Bowling Solutions

Coaching Tips

Thumbs Up For Success – or how does your thumb hole fit?
By Chuck Schommer
General Manager – Columbia
January 2012

     An absolute key factor in bowling well is having a proper fit, and in addition to proper span and hole angles (also referred to as pitches), the size of the thumbhole and the way it fits is crucial to bowling well. At Bowling Solutions, we pride ourselves on addressing proper fit as one, if not our most important aspect of helping bowlers achieve their goals and ultimately enjoy our great sport by bowling better.

     Whether a bowler likes a tighter or looser thumbhole is affected by many factors, such as timing, cadence in the approach, hand position, and release technique. Variables aside, thumbhole fit should allow the bowler to swing the ball with very little grip pressure or thumb squeeze. If your ball feels like it’s slipping off your thumb as your swing begins its downward motion, that’s a clue that your thumbhole is too loose. Conversely, if you’re developing skin tearing or callusing on the sides of your thumb, or if you feel like you can’t release the ball cleanly if you put your thumb in the ball all the way, that’s an indicator that your thumbhole is too tight.

     Practically everyone’s hand and thumb change size during bowling, some swelling a bit, others actually shrinking with play. Factors that influence changes are temperature, humidity, drinking alcohol, or simply the act of bowling as a physical activity. So what to do about it to maintain a proper fit?

     The simplest answer has been around for decades now, and it is pre-cut thumbhole tape, also called Bowler’s Tape, but is made by many companies. There are two basic styles, a textured, thicker white tape, and thinner, smoother black tape. Both styles come in 2 widths for different thumb sizes. White tape is best for larger adjustments, and is usually placed in the thumbhole so that it contacts the face of the thumb only. Black tape can be used in contacting the front or back of the thumbhole and is used for much finer adjustments in thumb size.

     Although it has been on the market for over 20 years, Skin Protection & Fitting Tape was brought to the USA from Japan in the 80’s by American professionals. Varying in texture and thickness, this kind of tape is actually applied to the thumb and sometimes fingers or other parts of the bowling hand to relieve friction and protect the thumb from potential harm, so it serves dual purposes as a protectant and sizing tape. Originally packaged in rolls, this kind of tape is now pre-cut for ease of application.

     As always, consulting your Bowling Solutions professional regarding your grip is the easiest way to insure a proper fit. Here’s to great bowling in 2012!

Chuck Schommer
IBPSIA Certified Pro Shop Technician
USBC Silver Level Coach