Most bowlers are not aware of how customizable a bowling grip really can be. You can change your thumb hole and the way you throw the ball to get different results.
Your middle finger and ring finger holes can be drilled in such a way that the first and second knuckle on each finger is in line with the hole.
Bowlers rarely hear about alternative bowling grips that can help them with accuracy or hook. However, these grips are just as effective as the mainstream ones!
Drilling the Bowling Ball Correctly
You may also customize or modify bowling balls with different grips suited to your hand and throwing style if you want to alter the size, shape, or weight of your ball.
Getting your ball drilled to fit your bowling hand really depends on the finger grip you are going for. Most holes drilled give the bowler more control over the ball.
There are three different types of drilling methods:
- Standard drilling
- Custom drilling
- Finger placement drilling
Standard drilling is drilled for the most common grip and it is used to place the fingers in the same position on every ball. This basic grip is typical of a house ball.
Custom drilling can be used to adjust the finger placement on the ball, which can then help with your technique. If you grip the ball perfectly and want to generate hook, you will likely go for a custom drilling. Another method of assuring a good hook is to keep your bowling ball clean.
Finger placement drilling is used to place the fingers in a specific position on the ball and it is usually recommended for those who have trouble gripping the ball correctly.
If you are going to get your own ball and customize it, check out these great deals.
Three Finger Methods and Grips
All of the grips we’ll look at below employ three of your throwing hand’s five fingers, including your thumb, middle, and ring finger.
Changing the place of your fingers in the ball rather than the fingers you use is how grips are changed.
There are three different grip styles you can choose from when customizing a ball or altering one for your throwing style.
The Conventional grip
Most house balls used for playing at your local alley have a conventional grip setup.
The conventional grip is the most popular grip used today. When using a conventional grip, you insert your thumb into the ball’s thumb hole. Then, place your middle and ring finger inside of the other two finger holes.
Your middle and ring fingers should go down to the second knuckle, which will give you a more secure grip and stable release.
When to Use the Conventional Grip
- The conventional grip provides the most straight-line control.
- Most bowlers just learning the game need the security provided by a conventional grip.
- The conventional grip is a good grip for beginners.
- When you use a conventional bowling grip, you have more control and can put more power into your shots.
- The conventional grip is a great option for picking up single-pin spares.
- It’s an excellent grip when learning the basics, and it’s also a great option for picking up single-pin spares.
When to NOT use the Conventional Grip.
Hook artists aren’t going to like the lack of curves on this stock grip model.
When you throw a bowling ball, you have less control if your thumb and fingers are fully inserted in the holes.
Conventional grips are not the answer if you want more pin carry and force.
There are different ways to grip a bowling ball in order to achieve the desired effect.
Semi-Fingertip Grip
This grip is a step in the right direction if gaining more hook is what you are interested in. The semi-fingertip grip is attainable even if you are just starting out. It can, however, take some time to get used to bowling this way.
The semi-fingertip is really just a slight modification of the conventional grip.
With this grip, you still place your thumb all the way down into the thumb hole of your bowling ball.
However, you modify the grips with your middle and ring fingers by placing them into their assigned holes down to the space between your first and second knuckles.
When You Should Use the Semi-fingertip Grip.
If you are interested in gaining more hook on your ball but are not quite ready to commit to the full fingertip grip, then this might be a good option for you.
This grip will give you more control over your bowling ball and provide a better hook than the conventional grip.
You should also use this grip if you are having trouble controlling your ball with the conventional grip.
The semi-fingertip grip is also a good choice if you want to try something different without going too far outside of your comfort zone.
When You Shouldn’t Use the Semi-Fingertip Grip.
If you are not interested in gaining more hook, this grip is probably not for you.
You should also avoid this grip if you are already having trouble controlling your ball with the conventional grip.
This grip is also not a good choice if you want to try something different without going too far outside of your comfort zone.
Fingertip Grip
The fingertip grip is the most popular option for bowlers who are looking to add more hook to their game.
With this grip, you place your thumb all the way down into the thumb hole and then insert your middle and ring fingers into their assigned holes until you reach the first knuckle.
Your index finger should remain off of the ball entirely.
