Hello there!

Newbie to this site, I read some of the posts here and I though man I got to get in this.

I've been bowling now for about 3 years (in total, self taught) and until now I am still having problems with proper release.

Lately it has been better, I was off for about 2 years then joined a league about 2 months ago. I am starting to get in my groove again averaging 155 but lately bowling 180-210 past couple of weeks. But man my thumb is killing me.

I have never had this before but now I am feeling this hard bump on the inner side of my thumb (right hand) where the thumb joint connects to my hand. I think it's bruising inside and muscles are tearing in there and it's healing over, hence the bump. I also usually get caluses on the right side where the thumb bends. Any idea why this is happening? Am I releasing my ball incorrectly? I have a hunch that I might be gripping the ball too much. I tend to do this because I feel like the ball is going to slip out of my hand on the back swing. Any tips?