How to Measure Your Hand Bowling Fingertip Grip

Bowlers hold the ball in one of three grips: conventional, fingertip and semi-fingertip. The fingertip grip features the thumb inserted fully into its hole, with the middle and ring fingers inserted only to the first knuckle joint. This grip may not feel secure to novice bowlers; experienced bowlers use the fingertip grip for increased control over the ball’s release. Whether you’re having a ball custom-made for you or simply want to find the best house ball for you at a local bowling center, you can measure your hand for a fingertip grip.

Things You'll Need

  • Measuring tape
  • Calipers
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Determine your ideal span, or distance between the thumb hole and finger holes, by measuring from the base of the thumb to the top knuckle joint on your middle and ring fingers. Subtract 6 mm from those measurements.

    • 2

      Measure the thumb hole depth by measuring from the base of your thumb to the tip. Add a few millimeters for optimum comfort.

    • 3

      Measure thumb and finger hole widths using calipers. For best results, gather an array of bowling balls and test them until you find holes that fit comfortably on each finger. Use the calipers to measure those holes. You may need three different bowling balls: one with a comfortable thumb hole, one with a comfortable middle finger hole and one with a comfortable ring finger hole.

    • 4

      Test an existing bowling ball for a fingertip grip by inserting your thumb fully into the thumb hole and resting your fingers across, not in, the finger holes. If the bottom edge of each hole falls just below your top knuckle, the span is appropriate for you to use a fingertip grip.