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Why use finger inserts for bowling balls?

Author

Sarah Smith

Published Jan 22, 2026

Inserts provide the ability for your fingers to apply an enhanced delivery action on the bowling ball after your thumb exits the ball first. Inserts provide contour to fit your knuckle shape which in turn helps to prevent finger irritation or chaffing on the sides of the knuckle joints.

What does fingertip bowling ball do?

What Is A Fingertip Drilled Bowling Ball. So what about fingertip? It's predominately used for when people want to step up their game and learn how to hook the bowling ball. It allows the bowling ball to curve at the pin at an angle to knock more pins down.

What does adding surface to a bowling ball do?

The lower the grit of surface used the more friction the ball creates on the lane, this will lead to the ball hooking earlier and smoother. Higher grit surfaces make the ball hook later and can be combined with polish to make the ball go even longer and create a bigger backend motion, especially for higher rev players.

Where should finger holes be drilled on a bowling ball?

A conventional grip is achieved by drilling holes deep enough so that your fingers and thumb are inserted into the ball up to the second knuckle joint. This is the traditional bowling alley ball configuration because it is the easiest to control.

What bowling shot does not curve?

The straight shot is exactly what its name implies except that it is rolled down the alley slightly off center in order to hit the first pin at an advantageous angle. The hook shot consistently beats other shots in producing strikes.

34 related questions found

Can you use a bowling ball without holes?

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. If the ball has both a thumb hole and a balance hole, the bowler needs to plug at least one of them.

How tight should bowling ball finger inserts be?

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 do you measure finger inserts for bowling?

One that fits your thumb comfortably, one that fits your ring finger comfortably, one that fits your middle finger comfortably. You then measure each of these holes using the bow compass, dividers or internal calipers by putting it in the hole about 3cm down and expanding it to fit.

What does 4000 grit Abralon mean?

We have one ball at 1,000-grit Abralon and one ball at 4,000-grit Abralon. The higher the number, the finer the grit used on the surface of the ball, creating a smoother texture. The lower the number, the more coarse. We'll start with the 4,000-grit surface, which gives the bowler a moderately strong ball reaction.

Should I polish or sand my bowling ball?

You need to polish your ball if it starts to roll up early on the lane and you lose the ball reaction at the back end. Or in other words if the ball does not skid down the lane as far as you need and the ball's hook at the back end is not as aggressive as you need.

Does polishing a bowling ball make it hook more?

When a bowling ball comes from the factory with a polished finish, that factory polish can wear off in as little as 6 to 12 games. This can change the reaction of your bowling ball making it hook earlier and less in the backend of the lane.

What Grip Do Pro Bowlers use?

Virtually all professionals use the fingertip grip, however, so if you have aspirations of bowling at a high level, a successful fingertip grip is something you'll want to aspire to.

How far do fingers go in bowling ball?

5. Your bowling fingers should be inserted down to the second knuckle joint for a conventionally drilled bowling ball so the weight of the ball can be supported by the pads of your fingers leading to the second knuckle joint.

What is bowling thumb slug?

A Thumb Slug Education

Thumb slugs are actually known by a number of names including: inserts, solids, and of course, slugs. No matter what you call them, they are all the same. Typically made of vinyl or urethane, they are a solid piece of material that is placed in the thumb hole of your bowling ball.

How do you make a bowling ball with thumb smaller?

In fact, most times the hole needs to be smaller. This can be accomplished by adding Bowlers Tape to take up space in the hole. Having a tighter thumb hole allows the ball to stay on your thumb without squeezing. Don't worry about your thumb coming out when the hole is tighter.

Does a slug have opposable thumbs?

Slugs do not have opposable thumbs.

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.

How do I get a strike every time in bowling?

12 Ways To Get A Strike In Bowling Every Time You Throw

  1. 1) Zero In On The Pin Pocket. ...
  2. 2) Straighten Out Your Bowling Arm. ...
  3. 3) Right Foot, Left Foot, Power Step. ...
  4. 4) Lighter Balls Save Scores. ...
  5. 5) Release The Ball Low.
  6. 6) When The Ball Curves, You Win. ...
  7. 7) A Balanced Approach Is Critical. ...
  8. 8) Stop Looking At The Pins.

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.

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.

Can you bowl with 2 hands?

There are some who cry foul, claiming the two-handed approach is cheating or illegal. The United States Bowling Congress (USBC), the sport's national governing body, studied this issue early on and determined there are no rules violations using the two-handed approach.

What are the 4 basic shots in bowling?

There are basically four different types of shot, or deliver in Lawn Bowling:

  • The Draw. A drawing Shot is the most common and it is really what the game is all about. ...
  • The Yard On. ...
  • The Running Shot or Ditch Length Shot. ...
  • The Drive.

What is the number of basic shots in bowling?

That's why we want to share a quick and simple guide on bowling's three basic shots. Go forth, read and surprise your friends with your awesome bowling skills!