Expert: Chip Aki - 6/21/2006

Question
Thanks Chip.
So the standard of 1/8 left and 5/8 right on the finger pitches have nothing to do with grip, mostly comfort, never knew that. Always thought these were for hand position within the grip in relation to the thumb.

I believe your right, every started going south when I lengthened my span the 1/8". Amazing how 1/8" can have so much effect on the release and thumb.

How would you determin what lateral pitches ehould be used on the fingers ?

Thanks for the help & advise Chip. I very much appreciate what your doing here !
Jim

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Followup To

Question -
Chip,
Have a question for you.
How does the lateral finger pitch in the M & R fingers effect the grip in relation to the thumb ?

I have been playing with various drillings on my hand. Now it appears I am really out of whack.  I took my span from 4-1/2 to 4-5/8 off the M finger. Found this started putting pressure on the top side of my thumb. Tired using 1/8 left and 1/4 reverse and am getting out of the ball to quick. Went to 1/8 left and 1/8 rverse, was a little better but still getting the soreness on the top side of the thumb. Have also been using 1/8 left and 1/4 reverse on the M finger and 1/2 right and 1/4 reverse on the R finger. I seem to have lost some roll with this set up. But pressure is equal on both fingers during release.

Going back to the basic's. I'm going to redrill one of my balls at the original 4-1/2 span on the M finger, 4-9/16 on the ring. I will drill the thumb 1/8 left and 1/8 reverse. So my question is, if I use 5/16 left on the M finger and 5/16 right on the R finger or even 3/8 & 3/8, (my fingers appear to be pretty straight) how will this effect the hand position in the ball in regards to the thumb and release ?

Sorry if this sounds confusing. But in an effort to find a perfect fit, I've been all over the place and now I'm lost on what to try next.


Answer -
I dont fell that lateral pitch changes in the fingers only will change your release.  Lateral pitches or for comfort more than anything else.  
If you would want to change  your release, you would need to change the lateral in all three holes.  If you would want to stay behind the ball longer, add right lateral to all three holes.  If you want to get around the ball more, add left lateral to all three holes.  Add the same amount to each hole.  I would think 1/4 would be the minimum to effect change.
I think what cause your thumb problem was the added length to the span.  
Go back to the original, and add lateral to that number if you want to try and change your release.

Good luck,
Chip

Answer
In general, when drilling a ball you would just use enough lateral pitches so the finger holes wont meet at the bottom of the holes.  Other than that, you go for comfort.  If you rub, or get soreness on the side of your fingers, then add lateral pitch in the direction of the rub.  You can also look at the wear on your finger inserts, if you use them.  Adjust the pitch laterally in the direction of the wear.

Good luck,
Chip