Four pieces isn't too bad. You really should adjust the tape as needed. Many people have thumbs that swell and contract, thats one of the benefits of the tape. Mine might change several times during the course of the night, if I need another piece of tape I'll add it, if the hole is getting a little tight I take a piece out. My fingers will do the same, thats why I recently gave the Vacu-Grips a try and its definitely been worth it.

Do you advise against easy slide then? If that's the case, I'd probably go through a pack of tape in less than a month depending on how much practice I do within the month. The other thing is I think I'd have to take 3+ pieces of tape out to begin with because most of the time I can't get my thumb in past the knuckle, that's how bad it is.

I also editted my last post.

You can take me off the list of those who can do it, at least on an every shot basis. I just recently, like in the last month had a ball that was properly fit. Its a work in progress for me. I used to be able to do it with my equipment that had a stretched span at times but without concentrating on it would quickly get away from it. Gripping the ball is part of your "muscle memory" so it might take a little bit of time to learn how to not grip it. I can hold the ball and cup my wrist and keep the hand relaxed, but I'm still working on doing it consistently every shot.

As for the tape issue, I think there is someone on here, maybe it was Erin, who said she completely changes her tape every time she bowls, which probably means going through a lot of tape. I buy tape in bulk, like a 250 piece roll, so it normally lasts awhile. You might want to look into something like Ron Clifton's Magic Carpet, or once you get your grip squared away a switch grip system. It can be a little expensive at first to get it installed in a big arsenal but will pay for itself in the long run if your thumb changes that much. I do advise against the easy slide as it will leave residue in the hole and then make you have to grip even when you shouldn't have to. There are a few tricks to try to make the thumb smaller at the start of the night. There is the raw potato trick where you cut the potato in half core a hole in it just big enough to get your thumb in it and press it in there for a few minutes. You can also squeeze the thumb with the non-bowling hand and it helps to push the blood out that causes the swelling. There are several others as well.

Your bowling thumb might eventually go back to normal and make getting a good fitting thumbhole easier. I don't have that problem as both thumbs are similar, the right one is just a little bigger due to it getting used more.

My driller did mention that I would probably be a good candidate for switch grips. He was also talking about exacticating my thumb to make sure we get the exact size/shape. I was also looking into the Magic Carpet, any particular reason you're suggesting that for me?

For the raw Potato trick, I've used it in the past for healing purposes. In terms of it making the swelling go down, is that just temporary, or if I do it enough will it eventually make my thumb get close to the size of my non-bowling thumb? I'm sure squeezing my bowling thumb is just a temporary fix, which might be worth a try though.

When I say that people on this forum can relax their hand during their approach, I wasn't referring to the ability to do it. I fully agree that everyone can do it with practice, and even if you have to pay attention to it, that's not so bad. I meant that I find it impossible to fit me in a way that I don't "have" to squeeze, because of the shape/size of my bowling thumb compared to my non-bowling thumb, or whatever reason there is.

By the way, just wanted to say thanks to you all who have contributed to helping me here so far.

Yes, both tricks are temporary and usually work to get the night started with less issues. The less issues you have and the less gripping that happens might let the thumb get back to normal. I've found with each change with fit over the last year and half, I've been able to get a smaller and smaller thumb hole.

I mentioned the Magic Carpet because it helps keep a snug fit whether your thumb is swelled or contracted with less change of tape needed, at least thats what I've read about it.

As for your individual problem with thumb hole fit, maybe an oval hole is needed. If your thumb is much wider side to side than nail side to pad side than this might be the way to go. Its another matter if your driller knows how to do it correctly. I've mention on previous posts that this isn't possible for me because the base of my thumb is very round and actually bigger than the knuckle of the thumb which required starting with a smaller thumb hole and then flaring the top of the hole out to accommodate for this, either that or a very large hole that required tons of tape. Once you get your grip straightened out, a relaxed hand will be easier to accomplish. Ball fit is an ongoing process of trial and error as well as needing to change for different reasons such as lost of dexterity and flexibility.

I do have an oval thumb hole, as my thumb is wider side to side, even my non-bowling thumb is that way(but to a lesser extent obviously due to the fact that it's normal). By base of your thumb being round I assume you mean the part of your thumb between the knuckle and the joint. Or do you mean the joint itself? If it's the former, mine is skinnier than my knuckle. If it's the latter, mine is almost the same size as the width of my knuckle.

I requested a free sample from Ron today so if he does send one I'll see how it feels. When I think about it, it seems like a weird concept because it's strange that a product than make your thumb stay in the hole longer and let it release at the right time.

Trying to relax your hand really isn't doing anything if you don't relax the whole right arm. Trust me I've tried to relax the hand without relaxing the whole arm. You either pull it and hope for the best or drop it at the line and watch it roll down the 2 board. You have to relax your entire right arm by letting the weight of your ball rest in your left hand. This will take the tension out of your forearm and allow you to throw more accurately and relaxed. You also have to let the left hand support the weight all the way through the pushaway otherwise you're muscling it which by the way things sound is exactly what you don't want to do.

As for a completly relaxed hand, I believe CoachJim, Lefty, Call and the rest of them are referring to a feeling where the ball doesnt even feel like it's in your hand. You do have to sqeeze a tiny bit to hang onto the ball otherwise the guy behind you might catch it in the head.

Lastly, I was just wondering if this sqeezing issue started before or after you got the Vacu-grips? Because until resently, actually today, I was about to give up on them because I couldn't get the balls to work for me, but I figured it out. Plus from my own experince, sqeezing the ball can be very hazardous to a bowler's game if they are using Vacu-Grips. Timing issues, not a clean release, balance issues, but I'm not saying don't use them, just be careful.

Demo-Man

Cal is the one using the vacu-grips.

The one thing I don't understand about keeping your whole arm relaxed is once you're in the swing, how do you expect to stay under the ball? You need to use your wrist/forearm for that. If you don't, I bet you either sacrifice revs or don't get the right roll you want on the ball anyways. Other than that, I don't see it as a big problem assuming your don't have to squeeze to hang onto the ball.

The answer is easier than your think, and its what worked for me.

Roll your ball without putting your thumb in it a few times. That there proves that you don't need to grip the ball at all. Tehn use the same hand position and put your thumb in the ball, and keep your fingers and thumb relaxed.

My bad on the Vacu-Grips, but if you want them there is my two cents for you.

Actually, all you need is your shoulder. The relaxed arm allows for a relaxed and free armswing where gravity acts as the force for the ball instead of your muscles and your shoulder acts as a follcum. The only thing you really do with your wrist is turn it over to get side rotation. As for staying under the ball, centripical force and your drilling wil keep your hand there.

And yes you do sacrifice some revs. but you let the ball do the work as well as be able to throw 9-12 games a day with a 16 pound ball.