Should I use my thumb in bowling?
Sarah Smith
Published Jan 19, 2026
Two handed bowlers generally also do not use the thumb on the strike ball, but most prefer to use the thumb on spares. That in itself points to the control needed especially on the corner 7, and 10 pin spares.
Is it better to bowl with or without thumb?
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.
How should my thumb be in a bowling ball?
Check your thumb
You want your thumbhole to feel loose, but it needs to be tight enough that you can release the ball without gripping it. You shouldn't need more than a piece of tape to accomplish this.
Do 2 handed bowlers use their thumb?
In the Two-handed bowling approach, the second hand is used as the thumb, which supports the ball and provides lateral support. This will prevent the ball from dropping, and the bowler will have more control over the ball's path. More power. Two-handed bowling also allows the player to release the ball with more power.
How do pros hold a bowling ball?
First, put your thumb all the way into the thumb hole as you did when you were selecting the ball. Now insert your middle and ring fingers into the other holes. The ball should feel secure in your hand. Of course, you'll want to cradle the ball in your free hand as you approach the lane for your throw.
29 related questions foundDo bowling balls come with holes?
When you buy your first bowling ball, it will come without holes in it (it is possible to buy balls with holes already drilled, but that's almost the same as choosing one off the rack for free at the bowling alley).
How do you prevent thumb blisters when bowling?
If you don't have your own ball:
- Bowl without your thumb (with either one or two hands). ...
- Get some tape for your thumb, bowling tape preferably because those are designed to not create friction on your release.
- New-skin or skin patch on the affected areas. ...
- Get your own ball!
How do you get your thumb out first in bowling?
One-Step Drill
Take one full step back from the foul line and get into your stance. Push the bowling ball away, and at the height of your backswing, begin to slide into your finish position. Your release should occur at the end of your slide. Remember to keep your thumb release timing close to 12 o'clock.
What do professional bowlers use?
Most pro bowlers use 16-pound balls, although more than you think use 15-pounders. Another method is to add one or two pounds to the weight of the house ball you normally use. A heavier ball drilled specifically to your hand will seem to weigh about the same as a house ball two pounds lighter.
How do you bowl correctly?
First: Straighten your hand and wrist. Second: Hold your bowling arm out at a distance while you're bowling. Third: Keeping your arm straight, swing it towards your ankle. Fourth: Rotate the wrist, hand, and arm away from your body as you bring the ball near your ankle.
Do two handed bowlers use finger holes?
These bowling balls have holes for the bowler's fingers. The finger holes help the bowler grip the heavy ball with one hand.
How do I stop my knuckling bowling ball?
If by knuckling the ball, you mean your thumb is bent to keep the ball from falling off, you need to relax your hand and keep your thumb straight in the hole by focusing on keeping the thumbnail in contact with the back of the hole throughout release.
How do you release a bowling ball?
The first thing to do is release the thumb from the thumb-hole. Next, lift your two remaining fingers up and out of the ball in a swift motion. Neither your wrist nor forearm should twist or turn to either side when you release the ball; it should be kept straight.
Why does bowling hurt my thumb?
Bowler's thumb usually occurs in bowlers who put a lot of spin on their bowling ball. If your thumb's hole is too tight, it can also pinch the ulnar nerve inside of your thumb. If your bowler's thumb injury is not serious, a little rest and correcting the ball size will fix the issue.
Why are my fingers sore after bowling?
Trigger finger can be caused by repetitive strain on the fingers. It can also result from a lot of activity that requires gripping. Think of what's required to hold and throw a bowling ball over and over. That movement can cause trigger finger.
How do you heal a bowling blister?
The athlete should clean the area with antiseptic soap and then carefully remove the skin with sterile scissors. The area can then be covered with antibiotic ointment and then covered with an occlusive bandage. Because the underlying tissue has lost its protective covering, the area will be tender for a few days.
What does the dot on a bowling ball mean?
A Quick Explanation of a Bowling Ball's Pin
Not to be confused with the pins at the end of the lane, every bowling ball is marked with a colored dot, which represents the ball's pin. The pin is vital in determining how to drill your ball to get your desired reaction on the lanes.
Where is the PAP on a bowling ball?
Trace a line on the edge of the first oil ring nearest your finger and thumbhole. Next, take your track line and place it so that it is parallel to the table or counter it is on. Mark the center on the top of the ball and put a piece of tape on it and you have your PAP.
How many times can you drill a bowling ball?
In essence, you can plug a ball quite a few times. I max out at 3 because as you are drilling, you are disturbing the core material. As Dustin mentioned above, if you're doing span adjustment then theres no issue because you'll be close to being in the same area.
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.
How far should fingers go in bowling ball?
First, check the size of the holes. When you place your fingers in the ball, they should slide comfortably to the first crease down from the fingertips for a standard “fingertip” grip. If you're jamming the fingers in because they're too tight, change the inserts or have the holes opened slightly.
How should a beginner hold a bowling ball?
To pick up a bowling ball safely, insert the thumb of your dominant hand into the bottom hole. Then, place your ring and middle fingers into the two holes at the top. When you pick up the bowling ball, cradle the bottom with your other hand in order to hold it steady.