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Author Topic: Thumb pitches & axis rotation  (Read 2306 times)

Asura

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Thumb pitches & axis rotation
« on: October 10, 2007, 07:43:49 PM »
I found this statement in Storm Track website http://home.mchsi.com/~s-cross-7-28-71/FAQ.htm#AFFECTS%20OF%20SPAN%20AND/OR%20PITCH%20CHANGES

Thumb Pitches:
+ Left = Reduced axis rotation, possible soreness to right side of the thumb at the tip and left side at the base.
+ Right = More axis rotation, possible soreness to the left side of the thumb at the base and right side at the tip.

My questions:
1) Is there anyone using this variety of left / right thumb pitch on their arsenal? and
2) If so, doesnt it make the kind of different feeling when using the balls? Well, I'm a bit confused coz I was always told that we got to have the same 'feeling' with all the balls in my arsenal.


Someone please clarify this issue to me. My current thumb pitch is 1/8 reverse and 1/8 to the right. Thanks in advance.
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dumbcomputers

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Re: Thumb pitches & axis rotation
« Reply #1 on: October 11, 2007, 11:36:38 AM »
I have 4 thumb pitches in my arsenal:

1) 7/16" reverse & 1/8" right
2) 7/16" reverse & 0
3) 7/16" reverse & 1/8" left
4) 3/8" reverse & 0

*Span is 5" middle & 5 3/8" ring

1/8" right was uncomfortable for me holding the ball and slowed my release a little. I can't really tell the difference between 0 and 1/8" left.
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qstick777

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Re: Thumb pitches & axis rotation
« Reply #2 on: October 11, 2007, 02:20:01 PM »
I've used laterals from 3/16" left to 1/8" right and not really been able to tell a difference in release.  At 5/16" left I can tell a difference!

All were on different balls, so it wasn't a scientific test by any means.

I think the info from the site is in general terms.  Thumb pitches depend greatly on the flexibility of the thumb!
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LuckyLefty

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Re: Thumb pitches & axis rotation
« Reply #3 on: October 11, 2007, 02:40:28 PM »
flexibility is right.

My perception from Qstick is he must have a very flexible one!

I have a slightly above average flexible thumb and I can tell the difference for at least a 1/8 move if not a 1/16.  Those who cannot feel such dramatic moves must be VERY flexible.

I agree...for balls used in the same set I like to have the same pitches.

Some of our top bowlers on this site seem to be able to use different pitches on certain different conditions to take advantage of special rolls created by these thumb pitches.

REgards,

Luckylefty
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qstick777

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Re: Thumb pitches & axis rotation
« Reply #4 on: October 11, 2007, 04:53:44 PM »
quote:
flexibility is right.

My perception from Qstick is he must have a very flexible one!

I have a slightly above average flexible thumb and I can tell the difference for at least a 1/8 move if not a 1/16.  Those who cannot feel such dramatic moves must be VERY flexible.

I agree...for balls used in the same set I like to have the same pitches.

Some of our top bowlers on this site seem to be able to use different pitches on certain different conditions to take advantage of special rolls created by these thumb pitches.

REgards,

Luckylefty
--------------------
Open the door...see what's possible...and just walk right on through...that's how easy success feels..


Possibly, or maybe the thumb hole is big enough to not bother me???  My thumb measures between 75 and 90 on the flexibility chart, and coke bottle test says around 0-1/8" right.

First pro shop that measured me up has me set at 3/16" left and 1/8" reverse.  They were very accurate on other drillings, so I have stuff from 5/16" left to about 1/8" left.  

Had some balls that really felt like I needed to "come around" the ball to get out of cleanly.  Went to another shop and he also measured me out with 3/16" left and 1/8" - I think.  He may have taken me down to 1/8" left (don't really remember, but he did take my hand and bend the fingers and thumb and stuff - something the first shop never did).  

Problem with the other driller was I only had 2 balls with the same span - spans were off by up to 1/4"!

When I got my drilling equipment, I decided to read more about pitches (flex chart, coke test, etc) and play around with different pitches.  That's why I can say that from 1/8" right to 1/8" left I don't really feel a difference (always keeping 1/8" reverse).


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LuckyLefty

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Re: Thumb pitches & axis rotation
« Reply #5 on: October 12, 2007, 02:01:38 PM »
Interesting coke bottle says 1/8 right and drillers go
1/8 left.

REgards,

Luckylefty
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Open the door...see what's possible...and just walk right on through...that's how easy success feels..
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LuckyLefty

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Re: Thumb pitches & axis rotation
« Reply #6 on: October 12, 2007, 03:58:34 PM »
I tried it and it said...blotto!

REgards,

Luckylefty
--------------------
Open the door...see what's possible...and just walk right on through...that's how easy success feels..
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It takes Courage to have Faith, and Faith to have Courage.

James M. McCurley, New Orleans, Louisiana

qstick777

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Re: Thumb pitches & axis rotation
« Reply #7 on: October 12, 2007, 04:07:57 PM »
quote:
That's when you wrap your hand around a coke bottle  full of Crown Royal and Coke at a 1 to 1 ratio.   This ratio is very important to the outcome of this test.  Whatever finger your thumb points at is a reference to something.  Then drink the Coke and Royal.    Wrap hand around bottle again.   Take another thumb to finger "reading".    Add the two fingers together, subtract the length of the pinky, and multiply by two.    This should give you the ratio of the thumb to fingers.  Things will make more sense after refilling the bottle and trying this "system" again.


Yep, that's about right....at least that's how the first pro shop did it!  Now that I think about it, he was doing that test every time he drilled one of my balls.....I wonder why my spans and pitches were off?

I'm heading over to the liquor store to get some Crown so I can do the test correctly.  Should I only repeat the test twice?  After drinking the bottle do I need to fill it back up and repeat again?
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