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Author Topic: Sore thumb? Possible pitch issues?  (Read 2316 times)

drew999

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Sore thumb? Possible pitch issues?
« on: July 18, 2016, 03:00:17 PM »
My thumb feels sore after bowling each night. It doesn't hurt immediately after each throw but builds up gradually. There is a small callus on the back of my thumb.

My balls seem to fit fine, but I'm wondering if it may be an issue with pitches (possibly too much reverse in thumb?) or something else.

Specs are attached (Note that I usually have the thumb opened just a tad after drilling).

 

BallReviews-Removed0385

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Re: Sore thumb? Possible pitch issues?
« Reply #1 on: July 18, 2016, 03:48:48 PM »

In my estimation there is probably too much reverse pitch on the thumb hole for your span length.  This causes you to use too much grip pressure and, thus, the pain. 

By comparison, my span is almost identical, and yet my thumb pitch is 1/8" FORWARD.  I believe I could go forward even further if needed.  End result is that I use much less grip pressure than I used to.  There are other factors, such as the length of the thumb itself and flexibility of the thumb and finger joints.

NOTE:  Assuming your span is correct now, if you try to bring the thumb pitch back towards your palm (forward) you may need to gradually shorten the span distance slightly so you're not stretched and have trouble getting the thumb out cleanly.

Good luck.

WOWZERS

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Re: Sore thumb? Possible pitch issues?
« Reply #2 on: July 18, 2016, 04:22:15 PM »
Although everyone has a different amount of flex in his/her joints so there is no singular right or wrong answer, in general, I would agree that without seeing your hand in person, there is too much reverse. My span is 4 11/16 x 4 9/16 (lefty) and I am a ZERO for thumb pitches...no lateral, no forward, no reverse.

If you have too much reverse, you may be squeezing to hang onto the ball, causing you to bend your thumb and causing pain and potentially tears down the road.

I would visit your local shop that is certified (and different from the shop that currently drills your stuff) to get a 2nd opinion at the very least. I would go in and advise them (PSO) of the situation, but do not let the PSO see your specs. Let the PSO fit you from scratch and see how close the 2nd PSO is to your current PSO.