I'm not sure if this is the right term for it first off.  I think it's also known as Hitchhiker's thumb.  But now that I think about it, how significant is it?  While I was bored today after completing a test, I actually was twiddling my thumbs.  Then it struck me.  I effectively have two different thumb positions.  My double-jointed one, where the thumb is bent the other way and almost dislocated from it's standard position, and another position.  This position is found from when I have my thumb towards my palm then bring it out to just before it "breaks" the other way.  Others with this kind of thumb will know what I'm talking about.  But I realized, this should be a significant consideration in regards to my thumbhole.  Here's a picture I made in MS paint in about 30 seconds to help illustrate for those who have no idea what I'm talking about.  Yes, I know it looks like it was drawn by a 2nd grader with shaky hands.  Stay with me though.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v326/a_ak57/thumb.jpg

Thinking about it, in theory the one on the top, just before breaking point is the natural position for my hand.  It's also the more comfortable position.  But as you can see, it looks like it would require a large amount of forward thumb pitch.  And the other one would work for a standard 0 pitch, but the tip of the thumb is pointed the other way, which would be to the back of the hole.  I've always had a problem with having the ball drop out of my hand and had a little more foward pitch installed.  At one point with my old stuff, if I didn't grip the ball to death it would fall out as my backswing ascended.  Another reason I think about this is because I believe it is Triggerman who once told me he is double jointed as well.  And he has 1/8 forward pitch with a span just over 5".  You may say "well that's not a lot" but compared to his span it's quite a lot.  I have a comfortable span around 4 1/2.

So have I found any point in all my ramblings, or am I just subconciously using my oddly-structured thumb as an excuse to mask the fact that I just suck?
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- Andy

The cranker max Jimmy Keeth had a double jointed thumb
it didn't seem to hurt him any!.  You might want to try his style...wrist cocked enough to put ball against forearm!!!

I have two young kids with the same thumb!!!

REgards,

Luckylefty
PS I'll never forget watching him throw even though he's gone!!!  Wooosh!!!
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Proud owner of a 140 first game average this year!  Don't bowl me the second two games though!  (two warm up balls in league..thanks proprietors)

That is not much forward...considering tables would put one 1/8 forward anyway.

REgards,

Luckylefty
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Proud owner of a 140 first game average this year!  Don't bowl me the second two games though!  (two warm up balls in league..thanks proprietors)

I don't believe that is double-jointed. That is just a heraditary thumb bend. Double jointed is when you can bend your thumb back to where it can rest on the top of your hand. It should acutally come over top of your pointer finger knuckle. I can only do it in my left hand so it doesn't help me.
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