The Differences In Wrist Braces. Bowling Tools to Improve Your Game.

🔴 The Differences In Wrist Braces. Bowling Tools to Improve Your Game.
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• Shannon O'Keefe is a two-time Professional Women's Bowling Association (PWBA) Player of the Year & a five-time Collegiate Coach of the Year at McKendree University. She is also a member of the Roto Grip pro staff.
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• In this learn to bowl video, Coach Shannon shows you how to properly use wrist devices to improve shot repeatability.
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[@tonyguerrier2258]

At 54 and only bowling for 3 years now and once a week a good friend and life long avid bowler recommended a brace last year. At first I was too stubborn to put it on due to what I read on line about people putting down anyone who wears one because of "the pros don't do it" attitudes but now that I'm wearing it I'm having so much fun when bowling. I can repeat shots, stay competitive and just have fun. Thanks for this video!

[@insidebowling]

Thanks for the comments and thanks for watching our videos, we're glad that the wrist brace is helping you to enjoy your time on the lanes more!!

[@AV8R_1]

I'm 47 and Just started bowling again about 6 months ago. Not in a league yet, but considering it. Unfortunately the residuals of weightlifting injuries in my 20's have made it difficult to bowl without pain in my elbow and wrist. I can bowl without any devices, but my wrist especially will hurt for days afterwords. I recently tried a brace for my wrist, and it made a world of difference. The glove I picked up was not a positioning device with a hard bend in it, to keep the wrist tucked, but is just a strait metal plate on the backside of the lightweight neoprene glove. It just keeps my wrist from giving out too early. It does however give be a little bit better rev rate and a better aligned axis tilt, and I can definitely see my scores coming back up once I get used to that change, because the release is more consistent.

[@lumberlikwidator8863]

Thank you Shannon for the tip. This senior bowler never used a wrist brace until about eight years ago, when rheumatoid arthritis forced my hand (pun intended). I started out with the basic Robby's model and have recently stepped up to the Robby's Revs II. There are a lot of KZbins out there calling these devices a gimmick or a crutch, but the pain in my wrist is so bad that I would have quit bowling altogether by now without them. Thanks again for the great explanation and encouragement!

[@bowlersunanimous1983]

They’re absolutely not a gimmick. They work. With that being said, they’re absolutely a crutch. It’s fine outside of competitive play… but I have no earthly idea why these are allowed in tournaments and even professional play. I know the PBA has made rules against these kinds of devices lately. Not hating here, just wish people would understand that these devices can greatly reduce errors and ultimately make your shot much more repeatable. The same mechanism which causes a bowler to be have issue with breakpoint or lay down with wrist position is the same mechanism which would cause a catapult that has a spring for an arm (as opposed to a rigid body like wood or metal) to possibly have inconsistencies in projectile path.

[@lumberlikwidator8863]

@@bowlersunanimous1983 You do make a good point, but you might sing a different tune if you had played the game for nearly fifty years and been struck down with an hereditary autoimmune condition that was lowering your average by thirty points and making you feel like quitting altogether. I could make the case that resin balls with dense, computer generated cores are a crutch for bowlers with poor technique that throw a spin biscuit with a six inch diameter track to enable them to carry swishing light hits like bowlers who roll a proper semi roller. Thumb tape could be viewed as an unfair advantage for bowlers with tender skin who blister easily. Let them man up and bowl with a hamburger thumb. Same thing for fingertip inserts. Let wimpy bowlers with no hand get a lot of 5-7 and 8-10 splits. It serves them right for trying to get ahead in a game for macho men only. Tendinitis in the elbow? That’s just your tough luck, buster. Don’t you dare wear an elbow splint, just shut your face and take it like a man. Bad knees-just hobble up to the line like a stick man and be happy with your 125 average. Pitches in your thumb and finger holes to accommodate the anatomy of your hand? No way, don’t you even think of it. Just struggle with the same pitches as bowlers with “normal “ hand structure. Do you throw a backup ball? Well you can’t have a ball drilled with the block positioned to help you carry the pins. That’s your tough luck for “doing it wrong.” THS oil patterns have got to go. Let the hackers throw six gutter balls a night and eight or nine three counts as well. Serves them right for not being Pete Weber. The vast majority of bowlers are doing it because it’s a fun sport. In practically any modern sport technology is going to make it more fun for the average John or Jane Doe and keep them interested and involved. How many golfers would have quit by now if they didn’t have more forgiving metal woods and cavity back irons with a bigger sweet spot. Participation in bowling has been in a decline for years now, and I don’t think banning wrist devices at all levels is going to help the situation. If it ever comes to that, this is one bowler who is going to drop his USBC membership and only bowl in an unsanctioned league.

