How To Grip Your Conventionally Drilled Bowling Ball

By: bowlingball.com, Originally Posted: 12/27/16; Updated: 2/8/21

If you are new to the game you will want to learn how to grip your conventionally drilled bowling ball.

Although some pro shop professionals will drill a full fingertip grip, the standard drilling for experienced bowlers, you will likely get your first bowling ball drilled with a conventional grip.

A conventional grip allows for your two middle fingers of your bowling hand to be inserted down to the second knuckle joint of both fingers and for your thumb to be inserted all the way down to your second and largest knuckle joint.

Here are a few tips to develop a good grip:

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

*Make sure your fingers and thumb are inserted as far as the holes permit.

*Avoid partially inserting your fingers or thumb and avoid bending your knuckles inside the bowling ball when gripping the ball.

*The interior surface of the ball inside the three gripping holes will be evenly contacted by the pads of your fingers and thumb.

*Allow the ball surface to rest on the palm of your hand with your thumb fully extended in the ball in your stance position on the approach. There should be little or no separation of the palm of your hand from the surface of the bowling ball.

*Use slightly more gripping pressure on the finger pads of your hand than on your thumb pad.

*Start the ball into your swing cycle by retaining consistent gripping pressure on the ball throughout the full cycle of your swing and release movements.

A properly fitted bowling ball will greatly reduce any chances of injury or skin irritation and will help you gain consistency and control of your bowling ball delivery.

It is highly recommended that new bowlers take at least one lesson from a qualified, experienced instructor to learn more about swinging and releasing your bowling ball.

Another important factor for new bowlers is to develop a pre-shot routine whereby you take your stance position in the same manner each time you step onto the approach and prepare to bowl. This pre-shot routine includes standing with an athletic posture and being well balanced before walking and swinging your bowling ball. The routine also includes proper positioning your bowling ball in front of the bowling shoulder at a height between knee high to shoulder high but most frequently at waist level.

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