Expert: Chip Aki - 1/20/2009

Question
Hi Chip,

I know you have been asked about fitting the thumbhole tight or lose. Would like to know why is that so? Is the reason solely that one does not need to use strength to grip the ball and therefore able to impart more revs? The local pro shop dude at my area said to be relax and told me to press my thumb down when I am at release point to get my thumb out easier. Is that a way to release the ball using tight thumb? I play using a tight thumbhole fit by the way. Thanks a bunch.

Nic

Answer
This can be a tough thing to figure out.  You want the thumb hole to be tight enough so you dont have to squeeze the ball to hold onto it, but you dont want it so tight that you cant let go of it.  
I think the best way to learn how tight of a thumb hole  you can use is by adding a piece of tape each shot until you feel the ball hang up.  Take one piece out and you now have your starting point.  If you swell, you can take a piece out and if you shrink, you can add a piece.

In order for you to be able to relax, the span and pitches have to be correct as well.

One other thing to watch out for is too much bevel on the thumb.  That will make you want to squeeze the ball too.

Good luck,
Chip