Hey guys. I have been having release issues for a while. My rev rate is no where near what it should/could be. Here is whats been happening.

I have a Storm Rapid Fire. It is currently the only ball I am using due to it being the only ball I have drilled to my span.

Lately I have been practicing my back swing and I am noticing something. During my backswing with my wrist slightly cocked my thumb slips out a bit. Its only the front part of my thumb. It comes out about a centemeter or two. But I dont think it should be sliding out at all.

Secondly. My ball doesnt have a thumb slug. Inside it gets moist/sticky sometimes.

My thumb will only come out of the ball clean if it comes straight out of the thumb hole. It cant come out if it is tilted any other way. And because my thumb always slips out during the backswing,it is enough to make my thumb crooked when coming out and in turn rub the top half of my thumb and make my release not very pleasing.


I recently had my ball redrilled and my Pro Shop guy suggested a wider span. I was going to ask him for something wider any ways so I was happy I was on the right Track.

I just cant seem to fix this problem. So do you think my thumb is to small? I need some pitch? I need a thumb slug? Maybe my wrist isnt strong enough? even though I doubt thats the reason.


I plan to get a new ball soon. I recently joined a sport league and I have no ball for heavy oil. I am 95% going to purchase the Storm Invasion.

I dont want to do a exact copy of my rapid fire If I am going to have these problems.


Any input would be great. Thanks

It sounds like you're going to have to do some experimenting, and better to do that on the existing ball than on a new, undrilled ball.

A bad release will often make your thumb stick. In that case, it has nothing to do with the proper grip. can you describe your release?

I'm not convinced your span is too short. maybe it's too long. Maybe you could post a picture or describe where the fingers are when the thumb is in the hole.

Your span must be correct before you can do any experimenting. If it's not correct now, then that must be fixed. I would recommend a slug, to eliminate sticking and make for a smooth exit. Also, some experiments can then be tried without redrilling the hole - changing the hole size and pitch, for instance. the advantage of not redrilling the slug hole is that you don't have to wait a day for the epoxy filler to dry. Just remove the old slug and put in the new slug.

If your span passes that test and the thumb still slips out in the backswing, you need to add tape to the hole to snug it up. You shouldn't have to hold onto the ball - the ball should hold onto you. If tape doesn't work (you fall out, and then put a piece of tape in and stick), you need to adjust your forward/reverse pitch - the most likely move would be more forward.

::Takes a drink::

Ok. Concerning my span. Both finger creases are in the middle of both finger holes.

For my release. Its very traditional. Nothing oddball. Its why I have been maintaining a 200 average. My accuracy is still there.

I think I am going bowling today so I will tape my thumb hole. But I have tried this before and its never worked.

That doesn't answer the span test. The leading edge of the hole should come halfway between the first and second knuckle. In most cases, the finger crease in the middle of the hole method leads to a stretched span.

Both finger holes are between the first and second knuckle on both fingers.

Ok. I just came back from bowling.

Put tape in the thumb. My thumb was very tight in there. Even to tight. My thumb still likes to pop out on my backswing and upon my release with my hand cocked I cannot release the bowling ball properly.The ball wants out of my hand at such a angle that my thumb gets stuck. Im now almost certain I need some pitch

What kind of pitch do you thing you need? You have forward and reverse and then lateral which is left to right. If your span isn't right then you are gonna have problems no matter what you do.

Before going any further, we should really know the pitch of your thumb hole. The thumb falling out can be caused by too much reverse pitch. Also, maybe the hole is the wrong shape for your thumb.
Can you have the driller check that for us? While he's at it, he can check your span to make sure it's okay. It's a free service.
If you must cup the ball in order to keep it on your hand, then you definitely have a grip problem.

Your hand should not be cupped at the point of release. As you say, the thumb just flat out will not come out of the ball when the wrist is cupped. That is why, if you cup the ball, you need to uncup as the first part of your release. Timing is critical.