Reduce Tension When Gripping Your Bowling Ball

bowlingball.com, Originally Posted: 8/16/2013; Updated: 3/23/2023

Learning to reduce the amount of tension used when you first grip your bowling ball will lead to consistent releases and improved accuracy.
It is surprising how many bowlers will keep their thumb hole so loose that they must squeeze the ball with the thumb and fingers to prevent dropping the ball behind the foul line.
Make certain you keep your thumb hole tight enough by using bowling tape as a space filler, so you do not have to squeeze the ball just to prevent dropping the ball.
In many cases, your hole could be so loose that you will need multiple pieces of bowling tape layered on top of one another to sufficiently tighten the thumb hole. You don't need to squeeze the ball while swinging and delivering the ball during your approach.
If you are confident you do not squeeze your bowling ball excessively during your stance position, also make certain you do not add gripping pressure by squeezing the ball with your fingers and thumb while the ball is in motion swinging and while you deliver the ball down the lane.

Consistent gripping pressure throughout the entire swing cycle is the objective.
Anxiety and the pure eagerness to get a strike can cause you to grip your bowling ball too tightly. Use a firm grip, but not one so tight as to tense the muscles in your bowling arm.
Double check the size of your gripping holes and make sure they are not too loose before beginning bowling. Your hand can change sizes slightly with weather changes or with weight changes.
Pay attention to getting your ball to fit your hand properly and maintain steady gripping pressure throughout your swing. Your number of effective deliveries will increase and you will get a good ball reaction when you make a good shot.