Expert: Warren Friedl, Pro Shop Owner/Operator, - 5/2/2009

Question
QUESTION: I'm trying to figure out how to keep my thumb from getting calluses.  I've soaked it and scraped it with a calluse remover and it still gets bigger every time i bowl. My question is, Would that have something to do with the pitch?  the pitch of the thumb hole is at 0.  the owner of the pro shop in my area said that it wasn't the problem


ANSWER: Ken,
You asked:"Would that have something to do with the pitch?"
Yes. And size of the hole, and span.

Is your grip finger tip or conventional? small flexible hand? thumb hole a little loose? Does the pro shop guy use 0 pitch? What is the lateral pitch (side to side, left or right?) What size are the holes? Do you have a copy of the fit? Can you (or the shop guy) send it to me?

What weight ball do you use? How hard do you throw the ball (harder than most)? Newer bowler? What do you average? What kind of ball is it?

Thanks for the questions. Let me know more please.

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

QUESTION: Its finger tip.  the pro shop uses 0 lateral, and 1/4 back pitch. the fingers have grips in them and the thumb was ovaled to match the shape of my thumb.  i use a 15.5 lb ball.  i throw harder then most. Been bowling for over 20 years. i average 195-200.  I use 2 different balls, a Roto grip grand illusion and a morich levRG

Answer
Ken,
Small or large hand (long fingers?), flexible hand (when you stretch the index finger and thumb apart, is there more than a 90 degree angle, lots more? or less)? thumb hole a little loose? Does the pro shop guy use 0 pitch? Do you weight 160 plus?

Do you have a copy of the fit? Can you (or the shop guy) send it to me?
Please communicate with them that we are just trying to identify the problem. I'd like your local guy to know more (IBPSIA Training is great) so others don't have the same problem (and just quit the game).

Span and pitch make up 80% of the fit. If one or both is off just a little you have to grip to hold on to the ball. With greater than average ball speed it sounds like you may be gripping (even if only a little). When you mess up do you pull the ball into your target (miss in)?

Thanks for the follow-up. We're wading through all the various elements that impact a good fit. A few more and I should know what I need to.

All things being normal/average your spans can be from 4 3/8 to 4 7/8. Span info and the few other things above and I'll have a couple recommendations for you. Please copy and answer the above questions. Thanks again for hanging in.