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Do two handed bowlers have a thumb hole?

Author

Rachel Ellis

Published Jan 23, 2026

When the ball track rolls over such a large hole like most thumb holes, it can jump up off the lane causing unpredictable ball motion. But a two-handed player does not use or need to drill a thumb hole and therefore could drill their finger holes in the middle of the CG and rotate the core as they see fit.

Can 2 handed bowlers have a thumb hole?

A two-handed bowler is required to use the same dominant hand during their delivery on both their first and second shots (this refers to the hand in which the bowling ball rests). They also have the option of utilizing a thumb hole or not—both are acceptable. However, only one set of gripping holes is allowed.

Do two-handed bowlers use finger holes?

If you choose a two-handed grip with a thumbhole, the fit is designed the same way as a traditional bowler. Two-handed bowlers that choose not to drill a thumbhole in their ball have a decision to make when figuring out how to drill their finger holes, first knuckle or past the first knuckle.

Do all bowling balls have a thumb hole?

Balls used in ten-pin bowling and American nine-pin bowling traditionally have holes for two fingers and the thumb. Balls used in five-pin bowling, candlepin bowling, duckpin bowling, and European nine-pin bowling have no holes, and are small enough to be held in the palm of the hand.

Do two handed bowlers slide?

Most two handed bowlers have a decent slide. I've only seen one plant their slide foot. Just like one handed bowling, footwork and timing go together. The ideal spine tilt (bending over at the waist) is about 75- 80 degrees.

27 related questions found

Is two-handed bowling better?

Two-handed bowlers basically use their second hand instead of the thumb, their hand under the equator of the bowl gives the bowl better control on the release which increases the accuracy of the throw. This support of the second hand also prevents the dropping of the ball.

Do all bowling balls have finger holes?

Every bowling ball has three holes – one each for the thumb, middle finger and ring finger. The right ball should allow your fingers to be inserted and removed freely, but not easily enough that your grip on the ball is weak.

Why are balance holes illegal in bowling?

So why is USBC even banning balance holes? In a news release announcing the ban, USBC said: “Balance holes, also known as weight holes, are meant to correct static imbalance in bowling balls, but more recently have been used to change the design intent of balls.”

When did two-handed bowling start?

And, fueled by social media, it is polarizing the sport like never before. Two-handed bowling burst onto the national scene in 2004 when Osku Palermaa made the show at the U.S. Open and in 2009 when an Australian named Jason Belmonte won his first career PBA title at The Bowling Foundation Long Island Classic.

Do any pro bowlers use conventional grip?

Look at the people who have been successful: Jason Belmonte and Osku Palermo both have conventional grips. However, some two-handed bowlers have fingertip grip, like Kyle Troup.

Does Jason Belmonte use grips?

Belmonte, maintaining a delivery and grip that he has used since he first bowled at his parents' alley when he was 18 months old, whips the ball down the lane with two hands.

Is sandbagging illegal in bowling?

Re: USBC rule on sandbagging? An individual can be charged with attempting to gain an unfair advantage in league or tournament play for the following reasons: 1. Directly or indirectly tampering with lanes, pins or bowling balls so they no longer meet USBC specifications.

What is an illegal bowling ball?

Related: The Storm Spectre bowling ball, which the USBC banned from all USBC certified competition, is not allowed in any level of PBA competition. Purple Hammer bowling balls manufactured in 2016 and 2017 were banned from USBC certified competition, and are not allowed in any level of PBA competition.

Is it legal to use a bowling ball without holes?

The rule states all holes in a bowling ball must be used on every delivery; any hole not used is considered a balance hole, making the ball illegal. Bowlers who do not use their thumb no longer can have a thumb hole, as it now is considered a balance hole.

How heavy is the heaviest legal bowling ball?

Find the Right Weight for Your Game

The heaviest legal bowling ball weighs 16 pounds. The lightest weight you can usually find at most bowling alleys is six pounds. That's a significant 10-pound range, and you can choose a ball anywhere within its limits.

What are the holes in the bowling ball called?

The inserts have a contoured hole inside the tube which is where the bowler fits the gripping fingers on fingertip drilled bowling balls. Balance Hole - This is an extra hole (balance hole or weight hole) in a ball which is used to get the ball within ABC specifications for imbalance (static balance).

Do Pro bowlers use their thumb?

No. If a bowler doesn't use their thumb during a delivery, they can either have a thumb hole or a balance hole but not both. If the ball has a thumb hole but the bowler doesn't use it, then as long as it meets static balance requirements, the ball is allowed.

Who started 2 handed bowling?

Australian Jason Belmonte was among the first bowlers to gain worldwide recognition for using the two-handed approach style.

Do left handed bowlers have an advantage?

Some people think that left-handed bowlers have it easier because the left side of the lane tends to have a more consistent oil pattern. Fewer left-handed bowlers means that the left side gets less action, providing a more consistent surface.

What are 5 strikes in a row called?

BAGGER (SUCH AS FIVE BAGGER)

A string of strikes; i.e., five bagger is five in a row.