I'm getting back into bowling again... I bought some 1" white textured tape and bowled 4 games last Sunday - averaged 194... I've bowled a total of 5 games in the past 6 years.

My biggest problem was with my release; my thumb was sticking on some shots with one piece of tape on the front side of the hole. It was humid and in the 70's outside. My thumb is not very large -it's about 7/8" inch wide. It fits the thumb hole pretty well and, if I remember correctly, I have reverse pitch. My hand is pretty relaxed; I'm confident I'm not unduly squeezing the ball!

Q's: Am I using too wide of tape or is the texture gripping my thumb too well. I used some baby powder and would release the ball smoothly for a couple of shots, then would have the sticking problem. Should I try some white smooth tape or 3/4" textured tape next time out. How much does Humidity figure into this? The colder months are coming up; would the textured tape be a better choice at that time - my guess is probably.

Thanks!
Dave

Also posted this in the Pro Shop Forum.

First off...if you haven't bowled regularly for six years,, you should go to the local Pro Shop and get re-measured. Things will change over time. Second...why exactly did you put the tape in in the first place? If your thumb is sticking, you may not need the tape. Was your thumb too loose before? If so, you might want to use some black tape on the back side (or knuckle side)of your thumb hole instead of the white tape. The black is not as thick.

A thumb sticking can also be a symptom of other issues in your release. However, my best guess is that your span or finger/thumb size has changed since the last time you bowled regularly. Get the new measurement and see.

Generally speaking you only want the textured tape if you are having a problem hanging on to the ball. For instance if your skin is dry, and the thumb is shrunken, this combination makes it difficult to hang on through the swing.

Most times a smooth tape placed in the back of the thumb hole is desirable. With this you are altering the size of the hole for a more comfortable fit, or a smoother exit.

The textured tape works well in a pinch, but continued use indicates problems in the drilling of the ball. It also has a tendency to raise a calus on the thumb from repeatedly sliding the skin over the rough surface.