[@yankeesrule587]

Would you recommend the Robby Revs glove over any Storm offering?

[@lumberlikwidator8863]

@@yankeesrule587 Thank you for asking. I’m afraid that I can’t recommend something for a complete stranger, no offense intended. Everyone is different in the anatomy of their hand and wrist, and whatever physical and health challenges they face. I find the Robby’s Revs II works well for me, but I don’t think they make them anymore. I haven’t seen them recently on the two sites where I buy my stuff, but there are a lot of similar products available at this time. I do have one piece of advice, however, and that is if you buy online, pay the extra couple of bucks for what they call the Fit Guarantee. That way if you aren’t comfortable with the device you can return it for a full refund. I’d advise you not to rely on sizing charts just to save a few dollars. I have to wear back, knee and ankle braces when I bowl and I have learned over time that I consistently need to buy things a size larger than the sizing charts say. Good luck, and thanks again for asking!

[@Giggity_Goo_209]

@@lumberlikwidator8863preach on brother . Wrist injuries force me to wear one and it makes bowling not only more bearable but definitely more enjoyable. Trust me, I’d drop this thing in a heartbeat if I could.

[@elo1031]

gotta love a 2 minute straight forward video - Thank you!

[@rodneyhankins6417]

I do used the short vise I never had a long one, but I will try that too. Thank You Miss O'Keefe.

[@thefishinchurchdude7504]

This is great I was looking hard for something good on these yesterday thanks for the video it helps.!!!

[@ghsteagle5567]

Loving Tip Tuesday.

[@philipgrande19]

I wear one. Bowled over 600!! It helps me too.

[@iitstre_4550]

Came here just because that “catchers mitt” Shannon wears always blew my mind 😂😂😂. But clearly it definitely has its use, she’s still killing it

[@michelem189]

I use one bc I have CTS and without a sturdy wrist support, the pain would be pretty much excruciating and I wouldn't be able to bowl. I really hope the USBC doesn't follow the lead of the PBA! They've come up with some stupid rules, but that one takes the cake!

[@michellechristensen2354]

I wouldn't call it a stupid rule to ban a device that does half the work for you

[@erikchou3580]

This is helpful! Do you think you could do a slightly longer video on the dial in the middle of the glove, and what it does in terms of axis rotation? TIA I love these videos!

[@housebowl1042]

I'm always watching good videos in Korea. I wish you all the best!

[@andybowlin2385]

I've always a though a wrist brace kept u from breaking your wrist back lol I was wrong. I bowl back up and am trying to learn the normal counter clockwise way so a brace might be what I need thanks Shannon!

[@Jackal_Blitz]

Well they do that too - wrist position is crucial to getting good RPM on the ball. She is just saying that varying shapes of wrist supports also help with other aspects of the game.

[@aw-stk]

I changed my grip (pinky and ring finger in ball thumb also) got some clips just posted.

[@waynef3s310]

Love your videos !!! What does the cupping angle adjustment do to ball reaction and rev rates? Thank you keep up the great videos 😃

[@insidebowling]

For some, being in a cupped position can allow the fingers to be in a slightly lower and stronger position on the ball which may create a slightly stronger ball reaction.

