How to Bowl With a Fingertip Ball

Bowlers are always looking for ways to generate more power with their throws. Most of that power is generated by throwing a hook ball. Hooks generate more power because they create motion in two ways -- the forward motion of the ball down the lane and the sideward motion generated by the spin. There are a number of ways to release the ball, such as the cranker method or the spinner method, but usually only one way to grip the ball. The fingertip grip allows the bowler to put additional spin on her throw and generate even more power as the ball crashes into the pocket.

Instructions

    • 1

      Place your thumb all the way to the second knuckle into the thumb hole -- this varies from the normal bowling ball grip, which usually has the thumb only inserted halfway between the first and second knuckle.

    • 2

      Insert your middle finger and ring finger into the finger hole only up to the first knuckle; the variation here is that the fingers are inserted up to the second knuckle of both fingers on a traditional bowling grip.

    • 3

      Hold the ball in front of you using your free hand and your other fingers to balance the ball as you hold it. Approach the pins in your usual manner -- consider moving over a couple of additional boards from your normal starting position, as the ball will have more spin to it. Rotate your fingers about 45 degrees, pushing the ball while you do, as you release the ball, your thumb will release first, then your fingers. Allow your follow-through to bring your bowling hand across your body with you thumb point slightly downward and your fingers forming a "W" pointing toward the pins.

    • 4

      Angle your hand slightly to create even more spin with the ball. Hold the ball in your normal approach and twist your wrist as far as it will go (clockwise for right-handed bowlers, and counter-clockwise for lefties). Handle your approach in the same manner and have your follow-through follow the process in Step 3. Move slightly to your right or left to adjust to the additional spin you are now throwing on the ball.