Expert: Warren Friedl, Pro Shop Owner/Operator, - 7/9/2009

Question
QUESTION: Bought a new Storm Virtual Energy and after 5 games developed a blood blister on the inside of my thumb tip, (next to my index finger).  Went back to the pro shop and he flared out he thumb hole slightly and said to try it.  Bowled last night and still felt discomfort.  The ball  has thumb inserts and finger inserts.  At times the finger inserts feel tight.  Have not bowled in a long time, maybe  need to adjust.  Any ideas on the thumb blistering would be appreciated.

Thanks

ANSWER: Al,
Span could be too short or you have too much reverse pitch (not enough forward??). Too much gripping.

The tight fingers could be a little swelling, since you haven't bowled in a while.

What kind of thumb insert? Oval? Tapered? Slug? Is it tight or loose? Let me know. Thanks for the questions.



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

QUESTION: The thumb insert is a slug and it also feels snug at times.  I have used powder to insure that the thumb releases smoothly.  I'm not sure about the reverse pitch.  I've heard of it before but do not know what it means.

thanks

Answer
Al,
Reverse pitch is a description of one of the angles that your thumb can be drilled.

Picture the center of your bowling ball, below the center of gravity. That point is the reference point for all the angles of your finger or thumb holes. If the hole is drilled directly toward the center of the ball, it is considered zero pitch. If the hole is angled to the left of the center it is considered left (lateral) pitch, likewise right of the center, right pitch. If the hole angle is toward/and past the center it is considered forward pitch, likewise not hitting the center would be considered reverse pitch.

I've include a crude graphic, hopefully it helps. Thanks.