Key Factors for Proper Bowling Ball Grip Pressure

In order to repeat shots consistently, the bowling ball has to fit just right. Somewhere in between the bowling ball falling off your hand and excessively squeezing it, you will find the proper amount of bowling ball grip pressure.

Scott Pohl, owner of On Track Pro Shop, explains what it takes to get the bowling ball to feel just right so you can bowl at your best.

Span

The length from your thumb to your fingers on a bowling ball is known as your span.

If the span is incorrect it will lead to excessive grip pressure (a.k.a. squeezing the ball). If your hand is not relaxed throughout the shot, you will likely pull the bowling ball and create more side rotation rather than roll. Neither are good for striking.

Hole Size

Jamming or squeezing your fingers into the holes of your bowling ball will only cause excessive bowling ball grip pressure or squeezing.

You can evaluate your fit quickly by standing straight up and holding the ball at your side. If you have to squeeze to hold onto it, you need to adjust your fit.

Pitches

Your hand’s flexibility will determine the pitch (angle) at which the holes are drilled.

Finger Inserts

Bowling without finger inserts can be painful for bowlers. Finger inserts are softer than drilled holes and can help prevent callusing.

Lift and Oval are the two opposite sides of a finger insert, and you can choose either when utilizing finger inserts.

Hand in the Ball

Most bowlers put their fingers into the ball first and then the thumb. Two exceptions to this are double-jointed or very flexible thumbs. These bowlers would put their thumb in first.

When your hand goes in, you shouldn’t have to pull or squeeze your grip. It should fit on your fingers and thumb in a way that relaxes your hand when your fingers and thumb are in it.

Check out Excessive Grip Pressure Warning Signs and Improve Grip Pressure with Wrist Exercise for continued learning on your bowling grip.