As a beginner bowler trying to learn the game, one of the most important first steps is to learn how to grip the bowling ball. It may seem elementary but it is the key to making consistent deliveries and enables you to properly release the ball. Let’s take it step by step.

1. Hold your bowling ball in your non-bowling hand.

2. Insert your two middle fingers of your bowling hand, and your thumb into the holes drilled into the bowling ball.

3. Insert fingers as far as the holes permit. They should be down to the second knuckle joint for a conventionally drilled bowling ball so the weight of the ball can be supported by the pads of your fingers leading to the second knuckle joint.

4. The 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.

5. Be aware that when your hand is placed properly into the holes of the bowling ball there needs to be slightly more gripping pressure on the finger pads of your hand than on your thumb pad.

6. Now if a ball is drilled properly to custom fit your hand, there should be little or no separation of the palm of your hand from the surface of the bowling ball.

7. A fingertip grip is when your fingers should be inserted down to the first knuckle joint and the weight of the ball will be supported by the pads of your fingers from the tip of your fingers to the first joint.

8. Try and fit your fingers into the holes of the ball the same way each time you are getting ready to bowl.

As new bowlers develop into accomplished players and learn to release the ball effectively, the thumb must be released a split second before the fingers so the fingers may impart the rotational action which causes the bowling ball to travel down the lane with an effective rolling and hooking motion. Gripping too tightly, particularly with the thumb, will slow the action of your hand at the moment of release. It helps to learn to grip the ball properly from the onset.

Because the fit is so important to consistent bowling we recommend purchasing your own ball and having it professionally fitted to your  hand. It will feel comfortable and lessens the risk of any kind of injury to your bowling hand. And if you’ve ever wondered why your hand never fits properly in any of the alley’s house balls, it is because the holes are drilled randomly according to the weight of the ball! Why not get the best results by owning your own equipment? You’ve set time aside to learn a new past time, why not start off right? Check out our site where we have hundreds of options! Good luck.