I'm personally having trouble with my ball fit, but I'm working with my driller to make it fit correctly.

Anyways, I posted a whole explanation of what's been going on on another message board so I won't get into that here.  What I want to know is what you guys believe the proper fit should feel like.  Here's some questions I'd like answered:

1) How much and how exactly should you grip the ball during the swing?
2) If you believe in the span test, where should the edge of your hole/grip meet your fingers when you lay them over the holes?
3) How much bevel is necessary?
4) Do most people have to use tape of any kind for grip or release purposes?
5) Mow much of your hand should be in contact with the ball when you put your fingers in?
6) If someone's span is correct, is forward or reverse pitch more popular in the thumb?

I'm trying to get as much information as I can because I'm working with my span and pitches so I don't have to "squeeze".  I would guess I've been squeezing since I've started bowling 8 years ago but only because I had to in order to not dropp the ball.  Now, I'm ready to stop because I feel I'm at a point where I can't improve my physical game or be very versatile because of the squeezing.  

If you guys have any specific questions that would help you in determining what might be my problem, feel free to ask.  As you might guess, I'm pretty irritated with the problem since it's been quite a hassle trying to figure it out.

Here is a pic and a article that may help.
http://www.bowl4fun.com/ron/btm05_files/btm5.htm

Bowl great!
Ron Clifton

Yep, Ron does write good articles.  I actually read all the "fundamental" ones.  Since I'm being reminded of that article I now feel pretty confident in my ability to perform the span test more accurately.  Thanks Ron.

That said, the span we put on the esperimental ball I've been messing with is actually on the short side now, and probably need 1/8 to 3/16 longer.  After that I should be fine and I'll probably need 5/8 forward in the thumb, maybe more.

Edited on 6/9/2008 9:45 PM

But if I don't go more forward I will continue to squeeze.  Stopping my squeezing is my main reason for fixing my span and changing my pitch.  I do notice I get a few more revs on the ball now though, is that what you're talking about?  If so, I feel pretty capable of toning it down if I need to.

I'm at 1/2 forward now and still squeezing.  That could be more or less a size issue though.  Also, I'm not really under the ball through my swing so that has a little to do with it.  I'm going to work with my coach/driller on these things.

A sharp edge on my thumb hole is just going to irritate me.  I hear about less bevel making the ball stay on the thumb longer but that doesn't seem to be making much difference, except for more pain.