With forward, I've had problems with tearing my thumb at the base, near where my thumb runs into my palm.
You might try a little bit of left pitch rather than forward. This will let you stay in the ball a little longer with fewer problems (in my experience).
It may take a combination of left and forward pitches, but I wouldn't push my pitch too far forward. If you're at an eighth reverse, don't jump to like, a quarter forward. That's ridiculous.
I'd go an eighth forward from whatever you have to start, then go a 16th left until it feels right. Just my two cents...
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