Fingertip Grip Mastery
If you are trying to master your hook then it’s time to pick up the fingertip grip.
A fingertip grip is commonly an indication of a seasoned player who can inflict serious angles and powerful hooks.
Insert your thumb completely into the thumb hole of the ball, then insert your ring and middle fingers down to the first knuckle of the ball.
The index finger is then curled underneath the ball.
The result should be a V-shape in your hand, with your fingers pointing towards your palm.
When to Use the Fingertip Grip
If you want to add more hook to your game, the fingertip grip is the way to go.
This grip will give you more control over your ball and provide a better hook than the conventional grip or the semi-fingertip grip.
You should also use this grip if you are having trouble controlling your ball with the conventional grip or the semi-fingertip grip.
When You Shouldn’t Use the Fingertip Grip
If you are not interested in adding more hook to your game, this grip is pointless. You should just stay with the conventional grip.
Are you a new bowler who already struggles to throw a ball in a straight line? This grip will not help you if that sounds like you.
There’s no reason to use a fingertip grip if you’re not ready for it, or if you’d rather use straight-ahead power for your shot.
Fingertip grips change the roll path of your ball and can make your throws unpredictable if you’re not sure what you’re doing.
Don’t go this route until you’ve gotten far enough in your bowling journey to make it work for you.
Do different bowling balls have different bowling grips?
Yes…
Different bowling balls have different grips because they are designed for different purposes. Some bowling balls are designed for straight bowlers, while others are designed for hook bowlers.
The type of grip that you use should be based on your own personal bowling style and hand size.
You can also use a semi-fingertip grip if you are interested in adding more hook to your game but are not quite ready to commit to the full fingertip grip.
Can You Alter the Finger Holes on Your Own Ball?
Yes getting a custom bowling ball drilled for your hand size is very common. Well not like crazy common, I mean we are talking about bowling here
There are many different types of grip for bowling balls. However, if you have not bought a ball from a bowling-specific website, you may not know about all the grip options available to you.
You can have new reactive resin bowling balls custom-drilled by the companies that make them or the pro shops you visit.
You can choose the type of grip you want on a bowling ball. You can tell the pro what you want and they will drill the ball for you.
If you already own a bowling ball and want to change the grip, there are options available to you.
Many bowling balls have a conventional grip, but you can also change the grip to a semi-fingertip or fingertip grip by using slugs or inserts. This will keep your fingers from going too far into the ball.
Talk to your local pro shop about different modifications you can make to your bowling ball. They may be able to suggest changes that will help your particular bowling style.
Which Grip is Best?
The best bowling ball grip for you is the one that feels the most comfortable and gives you the best results.
You may have to experiment with different grips before you find the one that is right for you.
Some bowlers use a conventional grip, while others use a semi-fingertip or fingertip grip.
It is up to you to decide which grip feels the best in your hand and gives you the results that you are looking for.
Should I Add Grips to My Ball?
There are different ways to bowl, and it depends on what you want to achieve and how good you are.
If you’re looking for more revolutions and a more angular ball motion, it might be time to switch to a semi-fingertip or fingertip grip.
If you are a beginner, it is best to use a conventional grip until you feel more comfortable bowling. This will help you keep your ball on the lanes and send it towards the pins.
Conclusion
There is no one right way to grip a bowling ball. The best grip for you is the one that feels the most comfortable and gives you the results that you are looking for.
If you are a beginner, it is best to use a conventional grip until you feel more comfortable with your bowling. As you become more experienced, you may want to experiment with different grips to find the one that works best for you.
Always consult with your local pro shop before making any changes to your bowling ball. They can help you find the perfect grip for your hand size and bowling style.
If you want, you can always change your bowling grip preference to match your changing shot and throwing style. Some bowlers move away from a conventional grip and then come back over time, looking for more stability and straight-line oomph.
Some straight bowlers get bored and start playing around with fingertip grips for a jolt of hooking fun.
Use the bowling ball grips that work best for you and give you the best chance of having fun at the lanes.
And if you need to change things up, go right ahead. There’s no need to stay static if you’re getting better at bowling and want to try new things!