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Author Topic: Coke bottle test  (Read 4068 times)

slickboobie

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Coke bottle test
« on: July 12, 2005, 02:27:10 AM »
Where can I find the coke bottle test, to start working on getting both my thumb and finger pitches correct before the upcoming season starts.

Thanks
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lane1lover

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Re: Coke bottle test
« Reply #1 on: July 18, 2005, 04:34:01 AM »
is there any test for finger pitch that similar to coke bottle test for thumb pitch ?
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JohnP

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Re: Coke bottle test
« Reply #2 on: July 18, 2005, 04:41:42 PM »
Lateral finger pitches are determined 1. - to keep the two holes from coming together at the bottom and 2. - For comfort.  Normally we try to keep at least a 3/4 differential between the two fingers to satisfy 1.  I use 1/4 L (RF) and 5/8 R (MF).  3/8 L and 3/8 R is another popular combination.  If you develop a sore spot on the side of either finger, increase the pitch in that direction so long as you continue to satisfy 1.

Your proper forward/reverse finger pitch is determined by the flexibility of your first (closest to the tip) finger joints.  For a joint that will easily bend a full 90 degrees, I recommend 0 pitch.  I do not recommend use of forward finger pitch, but some of my customers insist on it.  For a joint that will easily bend only 45 degrees, I recommend 5/8 reverse pitch.  Some customers add reverse pitch to influence their release, that's OK.  Some reduce reverse pitch to try to get more lift.  I do not recommend forward pitch (or reducing the reverse pitch) past what their finger flexibility requires, because that can damage their fingers.  But it's their money, if they insist I drill it how they want it.  --  JohnP
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Sawuser

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Re: Coke bottle test
« Reply #3 on: July 26, 2005, 06:50:14 AM »
Chitown,

     The proper finger pitches toward or away from the palm can depend on your span & the flexibility of your fingers. If your fingers are not able to bend much at the first joint, you may need quite a bit of reverse pitch in order for the pads of your fingers to contact the grip. I personally use 3/8 reverse on both fingers & have no problem imparting lift.(or loft if needed)
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JohnP

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Re: Coke bottle test
« Reply #4 on: July 26, 2005, 11:43:34 AM »
No, I don't recommend forward finger pitch.  That doesn't mean I don't drill it, as I said I give the customer what he wants.  Try bending your first finger joint.  VERY few will bend beyond 90 degrees without forcing them.  So if you use forward finger pitch, you either force the finger to bend beyond its limit, which can cause damage to the joint (pain is the first symptom, increasing inflexibility is the ultimate result).  Or you lift your fingers up off the ball to accommodate the forward angle.  This essentially increases the span and can result in thumb problems.  I have changed customers with stiff finger joints from 1/4 forward finger pitch to as much as 5/8 reverse finger pitch (increasing the span slightly) with no reduction in ball reaction, but a great reduction in joint pain.  NOTE:  There are many ball drillers that disagree with me.  This is just my opinion.  And I personally went from 1/4 forward to 5/8 reverse on my middle finger when I started drilling.  No decrease in revs, and no pain.  --  JohnP
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qstick777

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Re: Coke bottle test
« Reply #5 on: July 26, 2005, 03:42:14 PM »
quote:
COKE BOTTLE TEST  
This test is used as a starting point for finding your ideal Lateral Thumb Pitch. If you do not have a Coke bottle you can also use your no bowling forearm/wrist by placing your hand around the point on your arm to where your thumb almost touches your fingers.
Table:
Index finger = 1/8 lateral away from palm
Between Index and middle = 0
Middle = 1/8 lateral under palm
Between middle and ring = 1/4 lateral under palm
Ring = 3/8 lateral under palm


How much of a difference can 1/4 lateral under palm make?

When I take the test, I get 0 (thumb points between index and middle) **Edit: sometimes I get 1/8 lateral (pointing directly at my middle finger), but according to one of the drill sheets my thumb is 3/16 to the left and 1/4 down.

Sometimes I feel like I am squeezing the ball, and sometimes I feel like I have to turn my hand to get my thumb to come out cleanly.  Could these problems be caused by the pitch?

Edited on 7/26/2005 3:38 PM

Edited on 7/26/2005 6:05 PM
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JohnP

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Re: Coke bottle test
« Reply #6 on: July 26, 2005, 03:49:47 PM »
chitown -- Your fingers may not call for reverse pitch, I can't tell without seeing them.  How far will those first (closest to the tip) joints bend without forcing them?  -  JohnP
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Ragnar

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Re: Coke bottle test
« Reply #7 on: July 26, 2005, 03:56:50 PM »
quote:
Wow I cant imagine using reverse finger pitch.  My thumb would come off the ball at the same time as my fingers.


Why?  My fingers are pitched 3/8 away from the palm (I assume this is reverse?) and my thumb is out well ahead of my fingers.  The ball just seems to roll more naturally off my hand than it would with zero or less pitch.  More roll = more revs.
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azguy

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Re: Coke bottle test
« Reply #8 on: July 28, 2005, 08:04:36 AM »
Try 1/8 right, at least that's what I'd suggest. Does your proshop have a measuring ball that measures pitches (jayhawk or amf) ? if so, have them try the 1/8r and see how that feels.
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DukeHarding

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Re: Coke bottle test
« Reply #9 on: July 28, 2005, 09:43:01 AM »
quote:
forward finger pitch: more lift and more rotation


This will help you hit up on the ball...Th exact opposite of what you want to do today. You can still rotate a ball with reverse pitch.
Reverse pitch helps facilitate, rolling the ball...like landing a plane, no bounce. No loss of direction...Easier to project the ball towards your breakpoint.

Just my opinion.
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