How to Use Bowling Tape

Bowling tape is used to help you adjust your grip on a bowling ball. If your thumb hole is too large, gripping the ball tightly will cause your thumb to swell. You can avoid this by using bowling tape. Bowling tape is also used to help you get a better grip on your bowling ball and ensure a proper release of the bowling ball. Bowling tape is helpful if you are using a bowling ball from the alley. These holes are not custom made to your hand and the tape can help form the holes to your hand and grip.

Things You'll Need

  • Bowling tape
  • Scissors
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Instructions

    • 1

      Look at the bowling tape and familiarize yourself with the top and bottom of the tape. The bottom edge of the tape is straight while the top edge is curved. The straight edge of the tape should always be placed down into in the bowling ball hole first, leaving the curved edge near the top of the hole.

    • 2

      Insert a strip of the bowling tape until the curved edge of the tape rests 1/4 inch under the edge of the hole. Trim the tape, if needed, by using scissors and cutting off the excess tape. Bowling balls for children or women with small hands often require trimming of the tape.

    • 3

      Continue adding pieces of tape as needed. Some holes are drilled deep or are quite large, requiring multiple layers of tape. Each additional piece of tape should be placed so the curved edge is slightly lower then the curved edge of the previous piece. This will allow you to easily remove one piece at a time as your thumb swells.

    • 4

      Throw your bowling ball a few times to make sure you do not need additional tape or to ensure you have not used too much. Add or remove layers of tape until the ball fits your hand well. You should not have to squeeze your fingers together to hold onto the ball and the ball should easily leave your hand upon release.