Hi, I'm new here just registered today. I am not a new bowler but about 10 years ago I broke my thumb in 3 places, still don't have full movement but I'll see what happens. I am left haned and currently throw 12 and 13 lb balls and have been bowling with only 2 fingers(palm) grip since breaking my thumb. I do pretty well, 171 average and 266 high game but wold like to try to improve my accurace a little. I'm looking at getting a Hammer Venom, I throw about medium speed and rev's. In my bag I curently have a Blade Pearl, and a spare ball. I want something more aggresive and the Venom just looks like a sweet ball. Any help on drilling pattern or any other advise would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Edit: I plan on having the ball drilled finger tip to se how it works on my thumb.

Greetings, gator. I can empathize with having an injury which may affect bowling, as I fractured both heels about a year after your thumb injury, and I thought I'd never bowl again after having those injuries. My return, however, has been more than a success, and I wish the same for you.

I hear a lot of good things about those Black Widow balls, so I hope the Venom works for you. If you can get it to properly fit with a fingertip grip, you should find your thumb to be pretty much a non-issue, as you'll be able to bowl with a relaxed hand and not have to move the thumb at all.

Welcome to the site Gator!

I would think with that kind of injury you might be better off. Granted you're able to straighten your thumb. As for drilling the ball, your best bet is telling your Pro Shop all of that info. You might even look at going up in weight since you're going with fingertip you should be more than capable of throwing a heavier ball.

Welcome to the site Gator. Even if you don't have full movement in your bowling thumb, a properly fitted finger tip ball won't require you to move the thumb to get the ball in or out. Now depending on the limits of movement you might not be able to use the optimal thumb pitchs that would allow you to not need to grip the ball.

I will agree with Ample, get a heavier ball, at least 14 lbs, since that is the weight that most companies start using the stronger cores in. Even if it ends up that you can't use your thumb you should be able to use a 14. I believe that telling the Pro Shop all the info will help them in trying to get the right fit and a good Pro Shop will check for flexibility and dexterity.

I would have to agree about getting a heavier ball. The 14 pound balls are the ones that start to really pick up because of the heavier cores.

Fingertipping the ball doesn't really require you to move your thumb. All you have to do is get it out of the ball before you start turning your hand (easier said than done). Also there is a thing called a thumb straight that stragihtens out the bowler's thumb so I don't know if the full movement of your thumb will be a big issue.

responding to infernocal's response saying that moving up to 14lbs without a thumb. It is easily possible. I'm a thumbless bowler and I throw 2 15lb's and 1 14lb. I'm pretty small too...6 foot, 150lbs, so if I can do it you can do it. Your wrist may be week at first but it will build with time. If you can use your thumb def. do it! I wish I could get myself to use my thumb again. (its perfectly fine). I'm just to lazy to relearn how to use the thumb. Haha. Good luck with everything gator and welcome to the site!

Thanks for the advise. I do pretty good with only using 2 fingers but I want to step up my game. After talking with the Pro Shop I think I'll start with a fingertip ball after throwing it for a few games if my thumb is giving me trouble I'll have the finger holes drilled deeper. I can always have inserts put in later to give me the finger tip feel. I won't be able to get the ball drilled until after I get back from my Honeymoon, as I am getting married on Aug 9 then mywife and I are heading down to the Florida Keys for 10 days.

Gater, welcome. Remember that what you have to look for in a ball is the internal weight. Most top line balls start their weights at 13 pounds to 16. So, it may not be worth it to get a ball without an internal weight.

And, If you are hurting your thumb, you are doing something wrong. Stop it, and fix it.

i bowl with an ol' boy that doesn't use his thumb and avg's around 190. so its possible. good luck and welcome gator!

Welcome to the site gator. Accuracy issues with no thumb delivery come from the ball falling off your hand before the ball gets to the release point. You could try the Jason Belmonte two handed approach, this will help you keep the ball in your hand to the release point.

Post back and let me know how using your thumb with the fingertip grip works.

Congrats on getting married, I wish you and your wife a long and happy life together.