker that it acts/feels like pitch in the reverse direction has been added.

Almost all bowlers knuckle the thumb to some degree and the thumb straight keeps you from doing that.

I agree in that there is way to have an effective totally free swing. But a grip/swing with minimal muscling repeats better and the release becomes automatic.
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bucsfan713

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Re: Knuckling The Ball Help
« Reply #11 on: May 20, 2008, 08:24:42 AM »
Just use half your thumb.  It works for me
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