I went to a Ebonite Demo days event today and had to throw a ball with a slightly shorter span (5") than my own equipment (5 1/8").  I actually felt more comfortable and felt like I was getting a better release out of the demo ball better than my own stuff.  Thumbs were identical other than 1/16 less reverse in the demo ball.  
I always thought a correct span was if you put your thumb all the way in and laid your fingers across your finger holes, the first joint should be in the middle of the grip.  I read somewhere tonight that it should be the spot between your first 2 joints is at the back edge of the hole.  I have a long distance between my first two joints and this method would shorten my span probably even shorter than 5".  What is the correct way of determining the span?

The established relaxed method is front edge of hole or insert if you use one is equal to middle of those two joints.

For many people this ends up with the joint near the back of the finger holes.

The old stadard was joint just past middle of hole!

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..

Edited on 1/23/2006 11:34 AM

I have a tendancy to get around the side of the ball too much creating spin.  Does a shorter span cause you to spin the ball more or less?  As I stated originally, I felt like I was throwing the ball better with the shorter span and am thinking of maybe trying it out.  Kinda sucks though cause I just re-slugged all my equipment to take out some of the reverse in my thumb and could have shortened it then.

I have found that I prefer my span (and most of my customers feel the same) a little longer than the classic "front of the finger holes half way between the first and second finger joint".  So when I measure, I go 1/8 - 3/16" longer, then ask the customer how it feels.  If there is any hesitation on their part, I move it back to half way for them to compare.  Most go with the longer span.  With the hand in the ball and held dangling down by the customer's side, a standard pencil fits easily between the ball and the palm with some friction.  --  JohnP