Thumbs Up For Bowling Power

bowlingball.com, Originally Posted: 10/6/2012; Updated: 9/1/2021

Thumbs up for bowling power. If you want to develop a strong bowling release, there is one trick to use no matter what your present delivery style is.


Regardless if you are a power player (one who opens your hand as far as possible at the top of your back swing and then unhinges and rotates shut making a strong and full rotation on the bowling ball) or if you are someone who simply stays behind the ball (making a modest rotation on the bowling ball, say one to three inches of rotation), this one trick will help you not overturn the ball and ensure an effective bowling ball delivery.

The trick is to think thumbs up for bowling power. That’s correct, no matter how much you rotate your wrist and bowling fingers when delivering your ball, do not allow your bowling thumb to rotate past a “thumbs up” position.

When your hand releases your bowling ball, make certain your bowling thumb points straight up to the ceiling and continues to a full follow-through position.
The number one reason any bowler loses power with their release is the bowling thumb overturning and pointing to the opposite, non-bowling side of the body. Overturning the ball also results in the bowling fingers rotating over the top of the ball causing a weak spinning motion on the ball and a noticeable loss of the rate of revolutions applied to the ball.


Some experienced and highly skilled players will intentionally overturn the ball to kill effective roll, particularly on dry lane conditions. Generally speaking, however, unless you are very adept at controlling an overturning release motion, avoid it at all costs.
Switch bowling balls or make an alignment adjustment but do not sell out a good delivery for a less than effective one.

Keep your bowling thumb pointing up when it exits the ball no matter how much your fingers rotate the ball and the result will be worthwhile.


If you are having difficulty maintaining thumbs up for bowling power, our staff at bowlingball.com recommends you consult a certified bowling instructor or an experienced bowling professional.


With a little practice, you can count on a strong rolling delivery style with this technique and gain consistency from shot to shot.
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