AboutChip Aki Expertise Ball drilling/fitting, Layouts, coaching related questions, any. USA Bowling Bronze Certified Coach, International Bowling Pro Shops and Instructors Assocation member, 15 years Experience in ball drilling, Storm Staff member.
Experience Team USA State Champion Indiana'87 and Lousiana '97, National Collegiate Championship Wichita State '87, Ky state Singles Champion '99,Team USA National Finalist '97,'98, USBC Open Singles Champion 2007 (814 series)
Question I just recently bought my first ball. It is an Ebonite Maxim, and with an average of about 135 these days, I feel that the ball is appropriate. After bowling only 3 games with it, the left side of my thumb between the knuckle and nail got very sore (I'm right handed). This is the spot where my thumb rubs the back of the thumb hole on release. The problem is that while the rub would indicate that maybe the thumbhole is too small, I actually feel like I would have a better grip on the ball with a smaller hole. Could my span have been measured too long, or could it be a pitch problem?
Answer It could be a combination of size and pitch. At the minimum, I would have the pitch checked. If it needs to be changed, it should be able to be done easily. To adjust the size, you can try a couple of peices of tape.
In general, the pitch would be adjusted toward the direction of your rubbing. The pro shop should be able to address this for you.
Span problems tend to cause pain in a different area.
