Get A Grip! How To Hold A Bowling Ball Correctly

Does your normally graceful bowling alley strut turn a bit awkward as you walk up to the bowling lane’s foul line? Do your bowling balls always seem to stray off course, no matter how carefully you plan your throw? The problem might be how you’re gripping your bowling ball. (Who’d have thought that sticking your fingers in three small holes would require good technique?!)

Luckily for you, our intrepid team at Zone Bowling have done the practical homework and stuck their fingers into a million bowling balls (probably) to figure out the best grip technique. Here’s what you need to know to hold a bowling ball correctly.

Two hands are better than one

Although you only use one hand to launch the ball on its journey down the slippery lanes of your local bowling alley, you should use both your (hopefully non-sweaty) paws in the lead up to the throw.

Don’t swing your ball around or in the air like you just don’t care as you walk up the lane – that’s a Known Flying Object waiting to happen. Instead, slip the fingers of your throwing hand into the three grip holes, and use your free hand to support and cradle the ball close to your chin as you near the approach. Doing this will give your hand the stability it needs to achieve a great throw.

Quick tip: if you can’t get your fingers in the grip holes no matter how much you shove, you’re probably using a too-small bowling ball. And vice versa: if your digits keep slipping out, try a smaller one for a better fit.

How far is too far?

Fingers all the way in, or just a bit? It’s a common question for beginner bowlers. For most people, the traditional grip works best – fingers in as far as they feel comfortable, usually up to the second knuckle. But, once you’ve got some team bowling experience under your belt, try a fingertip grip (only up to the first knuckle). This grip can make it easier to hook the ball.

Quick tip: It’s best not to wear any rings on your fingers when you go tenpin bowling, and make sure your hands aren’t sticky or oily: avoid rich hand creams and wipe your hands after eating those chicken wings, Dave! Rings can get stuck, and slippery hands might make it harder to keep a grip on the bowling ball. Also, greasy bowling balls are gross.

Relax and roll

Don’t let nerves take the fun out of your bowling league match! Keep your grip relaxed when you throw the ball – just let it slide smoothly off your fingers. A relaxed hand also helps prevent injuries.

Quick tip: If you want to take your game to the next level, consider investing in a custom bowling ball that’s fitted to your hand. With the right equipment and technique, you’ll be the envy of your tenpin bowling league in no time.

Now that you have a better understanding of how to grip your ball, it’s time to put those skills to the test and go tenpin bowling. Remember, it’s not just about the grip – your approach, release, and follow-through all play a crucial role in your performance. Practice makes perfect, so don’t be discouraged if you don’t see immediate results. Keep at it, and soon enough, you’ll be scoring strikes left and right.

After all that, you’re probably feeling ready to test your new, improved bowling ball grip, so why not head down to your nearest Zone Bowling for some tenpin bowling, and maybe a go on an arcade game or two? We’ll see you there!