Step-by-step guide

Following these steps will ensure a proper fit

1. Warm up your hand ( either massage or bowl)
2. Measure the MIDDLE FINGER
3. Measure THUMB FLEXIBILITY
4. Measure FINGER & THUMB hole sizes

Constants to fill out on the spec sheet

• Before starting the measurement, you can already write down some data on your spec sheet.

1. 1. Bowler Hand (Left or Right)
   2. Bridge between the fingers = 1/4
   3. Lateral pitches: 3/8 (middle finger) and 1/2 (ring finger)
   4. 5/16's rule

Mark the bowler's hand with a pen

1. Mark the MIDDLE FINGER
   • Find and mark the bending point of the FIRST joint.
   • Find and mark the bending point of the SECOND joint.
   • Measure the distance between both lines.
   • Divide that distance in half.
   • Draw a line.
   • Use this line with your fitting tools.

5/16's Rule:

This rule is used to find the measurement of the RING finger.​

1. Find and mark the FIRST joint of the RING FINGER​

2. Slightly cup the client’s hand, similar to the curvature of a bowling ball.​

3. Draw a line from the FIRST joint of the MIDDLE FINGER onto the RING FINGER​

4. Measure the distance between both lines on the RING FINGER.​

5. Use the following equation:​  Measurement from #4 is hereby designated X.​  ---  5/16 – X = +/- distance of the RING FINGER​

​Ex #1 : If X (distance between both lines on the ring finger.)is 7/16​  --- 5/16 – 7/16 = -1/8​

The span of the RING FINGER is 1/8 shorter than the span of ​the MIDDLE FINGER.​

​Ex #2: If X is 1/8​  ---  5/16 – 1/8 = 3/16​

The span of the RING FINGER is 3/16 longer than the span of ​ the MIDDLE FINGER.​

Using the fitting tools

• BT Ball Fitter
• Innovative Fitting Ball                                                Prendre un photo avec le bal fitter pour montrer where to measure ??

Fingertip Pitches

Pitch what you see! 3/4 or more is very possible and sometimes required

Evaluate the thumb flexibility

The bowler's hand must be relaxed.

• Pull back on the thumb to measure the flexibility
• Follow the chart provided for the correct pitch based on span/flexibility

give a link to the chart ??

You might modify pitch for the following reasons:

-A longer thumb (Over 2 5/8'')

• • Add 1/16 - 1/8'' reverse

- A shorter thumb (Under 2'')

• • Subtract 1/16 - 1/8'' reverse

- Very moist skin

• • Add 1/16 - 1/8'' reverse

- Extremely dry skin

• • Subtract 1/16 - 1/8'' reverse

- If the bowler uses excessive grip pressure

• • Check hole sizes to determine if they are too large

Recap of measurements

FINGERS:

• Check finger flex.
• For 80+% of your clients use REVERSE pitch only.
• ALWAYS REMEMBER TO COMPENSATE FOR GRIPS.
• Write down pitch on spec sheet to avoid confusion.

  

THUMB:

• Refer to thumb pitch chart.
• No lateral pitch for beginner/novice bowlers

Choosing Ball Weight:

        Choosing the correct ball weight is crucial for first time and novice bowlers. Improper weight can make a comfortable grip uncomfortable.

• If the bowler is using a house ball comfortably for one game, and then gets tired... The same weight as the house ball, when fitted properly, should be fine
• If the bowler uses a house ball for three games with little to no problem, two pounds heavier than the house ball with a proper fit, should be fine
• For Junior bowlers; 10% of their body weight + 2 pounds as a maximum. You could also do same weight as their age to one pound less than their age will be fine
• Always let the customer test out the weight of the ball before drilling, to confirm the choice ( put undrilled ball in a see-saw)

Checking the Hand

Your customers hand will not always be perfect, the importance of checking for the unusual cannot be overstated.

Possible modifications are necessary for:

• Arthritic joints
• Tendinitis
• Sensitive nerve or tendon
• Pain, soreness or swelling
• Callus, pathological callus
• Missing fingers

Fitting Checklist:

• Determine and record hole sizes and shape
• Determine flexibility of the hand
• Measure and record the span
• Determine and record vertical thumb pitch