I have a friend that broke his thumb when he was about 14, playing hockey. Well common sense at that time wasn't running then, so he never let it heal properly. he is now 21 and is developing arthritis in his thumb/hand.

We have changed his pitching briefly in the past with little success. but now he is running to more pain and i want to try to alter his grip again, so relieve some of the strain on his hand.

he has a complete span of 4 3/8 by 4 1/2 but has used alot of reverse, 3/8 reverse and 1/4 left lateral. I know that he is having to hold on to the ball to certain degree because he will often use a larger thumb hole and add tape.

usually in the front and back in most balls. the problem lately has been mostly the ligaments in his hand.

I was thinking of going to more forward to get him to start relaxing his hand more.
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Timothy @Juniors Pro-Shop
Roto-Grip Star Proshop
Staff Writer 7-10 Split Magazine,EGO Communications
Montreal, Quebec.

I have arthritis in my bowling hand as well.  One of the big problems I have is that because a fingertip style drilling stretches your hand out to some degree is does add stress.  I recently tried drilling the ball conventional and although it took a little getting used to I have noticed that my hand doesn't nearly ache as much as it has in the past.  I think this might help because he won't have to grip the ball quite as hard.
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mmmmmmmmmm Beer

Why doesnt your friend try 1/8 to 1/4 forward with 1/8 left so he doesnt have to grip the ball as hard. I use 1/8 forward with 4 1/2 inch span and I never have to squeeze the ball. It will require more bevel to get started though.
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Roger Carroll
Pinnacle Pro Shop
Clarksville, TN