Expert: - 10/24/2007

Question
Hello Warren, I would like your advice on my layout. I have DeQuervains syndrome(tightening of the sheathing encasing the tendons that run from the arm to the base of the thumb at the wrist). I need the best layout for eliminating all stress on the back of the hand and thumb. My current layout is as follows; span = 41/4" ring finger & 41/16" middle finger(I'm a lefty). ring finger pitch = 1/4 away and middle  = 1/2 away. Thumb = 5/16 forward & 1/4 lateral.(45 degree release angle). Any help is appreciated. Thanks, Leon

Answer
Sorry about the problem with your hand. I can speak to the fit of your ball, or what is called the grip. You may be confusing layout and fit/grip.

Your grip should allow your hand to lay flat on the ball (or as flat as physically possible), with the pitches of the holes for your fingers/thumb, allowing the ball to hang from your hand, without substantial grip pressure (NO Squeezing).

Without seeing your hand, lack of flexibility seems to be dictating the pitches of your fingers. Is stiffness or rigidity requiring the current angles of the finger holes?
While there are several elements that effect a grip, the typical pitches for a grip of 4 1/4 and 4 1/16, with normal flexibility, would have your fingers pitched toward your thumb, about 1/8 to 3/16 or more.

If rigidity doesn't allow this pitch, adjusting the thumb pitch, towards the fingers, as the finger pitches must be adjusted away from the thumb, should help you control the ball with minimum grip pressure.

The pitch in your thumb can be increased, more angle toward the fingers, to improve control, as long as you can deliver the ball comfortably. If you are experiencing any discomfort try small adjustments (1/8) until you lessen or eliminate the discomfort and gain more control.

Lastly, adjust hole size so you feel slightly snug in the holes. The lateral pitches and hole sizes shouldn't bind the fingers. Adjusting angles of the holes and hole sizes are the last adjustments for your optimum fit. Don't be afraid to make small adjustments actively. As your hands change and are affected by temperature and humidity, often tweaking the "feel" is needed to maintain consistent execution.

Let me know how the adjustments work out.