Expert: Chip Aki - 3/29/2008

Question
QUESTION: Chip - I could use some advice. I recently change my thumbpitch to correct a rubbing problem on the inside of my thumb. I changed the lateral pitch from 0 to 1/16th right. Now the ball rubs on the tip of my thumbnail (upper left portion) that it causes a bloodblister just under the fingernail. My span specs are Thumb; 1/2rev pitch, fingers at 0 pitch - span is 5" on middle finger, 5 1/th on ring. The thumb at 0 pitch was very uncomfortable and I always needed to use skin patch to keep from rubbing too much. Now that I switched to 1/16th right, the rubbing on the thumb has minimized a bit but I have the thumbnail issue. Any recommendation on how to fix this?  Thanks!

ANSWER: Do you use an oval thumb hole or a round one?  Size of the hole may be an issue.

Usually making that small of an adjustment wouldnt cause that unless there are other issues.  Most dont us that much reverse anymore, but everyone is a bit different.

Let me know the answer to the question and we will go from there.

Chip

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Chip I the thumbhole is "slightly" ovaled - I first drill the hole round but about a 1/2 size smaller then use my thumbtool to oval out the areas where the sides of my thumb tend to rub. I also use a urethane slug in all my equipment.  I do work out the thumb to slightly larger size then use tape to adjust to fit for that nights bowling.

Thanks!

James

Answer
It still sounds like it is a pitch issue.  I would add a bit of pitch in the direction of the blister.  You might also check to be sure that you are not creating any kind of cone shape while working out the oval part of your thumb.  It is easy to do and that would create a pinch as well.

Good luck,
Chip