What Is the Proper Hand Position for Throwing a Bowling Ball?

The competitive sport of bowling is enjoyed by amateurs and professionals alike. From team leagues to kids' birthday parties, the sport is played with the same scoring rules. It's simple: throw more strikes and receive a better score. To throw more strikes, you should go back to the basics and work on how to position your hand on the ball before throwing it down the lane. Hand positions vary depending on how much spin you want to put on the ball.

Instructions

    • 1

      Place your fingers into the holes of the bowling ball. Your fingers should fit within each of the holes without being too tight. Cup the ball with the rest of your hand so that your wrist is bent and perpendicular to the ball.

    • 2

      Approach the lane, ready to throw the ball. Swing your arm back and focus on your specific hand position. Imagine the face of a clock.

    • 3

      Release the ball so that if you are right-handed, the thumb should be at roughly the 9 o'clock position. If you are left-handed, it should be roughly at the 3 o'clock position. This will allow the ball to travel down the lane in a straight line.

    • 4

      Curve the ball by adjusting your initial hand position. Release the ball with your thumb at 12 o'clock for more spin, 3 o'clock for even more spin and even 6 o'clock for the most spin. For a left-handed person this would be 12 o'clock for some spin, 9 o'clock for more spin and 6 o'clock for the most spin.

    • 5

      Release your thumb from the ball first, followed by your other two fingers. This will cause the ball to roll off the palm of your hand and onto the lane.