Hello everyone,

I started bowling seriously about a month ago and found this site while investigating proper drill techniques. Did so because i was worried my ball was drilled wrong- the tips are sticking out and someone from another Pro Shop told me my holes were drilled short for my hand. I was pretty bummed because I got it at a local Pro Shop from a guy whos supposed to be pretty good. I'm learnin to roll it either way but just want to educate myself for the next ball purchase. This is a great site thanks everyone for the info!

welcome pbr. yup this is a good site and good people on here to help. since i started coming here i feel my game is getting better. i come and read if i see something that i have done wrong and it seems to help to have someone to ask. and they do help. so yeah man glad ya came.

Welcome to the site, before stretching your span, check and see if your span is right, You can tell if your span is correct by placing your thumb in the ball and laying your fingers across the holes. The leading edge (side closest to the thumb) of the finger hole should be no longer than half way between the first and second knuckle of the middle and ring finger without stretching your hand, it should be relaxed. It can be a little shorter than that, but not shorter than one quarter from the second knuckle.

If you already have a ball you can tell if your span is right by putting your hand in the ball and see if the fingernails are pressing the back of the holes, a properly fit ball will not have the fingers pressing into the back of the hole.

Welcome PBR. You've already started posting and that's a step in the right direction. This is one of the better forums for bowling on the net.

To add to what CoachJim said, which is all in the "pocket", so to speak, many drillers believe that a stretched span is the way to go and that it adds revs, which really isn't true but at the same time it adds inconsistency, causes hand fatigue and increases the chances of injury. So before you think of stretching the span try the test CoachJim described.

thanks for the advice. i was a little worried because it feels a little too relaxed. another thing, should the thumb be drilled on a pitch with a fingertip setup? mines at zero i was told.

Thumb pitch is usually a work in progress to find the right one for each person. The span plays a role in this, as well as thumb length and flexibility. Many drillers will drill the pitch based on a chart that takes into the account what I previously mentioned. That's just a starter position as long as your span is right. Some people need reverse pitch, which is away from the center of the grip, but most can use forward pitch which is toward the center of the grip, and when its right the bowler won't need to grip the ball at all.