What is the effect of having a lateral pitch in the thumb hole away from palm?  I don't have any kind of callus or pain on that side of my thumb, but sometimes I feel like it's not exactly straight in the thumb hole.  I was thinking about trying a little bit of outward pitch the next time but I was curious how that would affect my release.

SH

actually this is a great question.  I was wondering the same thing.  I was having trouble getting my thumb out of the ball.  It wasn't because the thumbhole was too small it was because I felt like the pitch was inverted and i was catching my thumb-knuckle on it.

I had the ball re-drilled with some negative pitch, my thumb came out of the ball smoothly then, but I find it a little harder to come around the ball because it's almost too smooth.

After trying negative pitch I had it drilled again but this time instead of having the pitch changed I smoothed down the thumbslug so that the top part of the thumb is actually worn down slightly which allows my thumb to come out smooth but still allows me to come around the ball nicely.

not sure if that helps, but I hope it does!

Right lateral meaning that, looking at the grip "normally", the thumb hole goes towards the PAP (and under palm)?  I believe I'm thinking about left lateral pitch, I didn't use "right" and "left" because I feel like "away from palm" is much clearer.  Just trying to keep my terminology straight.

I have a tendency to tug the ball left, and sometimes if feels like my thumb is getting hung up and not turning with the ball.  The hole is not too tight, I have two pieces of tape on the front of the hole because without it, I feel like I have to squeeze too much, there's too much wiggle room.

SH

For a right hander, left lateral pitch (away) typically promotes the hand staying behind the ball and thus a more end-over-end, lower axis rotation.  That being said, too much left can put pressure on the outside of you thumb and create friction causing you to hang up in the ball.

Just keep in mind that small changes to pitch, either vertically or laterally...can have a big difference on feel and release.  I'm talking 1/16" to 1/8" will definitely be enough to feel.  And be very careful when changing both vertical AND lateral pitch at the same time...you may not know which one worked and which didn't.

A lot of this is also by feel...I went through a trial and error basis on many balls and still don't feel like I'm right, although close.  I'm 1/8" left (away) and 1/8" reverse.  Any less left and I get too much side turn it seems...and any more reverse I start to squeeze.

BTW, as far as VERTICAL pitches go, reverse is never a good thing to have - never.  Most need at least 1/4 forward, some 1/8, but having any reverse at all guarantees that you are squeezing the ball.  No question.
--------------------

BOWL N.C. TOUGH SHOTS TOUR

I would really like to see someone who has a span of over 5 inches uses a 1/4 forward pitch,




 I can't believe I am agreeing with BrusRicoh