thumb

[TJS_7]

should your thumb be all the way in the ball??? A guy a bowl with tried to get me to pull my thumb out of the ball some to get the ball to hook more.What do you guys out there do??? all the way ?? half way or 3/4 of the way in.Me I place mine all the way in thx for any comments.

[HammerheadKenny]

I myself put it all the way in, but its all preference. I guess if you keep it out a little you get your hand around the ball more, kinda like throwing with two fingers in a way, which would cause it to hook more. But, I have noticed lately, that if I set my hand up better and really put my thumb in, then I controll the ball more consistently and I think it helps you get it to where you want it, hope this helps

[bluerrpilot]

If you dont put your thumb all the way in, then you will have to squeeze it to hold on to it. That will create problems and a lose of revs and accuracy

[SplitMaster]

I agree with the two posts above...all the way in..improves your release consistancy

[DCM2415]

I would have to agree with many of the other posts, but it really is all about feel. Some use really tight thumb holes while others use loose thumb holes. I just recently switched from a looser hole to a hole that fits a little tighter. It seems that I am able to control the ball better which has improved my accuracey. It you are looking to get more revs and hook, try keeping your wrist cupped during your approach. Just before you release the ball, uncoil your wrist and this will privide more revs.

Doug

[Rowdy]

I was taught that the thumb goes all the way into the ball. At setup,the feeling I'm looking for is that the ball is perched on my thumb only. The thumb goes in the ball at it's lowest point,feels like you could take your fingers and other hand off the ball and it would stay right there. From that it's "Thumb up,swing,thumb down,swing and where you're thumb is pointed at release is where the ball is headed." It's been working for 40 years now.

[BubbaRay]

I have seen many nowlers with half their thumb in the hole. And if you happen to know one of your fellow bowlers who do this watch thier hand through the swing. You will deffinately notice them squeezing the ball all the way through the swing and release. This doesn't make for acurate shot at all. If you really want to see the ball hook, don't use your thumb at all WHICH I STRONGLY DO NOT RECOMMED AT ALL

Always use your thumb and you will have the most control over the ball.

[idlehourlegend]

I only put half my thumb in the ball and so does my father and we have a lot of honor scores so its whatever feels better for you I think i feel that i get more hand in the ball with the thumb half way out but im more accurate with the thumb all the way in, so its whatever feels better for you.

[jedi47]

Look at the pros on tour,,,,, I haven't seen one yet who doesn't have their' thumb all the way in the ball

[slap]

Once again..."Just because you can do something doesn't mean it's a good idea"

That said, your thumb should be all the way in the ball. As Blue said, you'll squeeze the ball which will prevent a free armswing and cause you to grip the ball at the bottom of the swing. That will reduce revs and ball speed.

[Rowdy]

God if theres one thing that drives me up a wall,it's a thumbless bowler who really sucks at it. If they're not lofting it halfway down the lane,they're slamming it into the ditch and most of these clowns have a short fuse. They walk back kicking and slamming balls in the ball return. I've learned to get rid of them by throwing strikes and then offering them my ball to use...provided they use they're thumb. That usually gets 'em to leave.