BallReviews

General Category => Drilling & Layouts => Topic started by: jjweb on July 06, 2005, 06:19:54 PM

Title: Thumb woes
Post by: jjweb on July 06, 2005, 06:19:54 PM
Lately I have been having a problem with my thumb. I'm either hanging in the ball or death gripping to hold it. Pulled shots, wide shots, dropping my shoulder with shots that I can't clear the thumb, you name it! I was using white tape to help solve the problem, but for whatever reason, the white tape is ripping the ever-loving crap out of my thumb (tape use to be in front, now it's in the back). I've always used tape but have never had this problem, why the sudden change? I don't get it. I have tried the different tapes you apply to your thumb, with no success. In fact, I feel an even greater excessive need to grab the ball with skin tape.

I was talking with a pro shop worker and he suggested I should look into my thumb pitches (I.E. try going a bit size down and adding some forward).

My current span and pitches are:
4 5/8 middle
4 3/4 ring
1/4 in the fingers

***Thumb***
7/8 bit size
1/4 right lateral
1/8 reverse
35 degree oval

To my understanding for every 1/16 you move forward, you subtract a 1/16 from the span?

With adding forward, does it have any effect on your rev rate?
Title: Re: Thumb woes
Post by: LuckyLefty on July 07, 2005, 07:54:42 AM
You don't have to shorten span to move your pitch forward.

You may have to add some bevel to front of hole if you leave span and go forward.

Before I make any changes I would perform the Mo Pinel bevel tests before adjusting span or pitches.

With a little more friction in back you may need a slight amount of increase in bevel to get out smooth.  Most likely front bevel tested with ring finger test.

Test with tape in back of hole.

REgards,

Luckylefty
Title: Re: Thumb woes
Post by: JPRLane1 on July 07, 2005, 07:57:49 AM
Two words for ya, Magic Carpet.  Goes in the back of the hole snug feel easy release.  White tape does not go in back of the hole only in front.  I would try this before you go changing pitches.
--------------------
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Title: Re: Thumb woes
Post by: LuckyLefty on July 07, 2005, 08:10:44 AM
I agree also that even before bevel... Magic.  Right down the road from ya!

REgards,

Luckylefty
PS or black tape in back!
Title: Re: Thumb woes
Post by: jjweb on July 07, 2005, 11:52:39 AM
I really don't like using white tape in the back, but I really didn't have a choice. If you had seen how badly the white tape was ripping my thumb in front of the hole, you would completely understand why I put the white in the back. I hadn't had a problem with tape in the back until now! I have tried using black tape in the back, but I really don't like the smooth texture of it.

I once tried the magic carpets and again I felt the need to grab. I could always try them again.

I like the ball holding me, not me holding the ball. I've had this feeling for months, now all of a sudden it's gone! I miss it...
Title: Re: Thumb woes
Post by: flacoman on July 07, 2005, 02:12:28 PM
Well, there's always you know what ...
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Get slick and roll it smooth! www.slicktape.com
Title: Re: Thumb woes
Post by: jjweb on July 07, 2005, 09:31:43 PM
So I tried some extra bevel, first time I felt some extra pressure on the base of my thumb. I immediately started carving away again. Second try, still no luck. Three times a charm, right? Well... I noticed after the third time 'round, I needed to grab it even more. I felt like I was going to drop it every time, guess what? I did! I decided to alter the position of the tape. Same problem, ripped skin no matter where it went.

I really would like to stray away from anything being in the thumb hole, except for my thumb.

I'm completely at a loss here.
Title: Re: Thumb woes
Post by: a_ak57 on July 07, 2005, 09:41:28 PM
quote:
So I tried some extra bevel, first time I felt some extra pressure on the base of my thumb. I immediately started carving away again. Second try, still no luck. Three times a charm, right? Well... I noticed after the third time 'round, I needed to grab it even more. I felt like I was going to drop it every time, guess what? I did! I decided to alter the position of the tape. Same problem, ripped skin no matter where it went.

I really would like to stray away from anything being in the thumb hole, except for my thumb.

I'm completely at a loss here.

Based on what you just said, sounds like you should try out forward thumb pitch.
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- Andy


Brunswick...........'nuff said.
Title: Re: Thumb woes
Post by: jjweb on July 07, 2005, 09:51:57 PM
I thought Magic Carpet says to go forward to you hang, then back off a 1/16, correct?

Where do I start from?
Title: Re: Thumb woes
Post by: flacoman on July 07, 2005, 09:57:48 PM
Start with a new ball fitter/driller!
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Get slick and roll it smooth! www.slicktape.com
Title: Re: Thumb woes
Post by: a_ak57 on July 07, 2005, 09:58:05 PM
Hmm, try adding forward pitch in increments of 1/4 or 1/8 (whatever you'd prefer).
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- Andy


Brunswick...........'nuff said.
Title: Re: Thumb woes
Post by: C-G ProShop-Carl on July 07, 2005, 11:22:04 PM
jjweb,

You may need to have the famous "coke bottle" test done to see where you lateral thumb pitch should be.



Have you made a change in the way you throw the ball recently? If you are trying to stay behind the ball more and you have 1/4 right lateral that can cause you to hang in the ball......and if you are trying to get around it more the right lateral could help you get out of the ball easier. These could be the reasons that you are getting different feels as far as hanging in the ball and falling out of the ball.

-EX-



Edited on 7/7/2005 11:18 PM
Title: Re: Thumb woes
Post by: jjweb on July 08, 2005, 01:49:21 AM
No change in release, I have always come around the side of the ball. But since I can't come out of the ball cleanly, it is altering my release.

I used the coke bottle test to find my lateral pitch as my thumb pointed towards my ring finger.

When my thumb does clear the hole, I can't really hit the ball with my fingers since I don't have the proper timing anymore.

Lousy thumb!!!
Title: Re: Thumb woes
Post by: TheIronMan on July 08, 2005, 06:02:26 AM
Sounds like you have one or more of three problems: 1. Too much  reverse 2. Hole is too ovalled 3. Hole is set at wrong angle. If you come around it, as you say, you might need to go to less of an oval or more angle. You should only use white tape in the front for grip(not too much, it can change the span). To take up space and make the hole fit more snugly, you can use white tape in the back (its thicker), then cover it with Slick Tape or teflon strips or even black tape, but Slick Tape is the best I've seen for this. If your thumb swells, then change to 1/2 size white tape or fewer strips, but still cover with slick tape. that way you get a smooth, clean release. As long as your thumbhole is too big...plus reverse pitch, you are going to grab it, even if subconsciously. I would try that first, then maybe try changing angle of thumbhole, is you are still hanging upon release.
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www.buildanarsenal.com
Title: Re: Thumb woes
Post by: LuckyLefty on July 08, 2005, 10:40:52 AM
Whoa,

Don't just add bevel.

Use the Mo Pinel method to add front bevel.

Ring finger test.

REgards,

Luckylefty
Sounds like you just started hacking away without any attack plan.
I have never had a ball be hanging then drop like that.  But I use a systematic plan!
Title: Re: Thumb woes
Post by: jjweb on July 08, 2005, 10:57:59 AM
Sadly I did have a plan while beveling, I guess not a very good one. Looking at my thumb, there is a large bulge to the left side of the knuckle, and an 1/8 below that on the right side (hard callous and bulge). Don't forget the ripped off skin on the back left side.
Title: Re: Thumb woes
Post by: jjweb on July 10, 2005, 11:35:16 PM
Update...

I decided not to tinker with my thumb pitches, however I did go down one bit size to 27/32 from 7/8.

Whoa did that make a huge difference. No more grab!!!