What causes bowlers to squeeze the bowling ball?
The amount of grip pressure used will directly affect how the ball hooks. Applying too much grip pressure (a.k.a. squeezing) creates other fundamental issues in your game outside of the release that will result in some bad habits. It’s counterintuitive in many aspects of life that doing less will give you more. However, with grip pressure in bowling, the less you can do with your hand, the greater the reward.
Fit
Nobody wants to be that guy who has their ball go backwards toward the settee, rather than the pins. When we communicate with our pro shop operator, we tend to request our holes bigger than they should be, especially the thumb hole. The angle of the pitches during drilling should determine how the ball hangs onto your hand. If your holes are too large, grip pressure increases, limiting hook potential.
A good place to start when getting fit for your next ball is “as tight as possible.” After your pro shop operator makes their first pass on your ball, try kneeling on the floor and releasing the ball back and forth a few times. You’ll want to get your thumbhole to a place where you can add a piece of tape or two.
Remember that you are trying to eliminate squeezing. So, it should feel tight, but it also needs to be able to come off your hand. Each fit is individualistic, and no two fits are the same.
Stance
Now that your ball is drilled properly with your correct span and pitches, we need to focus your efforts on continuing to reduce grip pressure in the stance and throughout the shot. Before you even get into your stance, picking your ball up off the rack with two hands will help reduce grip pressure and fatigue in your bowling arm/hand throughout practice and competition.
When you get into your stance, roll the ball onto your fingers and thumb. Most bowlers start with their ring finger, then middle finger, and finally the thumb. If you have an extremely flexible thumb or are double jointed, try putting your thumb in first, then your ring finger, and finally your middle finger.
Now that the ball is in your bowling hand, try to keep the majority of the ball’s weight in your off hand while in the stance. This limits the amount of tension put onto your bowling hand and forearm, saving the energy needed for the backswing and release.
Throughout the approach, the bowling ball in your hand will rest on a pressure point. Some bowlers prefer the pressure point nearest their pinky and others nearest their index finger.
There is no right or wrong on your selection, but when you have selected one, the key is trying to keep the ball on that pressure point throughout the entirety of the shot. If the ball moves away from this pressure point, the stability in your bowling hand is compromised and you will have inconsistencies in your release. Making repeatability nearly impossible. Every coach stresses the importance of a good fit and limiting the amount of grip pressure used in today’s game.
Unfortunately, you can’t coach a bad fit, so if you’re pulling the ball, dropping the ball, or your hand and arm hurt every time you bowl, get into the pro shop and get your fit looked at. You’ll be happy you did!
Share tips, start a discussion or ask one of our experts or other students a question.
13 Responses to “Grip Pressure and the Modern Release”
Vinner Brooks II
This is very interesting and good knowledge for coaches and beginning bowlers.
Ronny Fesler cohen
Hello
When I realasr my ball I don't feel.the fingers. Dome times the ball fall of my hand sometime the thumb exit and when u try to hook the ball with the fingers I don't feel them.
Hiw can u fix my throwing and feel the pads finger when I fhrowing rhe ball and rotate my finger around the ball
Thanks in advance
Bunnie Kimble
This article on Grip Pressure was right on time. I am always conscious of the handling of my ball & release moves, even more so when I pick up my ball & hold it in my hand. I was pleased that I've been doing it right for me. Also, I've been bowling much better. I have lots of tournaments scheduled in the next 2 or 3 months so this is very helpful. Thank you.
Orphie Klinert
So happy you published this article on grip pressure it is going to be extremely helpful to me thanks again
William Hudson
Just rolled my best game [256] and felt that I was gripping both index and ring finger substantually at the release point. I am not sure if substantually means too hard, but I loved the results. Only so much can be written whan discussing feel so I'm going to quit worrying about it...
JONATHON P
Just had one ball redrilled thumb slug tighter; almost tossed it up to the ceiling first attempt! By end of first practice game was coming out ok at the foul line, but still can't aim downland..how many games before I can line up as usual?
EUGENE
this is good information, but what about us poor forgotten lefties ?
clintskees
<strong> I have my ball right on my index finger on palm it’s seems it’s best for me stays their for me even coming down through to foul line, after looking at my mark Last thing for me is watching my fingers ripping the revs up
Nick
<strong> What is the proper release , what position should I hold the ball, before starting my approach
Les Jarvis
Good response to grip pressure. Please keep sending tips like this.Thank you.
Become A Member
Premium Membership
Unlock exclusive member content from our industry experts.
24/7 Access to Premium Videos, Lessons, and Tips
Step-by-Step Instructional Demos and Techniques
50% Off Video Downloads Purchased in the National Bowling Academy Shop
Get exclusive premium content! Sign up for a membership now!
This site uses cookies and other technologies to track your use of the site that will allow us and our service providers and partners to enhance your experience and deliver relevant content to you. By agreeing to or closing this notice, you understand and agree to such use and data collection. For more information about our privacy practices and your choices, please visit our privacy policy and cookie notice.
This is very interesting and good knowledge for coaches and beginning bowlers.
Hello When I realasr my ball I don't feel.the fingers. Dome times the ball fall of my hand sometime the thumb exit and when u try to hook the ball with the fingers I don't feel them. Hiw can u fix my throwing and feel the pads finger when I fhrowing rhe ball and rotate my finger around the ball Thanks in advance
This article on Grip Pressure was right on time. I am always conscious of the handling of my ball & release moves, even more so when I pick up my ball & hold it in my hand. I was pleased that I've been doing it right for me. Also, I've been bowling much better. I have lots of tournaments scheduled in the next 2 or 3 months so this is very helpful. Thank you.
So happy you published this article on grip pressure it is going to be extremely helpful to me thanks again
Just rolled my best game [256] and felt that I was gripping both index and ring finger substantually at the release point. I am not sure if substantually means too hard, but I loved the results. Only so much can be written whan discussing feel so I'm going to quit worrying about it...
Just had one ball redrilled thumb slug tighter; almost tossed it up to the ceiling first attempt! By end of first practice game was coming out ok at the foul line, but still can't aim downland..how many games before I can line up as usual?
this is good information, but what about us poor forgotten lefties ?
<strong> I have my ball right on my index finger on palm it’s seems it’s best for me stays their for me even coming down through to foul line, after looking at my mark Last thing for me is watching my fingers ripping the revs up
<strong> What is the proper release , what position should I hold the ball, before starting my approach
Good response to grip pressure. Please keep sending tips like this.Thank you.