win a ball from Bowling.com

Author Topic: Quick question about thumb pitch  (Read 3532 times)

86camaroman

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 541
Quick question about thumb pitch
« on: September 12, 2008, 09:10:05 AM »
I am left handed and getting a blister on the right side of my thumb the part that doesnt face my thumb. I was wondering if left pitch would help me out. Or what pitch would Any help is appreciated. Thanks

 

DukeHarding

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 5855
Re: Quick question about thumb pitch
« Reply #1 on: September 12, 2008, 05:13:53 PM »
Pitch to the side that your blister is...if it's a pitch problem.
--------------------
Duke Harding

Take Duke's Surveys


Rc Charger

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 379
Re: Quick question about thumb pitch
« Reply #2 on: September 12, 2008, 05:14:57 PM »
Well need span length, current thumb pitch to start with. Maybe to much under if I'm reading your post correctly.  Did this just start or has been happening for a while?

86camaroman

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 541
Re: Quick question about thumb pitch
« Reply #3 on: September 12, 2008, 05:27:42 PM »
Span is 4 9/16 index and 4 5/8 ring pitch in thumb is 1/8 reverse I do have a ball that I recently put 1/8 left lateral in havent really thrown it yet just wanted to see how it felt. I seem to have thumb problems quite often bowled a regional a month or so ago and hadnt bowled that many games in awhile bowled the whole practice session like an idiot and on the way home had a huge blister on the right side of the thumb by right side I mean the side outside not the side next to fingers. I am left handed what pitch would be something to try Thanks

Gazoo

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1872
Re: Quick question about thumb pitch
« Reply #4 on: September 12, 2008, 05:47:04 PM »

86camaroman

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 541
Re: Quick question about thumb pitch
« Reply #5 on: September 12, 2008, 05:52:18 PM »
So since I am left handed I need left pitch correct

Gazoo

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1872
Re: Quick question about thumb pitch
« Reply #6 on: September 12, 2008, 06:15:30 PM »
quote:
So since I am left handed I need left pitch correct


These charts are just possible causes and you should check with your driller. I you reversed this chart for left hand, possible cause for where the friction on the thumb is occuring(outside not facing the fingers) would indicate excessive right pitch(left for a righty). This is just a guide and I would take to your driller to see if he can determine cause. I had the opposite problem, callous caused by friction on the inside of thumb(righty), chart said excessive right pitch could be causing it so I went to zero and the problem was solved, thumb is now money. But again, check with your driller about the pitches you have because depending on where the blister is, it could be a few other things. Good Luck.

86camaroman

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 541
Re: Quick question about thumb pitch
« Reply #7 on: September 12, 2008, 06:21:02 PM »
I have a very flat ovaled thumb I have to hand oval it out in a slug to get it to fit right. Blister is pretty much where the joint is so middle of thumb on outside of it

86camaroman

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 541
Re: Quick question about thumb pitch
« Reply #8 on: September 12, 2008, 07:41:35 PM »
I am kind of lost here you are saying maybe a little left pitch would would be something to try correct.

solid9

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 599
Re: Quick question about thumb pitch
« Reply #9 on: September 12, 2008, 07:49:50 PM »

 You are gripping the ball with your thumb tip instead of the meaty portion of your thumb. This cause's the joint of the thumb to flare out and rub aginst the side of the ball.
 You need to learn to grip the ball with your thumb at the base and relax the tip, A lot easier to type , then do. If you want to prove it to your self, put your thumb in the ball and grip like you normally due, you will feel the tip gripping the ball, now try gripping with the edge of the meaty portion of your thumb, you will feel the difference.
 This is where the saying " set your thumb " came from.

Leftyhi-trak

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2288
Re: Quick question about thumb pitch
« Reply #10 on: September 12, 2008, 07:57:39 PM »
That sounds a bit like possible span too long or thumb hole too big. If your at the joint on the back side that would be knuckling the release. I had the same issue  diagnosed about 6 years ago and went to slightly less span and more forward pitch. (very small increments)

Question: Is your thumb much thicker at the base than towards the top? If so go with a smaller size thumb hole and customize the top of the hole through sanding and/or beveling. I have a almost triangular thumb with the front being very flat so I had to play alot to get what I wanted and what was comfortable.

Gazoo

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1872
Re: Quick question about thumb pitch
« Reply #11 on: September 12, 2008, 08:04:13 PM »
quote:
I am kind of lost here you are saying maybe a little left pitch would would be something to try correct.


I am saying talk to your driller. But as a left hander a possible cause of friction where you have it is excessive right pitch. If you have right pitch then reduce it. If you have zero right pitch, then try some left. But there are other things that can cause this problem so work with your driller.

86camaroman

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 541
Re: Quick question about thumb pitch
« Reply #12 on: September 12, 2008, 09:52:16 PM »
The reason I am asking on here is my driller has no clue about anything except how to put holes in the ball. Knows nothing about layouts or anything I have started to drill my own stuff and am wanting to try to get a better thing going if I can. I mean I throw everything good but my thumb is anoying and when I get a blister it sucks.

Gazoo

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1872
Re: Quick question about thumb pitch
« Reply #13 on: September 13, 2008, 07:44:23 AM »
Trial and error is what makes this sport so interesting! Try some left pitch and see what happens. Another reason for friction in that area is that your thumb hole is actually to tight. Good Luck with the tinkering.

Rc Charger

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 379
Re: Quick question about thumb pitch
« Reply #14 on: September 13, 2008, 08:57:24 AM »
So in the ball that your throwing has 0 lateral pitch just a 1/8 reverse?  What was you old thumb pitch?  One thing to look at your span length, first just drop your thumb in the ball and lay your fingers across the finger holes.  Make sure not to strech for it just lay your hand on the ball relaxed.  Where does the the first finger creases land?  Top - middle - bottom of the hole?  I'm not saying you can't have left lateral because maybe you do.  I would check all other factors first like span length and flexability.  

edited: Your thumb hole is most likely to large, making your own ovals sounds like it isn't working out for you or your working out the wrong part of the thumb hole.  Try to find a shop hat has oval sleaves and try that.  Saying that your learning to drill your own stuff your going to have to play a bit.  I was there 7 - 8 years ago now I'm working for a big time pro shop in town, it's not right to talk garbage about your current driller maybe he's just old school.  If you want to become better then him you will have to take some of his knowledge and pay attention to the trends of the bowling industry.  Most likely a seminar wouldn't hurt either but thast just my 2 cents.  Check your overall span, and do some research on the coke bottle test.