The Bowling Fingertip Grip

bowlingball.com, Originally Posted: 10/3/2013; Updated: 5/18/2021

Changing to a bowling fingertip grip is a natural progression beginner bowlers make as they become experienced and gain in bowling skills.
The fingertip grip is designed to allow you to make decisive finger rotational action which results in an increased rev-rate, greater hitting power with the pins, and a hooking motion on the back end of the lane.
In fingertip grip, your middle two bowling fingers should be inserted down to the first knuckle joint before your thumb is inserted. The weight of the ball is be supported by the pads of your fingers, down to the first knuckle joint.
Your thumb must be inserted completely to the second knuckle joint. This will allow the ball surface to rest on the palm of your hand with your thumb fully inserted into the ball, without curling your thumb at the first knuckle joint.
If a ball is drilled properly to custom fit your hand with a fingertip grip, there should be little or no separation of the palm of your hand from the surface of the bowling ball.
When your hand is placed properly into the holes of the bowling ball, we recommend placing slightly more gripping pressure on the finger pads of your hand than on your thumb pad. Maintain consistent gripping pressure on the ball throughout your swing cycle.
Your thumb must be released a split second before the fingers so the fingers may impart the rotational action. This causes the bowling ball to travel down the lane with an effective axis tilt and corresponding hooking motion.
Gripping too tightly, particularly with the thumb, will slow the action of your hand at the moment of release because your thumb will exit the ball too slowly.

It helps to learn to grip the ball properly from the onset so may develop your skill as a fingertip bowler quickly. Make sure your hand is behind the bowling ball as your thumb exits the ball and as your fingers apply slight rotation action.
Getting your hand around the side of the ball before your thumb exits the ball causes a weak delivery and risks errant deliveries away from your intended delivery path.
When first changing to a fingertip grip, using a wrist support device as a training aide will help you make the transition. A wrist support will trigger a fast exit of your thumb from the ball consistently and will augment your finger delivery action.
It is recommend to use the services of a professional instructor to coach your delivery technique using a fingertip grip.
Your instructor will work with you on the lanes after drilling your fingertip grip ball to ensure you exit the ball properly. They will want to make sure you take full benefits of using this type of drilling method to your full advantage.