[@waynef3s310]

@@insidebowling thank you👍😊

[@mireally]

I too would enjoy hearing your comments on the PBA's recent announcement to ban wrist braces for PBA players. Do you see a time in the future where the PWBA might do the same?

[@remoevans2233]

I don’t see the PWBA alienating half its members with the same rule. Almost no one on the PBA uses these types of braces so it’s not really going to be a big deal for them.

[@Kawboy65]

Would love to hear your opinion on the PBA's recent ban on these.

[@12thfan360]

You can also use them in regional events the ban only effects the pba tour.

[@joehoenig7596]

@@superblitz Correct...this would only affect a PWBA or PBA50 or PBA Regional Pro, who wears one and wants to compete in a PBA National Tour event.

[@jefferydaniels6717]

@@jomomma1163 Funny, just a few years ago pros would tell you that wearing one hurt your game as you couldn't apply the correct levels of touch. I want to know who got butthurt over these all of a sudden?

[@TraumaER]

@@jefferydaniels6717 I have nearly every one on the market. I took it off tonight for league after the rule. I realized the wrist devices screwed me over the last couple of years. Not being able to cup my wrist was annoying.

[@jefferydaniels6717]

@@TraumaER I wish I could do the same but years of wrist / tendon damage won't allow me to hold the ball no matter how smooth I swing. As with most things in this age, their logic is full of holes. By their logic, interchangable soles, knee braces, elbow braces, grips, kt tape and a case could be made for thumb tape as well would need to go for giving assistance in making a shot.

[@patersongalupe5099]

i use a wrist device to create consistency and tame my hand at the point of release when the pressure gets going.

[@badknees82]

Hey Ms Shannon where did you get the shorter vise wrist brace..?

[@ThatHuskyisCrazy]

I had a Dick Weber wrist brace in the 70’s . They still make them and I have had Capal Tunnel surgery so I’m going to get one.

[@jode5586]

Hello!!!i want to thank you for your different tutos. This season is so bad for me and i need to change something. Your video help me but i have a question. I got a wrist rev x and i put it with 10°. What angle you preconize?10° is maybe not enough.... Thank you very much

[@insidebowling]

We'd suggest trying different setting and see what those different setting feel like and what they do to your ball roll and ball motion. What works well for one bowler may not work the same for you and your game so try to find what settings tend to work the best for you. Thanks for watching and thanks for the question!

[@tlady1473]

Thank you for this tip. I have both braces and I don’t know depending on the brace I use will change my ball reaction

[@VVenDiesel300]

Learning how to change your hand motion and positions is a skill. With these wrist braces , the skill is eliminated because the device does it for you if you rely on it completely. Use it for what it’s meant for; training.

[@williemorrison5006]

Do you know where I can find this brace at ?

[@Panon1]

Can you comment on throwing a hook and a straight ball with the same wrist device? PaulL

[@LiveLifeHonestly]

Can you tell me what is the model number of the Storm short wrist brace you demonstrated? I can’t seem to locate that model anywhere on the Storm website. Thank you for your video tutorials and tips!

[@DarlaDIYcraftandcreate]

Those are both Vise wrist braces I have three of them. They are Vise V1, V2 and V3 they are no longer widely available. Check Amazon as they are still selling the last version.

[@giovannavogel2753]

Would I need to have my ball re-drilled to fit to my span? I've tried one before but it felt like I was going to drop the ball. Would love to hear you suggestions on this. Thanks

[@angrybadger4236]

I did not need to have any balls redrilled. I did get a very adjustable brace so once I got it set up right it was fine.

[@rebootnut]

Talk to your PSO. I found that a brace stretched my span by about 1/4”.

[@Oracanball]

Helpful even though I dont use a brace

[@williemorrison5006]

Shannon I'm looking for that same glove I know it's been discontinued

[@dogmom240]

Hi, been watching your videos, has helped me. I am 67 and have a 12 lb ball. Average about 145-150. My problem is my thumb hurts after bowling and I am getting a dark red line at the base of my thumb nail. I usually just put Blue Emu on my thumb and the discomfort eventually goes away. Would a wrist brace help, or maybe a thumb brace? It's not a big problem, but don't want to have long term damage.

