The Prescott gentleman gave you good advice. There are directions your thumb doesn't want to move in smoothly.....like full up and full right aileron for example.

I use this method exactly on the right stick, but thumb on top on the rudder/throttle stick, which requires a little less finesse.

I taught pattern flying for about seven years, and I told my guys "if you can write your name with your thumb only, then you can fly with it!"

Clair