Grasping the bowling ball properly is essential to consistently launching the ball down the bowling alley. Proper gripping gives you better control over the speed and direction of the ball, which in turn can improve the quality of your game.
Step
Step 1. Determine the type of grip that fits the ball
While some bowling balls don't have finger holes, most have 2, 4, 5, or, most commonly, 3 finger holes. The distance between the thumb hole and the other finger holes determines the type of grip prepared for the ball.
- The conventional grip is the most common way to hold a bowling ball, and is the type of grip prepared for most types of bowling. This grip provides holes for the middle and ring fingers at a closer distance to the thumb holes than the other two types of grip, and is designed to help new players and those with physical disabilities gain control of the ball.
- Fingertip grips place the holes for the middle and ring fingers furthest from the thumb holes, and these finger holes are usually shallower than the finger holes in a conventional style grip. The fingertip grips are designed to give more experienced players better control of the ball, so that the ball can be launched by a hook or curve towards the pins, so that the pins can be dropped more easily.
- The semi-fingertip grip is a compromise grip between the fingertip and conventional grips, with the distance between the other finger holes and the thumb hole being shorter than in the fingertip grip, but longer than the conventional grip. This grip is designed for professional bowlers who need to do more tricks on their ball, or for experienced players with disabilities who want to control the ball at their fingertips.
- The Sarge Easter grip is also a compromise between conventional and fingertip grips, but it achieves compromise in a different way than a semi-fingertip grip. The holes for the index finger and thumb are placed in the same position as the fingertip grip, but the holes for the ring finger are located in the conventional grip position. This grip reduces rotation and ability of the ball to glide on a hook, and relieves strain on the ring finger.
Step 2. Grab a bowling ball with both hands
While the other finger and thumb holes are meant to grip the ball when you aim it at the pin, these holes are not meant to lift the ball. Place your hands on either side of the ball perpendicular to the dispensing unit and lift the bowling ball evenly.
Step 3. Hold the ball in your hands
Step 4. Insert your middle finger and ring finger into the appropriate holes
This is a common way to help you prepare your grip properly. Your fingers should only lightly grip the sides of the hole.
- If your ball is designed for a conventional grip, your fingers will be in a second knuckle position.
- If your ball is designed for fingertip grip, your fingers will be in the first knuckle position.
- If your ball is designed for a semi-fingertip grip, your fingers will be inserted between the first and second knuckle.
- If your ball is designed for a Sarge Easter grip, your index finger will be in the first knuckle position and your ring finger in the second knuckle position.
Step 5. Insert the thumb into the hole
Regardless of the type of grip you have prepared for your bowling ball, your thumb should be tucked into the second knuckle of the hole. Just like your other fingers, your thumb should grip the side of the thumb hole with a light pressure, even lighter than the other finger holes.
Keep the pressure steady and consistent as you swing the ball back and then forward
Step 6. Remove your thumb from the thumb hole just before you complete the forward swing
Putting your thumbs out before completing your swing will cause a rotation that causes the ball to slide off the hook as it approaches the pins.
When the thumb releases the ball, the thumb should point in the direction the ball will slide when released
Step 7. Remove the other fingers from the hole as you complete the forward swing of the ball
Tips
- Bowling balls are prepared based on the weight of the ball, not to be adapted to a specific bowler's grip. While the heavier the ball the easier it will be to drop the pins, perhaps the lighter ball has been designed to better match your natural gripping style than the heavier ball.
- If possible, you can get your own ball designed to your specifications. This can help you to enjoy the game of bowling more than if you were using a standard ball. Look for a ball-punching technician who has a certificate issued by the International Bowling Pro Shop and Instructor's Association (IBPSIA).
