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Author Topic: Thumb Pitch  (Read 2291 times)

thedjs

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Thumb Pitch
« on: February 03, 2009, 05:42:02 AM »

For years I had all my balls drilled with a 1/4" reverse pitch.  During that time I continued to have a problem with losing or dropping the ball near the foul line.  To hold on required a lot of tape.  About two years ago, on advise from a friend, I changed all pitches to 0.  This has helped me in getting the ball out on the lane more but I still feel that I have to throw harder than I want to sometimes to keep from dropping the ball.    

My question is, would going to a forward pitch help or solve this problem?  If so, about how much forward would be a good starting point?  Would a slight forward pitch have any negative effect on the overall reaction of the bowling ball?  Are there any other adverse effects when using forward pitch?

If anyone has had this problem and has gone to forward thumb pitch, I would appreciate your input and suggestions.  

Thanks in advance.

 

Pinbuster

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Re: Thumb Pitch
« Reply #1 on: February 03, 2009, 02:04:23 PM »
I would go to 1/4 forward.

If you are loosing the ball early it could only help the ball reaction. It would give you a chance to keep your fingers in the ball long enough to finish the turn.

The only adverse effect would be if you started to hang in the ball. If so then back off some forward else if you still loose the ball early add some more.

If your span is correct no adjustment should be needed to it. However some would recommend shorting the span when going in the forward direction.

icewall

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Re: Thumb Pitch
« Reply #2 on: February 03, 2009, 02:21:52 PM »
anytime you change pitch it should be at an 1/8" at a time.

also ALWAYS keep in mind that the thumb hole can be textured to slow the release.


I did the same thing and kept moving my pitch but my driller told me that it would work but it was a bandaid and i needed to stay behind the ball to reduce the amount of pressure put on my thumb at the release.

IMO what i would do is rough up the thumb first, if you dont like that or your still dropping it make sure your not turning your wrist early. THEN if still its no good I would ask your pro shop guy that you are dropping the ball a bit and was thinking about moving your pitch more forward.... id ask if he can watch you bowl and if the pitch move is needed.

i didnt do this and ended up moving the pitch a whole lot of times and was at 1/4" forward for a long time. now im back to 0" pitch and behind the ball... i almost never drop the ball now (i was turning my hand early)
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leftyinsnellville

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Re: Thumb Pitch
« Reply #3 on: February 03, 2009, 02:36:05 PM »
When I'm having the same problem, I just focus on throwing using the pad just below my middle and index fingers.  This keeps my hand under the ball enough to prevent the ball from coming off too early.

JustRico

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Re: Thumb Pitch
« Reply #4 on: February 04, 2009, 06:02:43 AM »
Uhm I would be curious to know what your lateral pitch is. And I agree, I would suggest going to an 1/8" incriments.

Also, are you sure your span has not changed? If your span is stretched it can make you squeeze to hold onto.

Do not only equate dropping the ball to pitch.
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