Get A Good Grip On Your Bowling Ball

bowlingball.com, Originally Posted; 10/2/13; Updated: 5/19/21

If you are new to the game and are trying to learn how to properly grip a bowling ball, please use these tips below to help you develop a good technique.
The manner by which a bowler inserts his or her fingers and thumb into the bowling ball is commonly referred to as the "grip."
Keys in gaining a proper grip:


1. Support the weight of the ball in your non-bowling hand when taking your stance position on the approach.


2. Place your bowling fingers into the bowling ball followed by placing your thumb down into its gripping hole.


3. Make sure your fingers and thumb are inserted as far as the holes permit. Avoid bending your knuckles inside the bowling ball when gripping the ball.


4. Care should be taken to fit your fingers and then your thumb into the holes of the ball in the same manner each time you are getting ready to bowl.


5. Your bowling fingers should be inserted down to the second knuckle joint for a conventionally drilled bowling ball. The weight of the ball will be supported by the pads of your fingers leading to the second knuckle joint.


6. If you use a fingertip grip, your fingers should be inserted down to the first knuckle joint. The weight of the ball will be supported by the pads of your fingers, from the tip of your fingers to the first joint.



7. Your thumb must be inserted into the thumb hole of the ball down to the second knuckle joint as to allow the ball surface to rest on the palm of your hand and to the full extension of your thumb.


8. There should be little or no separation of the palm of your hand from the surface of the bowling ball, regardless of a conventional drilling or a fingertip drilling.


9. Use slightly more gripping pressure on the finger pads of your hand than on your thumb pad.
It is recommended that as a beginner bowler you visit your local pro shop and purchase your own new ball. The ball will be professionally fitted and measured for your hand included in the price of the ball. Improperly fitting bowling balls can potentially cause injury to your bowling hand and can adversely affect a good delivery of the bowling ball.