[@insidebowling]

Hello. We suggest you go to your pro shop and see if there is something off with the pitches of your thumb hole. Also could be a span distance issue.

[@Swanlord05]

Cut your daggerz!

[@lilnbigman]

Great advise but I would never use either. I use storm wrist wrap which does the same. Only around the wrist not some big well brace in nearly your forearm.

[@remoevans2233]

It doesn’t do the same thing. The wrap gives wrist support only. These types of braces (casts) force wrist/hand to stay in position mechanically.

[@williemorrison5006]

Shannon I wear a wrist device can you please do a slow slow motion video so I see the proper way to get out of the bowling ball please I would appreciate it very much.

[@alishakauffman5490]

Wear can I order them from

[@abdulosman7399]

So I bowl a backup ball, should I be using the wrist support?

[@insidebowling]

Wrist bands can be used for backup bowlers also if needed. You could try a couple of them out to see if they are good or bad for you and your game. If you currently don't have any pain and you're happy with your ball roll, there may not be any need for you to use a wristband. Thanks for the question!!

[@toveytoves664]

I've been trying to find the Vise wrist brace like yours but haven't had any luck finding any . Can you give me a direct website so I can order some.

[@joehoenig7596]

Vise doesn't make this specific model any longer, but you can find them occasionally on eBay. There are still plenty of other good and similar options made by other companies.

[@DarlaDIYcraftandcreate]

Amazon still has some.

[@azeezoh9774]

I'm new to bowling, what's the purposed using a wrist support?

[@insidebowling]

It can help get your hand in the same position every time at release point. Eventually you should know what that feels like and if your wrist is strong enough you have a better idea on how to release the ball similar to the wrist device positioning.

[@Journeyto300]

Does it strengthen your forearm so eventually it won't be needed?

[@travelingyinzer5817]

Does the brace help with wrist pain or just help you with positioning of the wrist at follow-through?

[@remoevans2233]

Wrist support that wraps around the wrist is for pain/wrist issues. Wrist braces as shown in the video fits like a cast and forces hand/wrist to stay in the correct position at release.

[@acdii]

They can help, or cause pain depending on how they are fitted and adjusted. A Bionic WB has multiple settings, for hand cup and angle of hand to rotation axis, the latter adjustment can cause injury if not done correctly. I use one for arthritis reasons, helps with supporting the weight of the ball in the hold position, and keeps my wrist from flopping around during the forward part of the swing to release, but I did push too much angle on the wrist and wound up straining my tendon on the outside (pinky side) of my wrist with it. On the flip side, while it helps to be consistent, it also reduced the ball speed by roughly 4 MPH and if I try to put more on the ball it winds up going right in the gutter. Some times it helps, some times it doesn't.

[@insidebowling]

Wrist braces can be used for more support to help with an injury. They can also be used to help the wrist to stay in a more stable and stronger position rather than having the wrist bend back into a weaker position. Thanks for the question and thanks for watching our videos!!

[@travelingyinzer5817]

@@insidebowling no problem. Love the videos and shirts you guys make. I’m trying to get back into bowling…just battling this wrist injury. Brace or switch to lefty. Ha

[@jfabritz]

I tried one and it messed up my hand when the ball came off it hyperextending my fingers and stretched my tendons. I won't touch another one of these ever again.

[@OhioStatemom19Betty]

I used my wrist brace last night at bowling with my new 13 lb ball made the mistake to take it off for a couple of frames and now I'm paying the price, so much pain on my wrist right now

[@angrybadger4236]

What about the ones that have an extension only on the index finger

[@VVenDiesel300]

Those train you to come around the ball to create more axis rotation.

