How to Throw a Finger Tip Bowling Ball

Many amateur bowlers tend to shove their entire fingers into the holes of the bowling ball to ensure a secure grip. This approach makes it difficult to get a quick release and control on the ball. Instead, fingertip bowling requires that a bowler only use the tips of their fingers to hold the ball. It's a method practiced by advanced bowlers–and it requires discipline to execute properly.

Things You'll Need

  • Bowling alley with pins
  • Bowling ball
  • Fingertip ball inserts
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Instructions

    • 1

      Select a ball that has been drilled specifically for fingertip bowling. This means that the thumb hole remains as deep as a normal ball would be drilled, but the top two finger holes are much more shallow. Additionally, the top two finger holes are usually a wider apart to give a better grip.

    • 2

      Insert your thumb into the bowling ball as far as you normally would. Insert your middle and ring fingers into the bowling ball only insofar as the first knuckle on each finger. Only your finger tips should be touching the inside of the ball.

    • 3

      Lift the ball to your normal starting stance before you begin your approach. Use your non-bowling hand–left hand for anyone right-handed–to steady the ball if your fingertips are having trouble holding it up. Conduct your usual four or five-step approach to the approach line before the lane.

    • 4

      Release the ball onto the lane, removing the thumb before the fingers. Use the fingers to guide the ball on the lane. The fingertip grip is a chosen grip among professionals because it allows the bowler to achieve more spin on the ball, resulting in a distinct hook. To achieve the intended hook, more effort will be required on the wrist.

    • 5

      Throw several practice balls using the fingertip grip method to become comfortable with it. Have a coach analyze your approach–and have your ball re-drilled if necessary.