[@McHaggis], I'm not assuming handicap. I'm asking that the character is more suited to sandbending.

You do get bloodlines suited to particular aspects of bending. The ability of Fire Nation nobility to exclusively bend lightning in this age as well as (I know it's LoK) Yakone's bloodline to be exceptionally talented at bloodbending is precedent for the character I propose to be able to have a bloodline with a predisposition to sandbending along with normal earthbending.

How about; a Yakone-esque potential to be especially good at sandbending, poor to average at big earthbending acts (maximum is throwing the small military discs with precision). Sandbenders in the family, but forbidden to explore that heritage by family. High (potential) control, low brute force. Sandbending talent that has been stumbled on by accident (like Katara could waterbend before being taught) but clumsy and uncontrolled.

I'm not asking for special. I'm asking for differently skilled.