Expert: Chip Aki - 1/9/2009

Question
QUESTION: Is there a standard position for the thumb hole when a ball is drilled?  The thumb hole on most balls that I've seen appear to be centered between the middle and ring finger holes.

I ask because I've been having problems getting my thumb to release out of my ball.  I've had the thumb hole enlarged and beveled, but my thumb still gets hung up.  I began to think the span might be too much, but then I noticed that the thumb hole in my ball looked "off-center".  It appears to be shifted more under the hole for the middle finger.  Could this be part of the problem?

ANSWER: Where are you hanging up in the ball?

There are those that drill what they call on offset thumb and that makes the thumb hole appear more inline with the middle finger.  Having a longer span on the ring finger can also give  you that illusion.

In either case, if the ring finger span is too long, it will make you hang up in the ball.

Have the span rechecked.

Good luck,
Chip

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

QUESTION: One more question Chip.  What's the purpose of the offset thumb?  Thank you!

Answer
If you want to start an argument, go into a room full of pro shop guys and ask about the off set thumb.  

The theory of the off set thumb is it gets the hand flatter on the ball.

I have never been convinced by a proponant of the off set thumg that it can actually be done.

Changing pitches and spans can accomplish what the off set thumb does.

Chip