Expert: Chip Aki - 2/20/2004

Question
I have my span at 4in x 3 7/8 with the thumb pitch at zero lateral, and 1/8 reverse. fingers are zero on the middle finger and 1/8 forward on the ring finger. My question is I have a flexable thumb that points in between my ring finger and pinky finger when I grab my wrist, should I have more lateral pitch under my palm with forward pitch in the thumb? and then moving the fingers away from the thumb to get a better roll on the ball? I'm not getting as much on the ball anymore and think that the problem lays within the pitches. If there is anything that I left out that you may need please email me and i'll try to answer your question to the best of my ability.

Answer
If you are that flexible at your thumb joint, you may be able to lenghten the span a touch.  If you go with right lateral, you will have a tendancy to hang in the ball unless you adjust the reverse pitch as well.  The modern game doesnt use near as much reverse in the thumb as in years past.

If you want to increase revs, you will need to eliminate as much squeezing as you can.  If you have an old ball, try 0 pitch on the thumb for the forward/reverse.

Good luck,
Chip