How to Properly Insert Tape and Why You Should

Written By: Tony Ruocco and Keith Spear | Written On: Tuesday, August 17, 2010 | Updated On: Wednesday, October 23, 2024

 

Bowlers use tape to adjust the feel of their bowling ball. Tape can be added to make the thumb or finger holes smaller. Watch this video for more details.

Using Bowling Tape to Adjust Your Hole Sizing

Bowling tape is an essential tool for bowlers, particularly when the size of their fingers changes due to factors like weather, swelling, or even weight loss. As your fingers swell in humid or hot weather or shrink in colder conditions, the fit of your bowling ball's finger and thumb holes may become inconsistent, affecting your grip and overall performance. Adjusting the size of these holes with bowling tape allows you to maintain a snug, comfortable fit, ensuring consistent control and release. Here’s why and how to use bowling tape effectively:

Why You Should Use Bowling Tape:

1. Maintaining Consistent Grip: Over time, your fingers can change size due to swelling, weather conditions, or how much you’ve been using them. A poor fit can lead to the ball slipping or sticking, which can throw off your accuracy and control. Bowling tape allows you to quickly adjust the hole size for a more secure fit. Whether your thumb or fingers feel too tight or loose, you can insert or remove tape to maintain a consistent grip.

2. Preventing Injuries: A loose grip can lead to gripping the ball harder, which increases the risk of strain or injury in your wrist and fingers. Conversely, if the holes are too tight, your fingers may get stuck, leading to an awkward release. Using tape to fine-tune the fit can reduce strain on your hand and prevent injuries.

3. Better Control and Release: Proper fit helps ensure a clean release every time. If the ball is too tight, you may end up pulling your fingers out at the wrong time, resulting in a less effective shot. If it’s too loose, the ball may slip off your hand too early, affecting your throw. Bowling tape gives you the control to adjust the feel of the ball for a smooth release.

4. Adapting to Conditions: Environmental factors like temperature and humidity can cause your fingers to swell or shrink. In hot weather, your fingers might expand, making the holes feel tighter, while in colder conditions, the opposite happens. Having bowling tape on hand lets you adjust on the go, making it an adaptable solution for changing conditions.

How to Properly Use Bowling Tape:

1. Select the Right Tape: Bowling tape comes in two main varieties: textured and smooth. Textured tape provides more grip and is often used when your thumb or fingers are slipping out too easily. Smooth tape helps reduce friction if your fingers are getting stuck in the ball. Choose the tape that fits your needs based on how the ball feels.

2. Clean the Finger/Thumb Hole: Before inserting the tape, make sure the hole is clean and dry. Any dirt or oil inside the hole can affect how well the tape sticks.

3. Cut the Tape: Most bowling tapes come in pre-cut strips, but you can also cut them to the exact size you need. Usually, a small piece will suffice to tighten the fit, but you can add more layers if necessary.

4. Insert the Tape: For thumb holes, insert the tape along the back side of the hole, where your thumb rests. For finger holes, place the tape on the side where your fingers make contact with the hole. Make sure the tape lies flat to avoid bunching, which could interfere with your grip.

5. Adjust as Needed: Start with a single piece of tape and test the fit by inserting your fingers or thumb into the hole. If it’s still too loose, add more layers. If the fit is too tight, you can remove a strip. It’s a trial-and-error process to get the perfect fit.

6. Replace as Necessary: Over time, the tape may wear out or lose its stickiness due to friction and sweat. Be sure to replace it regularly to maintain an optimal fit and performance.

Conclusion:

Using bowling tape is a simple, yet effective way to keep your bowling ball holes perfectly fitted to your fingers, especially when they swell or shrink due to weather or physical conditions. By adjusting the fit with tape, you maintain control over your grip, improve your release, and reduce the risk of injuries. Always keep tape in your bowling bag so you can make quick adjustments as needed during your games.