The arcade stick query

[Combination]

I've just acquired a proper arcade stick (as in all Sanwa parts) after having spent most of my life with a variety of gamepads. I understand there may be a bit of learning curve but I'm just not sure how I'm supposed to hold the ball top for maximum performance, comfort etc.?

Would anyone care to enlighten this stick virgin?

[NekoFever]

All down to personal preference, I think.

I always hold mine with the ball between my thumb, index, and middle finger and then if I need to just rest the ball of my hand on the main body of the controller. Works well enough for me, though I fully expect to be told that I'm doing it completely wrong.

[smouty]

Jeez, this isn't a science. If it works for you then great.
Did anyone tell Hendrix his guitar was upside down?

[Kubrick]

I always hold mine with the ball between my thumb, index, and middle finger and then if I need to just rest the ball of my hand on the main body of the controller.

Same here. There's a learning curve, but once you're used to it, you'll never go back to using a pad.

[Giga_Death]

your sopposed hold your ball with your thumb and forefinger with the other hand palm resting on the base.

[charlesr]

I hold mine with my thumb on the right hand side of the ball and a little towards the back (it falls there naturally due to the angle of the arm coming inwards a little. My forefinger curls over the top to support the front and then I curl my middle finger backwards so I touch the left hand side with the knuckle of my middle finger. Bit weird I know, but seems so comfy for extended play.

[Big Seany]

I hold the stiuck much the same as other descriptions here, however for fancy dan beat 'em up moves I usually do the quick switch and use my entire palm straight down on top of the ball.

Most homo-erotic thread evar.

[vertigo]

Without sounding too much like masturbation advice, I use it with my palm face up, stick between my middle and ring finger and then my thumb goes kind of wherever it rests on the top/side of the ball.
Mmm you like that, don't you

[Combination]

Thanks for the suggestions, I'm really getting off...err...on with it now!