[@rodelramos9963]

where can u buy the taller Vise Wrist support

[@insidebowling]

We'd suggest checking with your local pro shop and if they can't help you you can find them through some online bowling supple companies or even on Amazon.

[@rodelramos9963]

I tried already, maybe be a discontinued item.

[@billylusk7207]

Is it true that people who wear the devices should wear theirs when they have a new ball drilled?

[@VVenDiesel300]

True because the measurement of your span changes (typically shorter) while wearing one.

[@lencodella411]

In the future I’m gonna need a glove for my hand because I’m starting to have wrist problems

[@sanjiro101]

It could be that someone at the PBA got mad with any of the maker of wrists devices?

[@stevenm1954]

I thought I saw a segment on men's bowling that they were going to ban those types of wrist braces. Do you think it will happen to the women pros also.

[@VVenDiesel300]

Hope so 🤞

[@remoevans2233]

Doubt it since 3/4 of the WPBA tour members would be affected. Haven’t seen a PBA member with one since Mike Scroggins years ago.

[@60521blaine]

I bought one and I have such a problem holding onto the ball.

[@remoevans2233]

That’s because it feels like your hand, wrist and forearm are in a cast. Tried one in practice years ago and had the same issue.

[@insidebowling]

Some wrist braces are bigger and more cumbersome than others and some can actually affect your fit. I'd suggest either trying a different wrist brace or possible adjusting your fit to accommodate using the wrist band.

[@scottkeenan3214]

So what are you going to do in 2023 when you cannot use that on the national PBA tour title I don't know if you use it on the WPBA

[@insidebowling]

PWBA it is legal. Shannon does not bowl on the PBA National Tour.

[@douglasharris5216]

Just as the PBA banned the use of devices used for positioning on the tour.

[@kraftsamuel]

I was informed 2 days ago that all wrist braces that help keep your hand and wrist locked in a specific way are being banned. The "important" people of the PBA feel it's a form of cheating to have a device that helped you in this manner. So I implore everyone to do their own research as I am continuing to follow up on this new information that was forwarded to me.

[@insidebowling]

At the PBA National Tour level, yes it is being banned. However, this is not the end of wrist devices in our sport. There are a lot of people that have to have wrist support for medical reasons as well as comfort. This video is for those that want help in understanding such devices to help them bowl their best.

[@kraftsamuel]

@@insidebowling Thank you for this valuable information! This helps me out greatly for my bowlers on my league as well as many other people. This helps with my continuation of research for my fellow league bowlers. Again, thank you very much for your response of this valuable information!

[@michellechristensen2354]

Releasing the ball properly is part of the game. Wrist positioning devices do most of that work for you. They should have been banned a long time ago.

[@RafaelSale]

Aren't wrist supports banned from the national PBA tour.

[@wiley0714]

Im no pro, but if you're that serious about improving your game, I would work on your stance. Maybe it's a medical issue or a balance thing, but I can see when you're throwing the ball and you slide your right leg out that you seem to quick and be unstable. I would imagine a lot of that instability is going to migrate to your downward swing and release.

[@jefferydaniels6717]

I just heard you can't use them in PBA though?

[@insidebowling]

You're right, so starting in 2023 if you plan on bowling at PBA National Tour event you won't be able to wear a wrist brace in that event. If you plan to bowl any other tournament or league other than a PBA National Tour event in 2023, you can still wear a wrist brace. Thanks for watching and thanks for the question!

[@bossman4771]

I wonder what she is going to do if the PBA does indeed ban them to be used on tour

[@insidebowling]

The new PBA rule change is only for PBA National Tour events, not any PWBA events, so this rule change won't affect Shannon much at all. Thanks for the question and thanks for watching our videos!

[@ThEmAnOnAmIsSiOn100]

Her foot definitely crosses the line more than once.

[@BillyDaGoat1017]

Why do people consider this cheating?

[@annebeavers3002]

It essentially and allegedly give undue advantage to bowlers using mental or hard plastic lined wrist devices. It has the potential to artificially create release consistency and/or inflated rev rates by means other then one's skill sets. Qualifying statement at the "professional level". At this point this pba rules is not applicable to the USBC bowler.

[@BillyDaGoat1017]

@@annebeavers3002 ahhh got it. My ass was just like “damn maybe people don’t wanna get injured” but I get it now. So would it be better to just practice with it for muscle memory then go without when you’re in matches?

[@acdii]

@@BillyDaGoat1017 Thats exactly what these are for, training devices to gain muscle memory. They can actually hurt more than help as they restrict movement of the wrist. There are cases where a minute adjustment on the wrist during the swing is enough to hit the pocket just right, or get into splitsville that can't be done when the brace is in place. They are good to teach how to place your wrist in practice, but when bowling in competition on different patterns, you are better off not using one so that you can adjust on the fly.

[@mreid08]

JR Raymond has a pod cast on why there banning them in the PBA

[@peterk2105]

Het beste is gewoon niks gebruiken.... De beste veelzijdigheid zit in je eigen pols..... Leer bowlen zou ik zeggen....

[@christakemoto5872]

The PBA just banned those for the pros.

[@insidebowling]

The PBA actually banned them for those competing in PBA National Tour events only. Pros are still permitted to use wrist bands in PBA Regional events as well as in any PBA50 events.

[@hanrahan2500]

Poor timing with this one lol

[@insidebowling]

We actually think it was quite perfect! Release videos when the topic is HOT HOT HOT!

[@VVenDiesel300]

If professional bowlers are going to make a stride in being perceived as “real” athletes. These “training devices” need to be banned from all professional competition!

[@annebeavers3002]

For clarification purposes, assume you are including PWBA as it is professional in nature. Conversely and inherently, for women to be precieved as "real" athletes these "training devices" need to be precluded "banned" from PWBA competition. This ban will then truly legitimatize professional womens bowling and until then PWBA is quasi professional and warrants less consideration to the "real" athlete status and maintains a corp of amateurish players. At best we can agree to disagree and in the long run may be opening a pandora's box.

[@rogercarlson2330]

and 2 handers

[@joehoenig7596]

@@annebeavers3002 Yes, this is definitely going to open a Pandora's box, for I am certain that no one would dare imply that Shannon and Liz, for example, are "quasi-professional" bowlers, not imply that the many PWBA and LPBT bowling stars of yesteryear, who wore even a simple Robby's Positioner with the metal support, were anything less than consummate professionals.

[@VVenDiesel300]

@@annebeavers3002 I don’t think we disagree at all. Seems to me like we’re on the same boat. 👍

[@VVenDiesel300]

@@joehoenig7596 I can’t help but wonder how different all of these ladies’ careers would have been if wrist braces were banned from the get go.

[@Archk1]

Should be used for practice only and banned from competition.

[@VVenDiesel300]

Especially for professional athletes!

[@VVenDiesel300]

Stabilizing your wrist throughout the swing is not all strenght, it requires good timing and a good understanding of physics. Wrist devices skips learning some of these skills. Therefore, professionals using these “training tools” in competition is BLATANTLY CHEATING.

[@jefflaird4666]

I agree, this ban should be for all pro tours.

[@TraumaER]

Not cheating. Having used nothing and having used these for a wrist injury, I will never be going back to any type of brace. Besides the rule, I noticed my fingers, thumb, and hand changed size significantly while wearing a brace. Wore nothing tonight. Ball felt great. No swelling. 631.

[@angrybadger4236]

You've obviously never used one because you are so full of crap! Let people who know what they are talking about do the talking.

[@VVenDiesel300]

@@TraumaER You need to be refitted and remeasured while wearing the brace. Only then can you give a fair assessment.

[@VVenDiesel300]

@@angrybadger4236 Oh but I have, with my opposite hand and threw a 300 game during pot games. It gave me confidence that I can throw to an area coz my rev rate trippled and all I did was strap thing thing on my wrist. Now you see why I think it’s cheating.