Fit Of The Bowling Ball

The first thing I do when a bowler approaches me for advice is to examine the ball he is using—to determine if it is properly fitted to his hand. Proper fit of the bowling bowl is most important, for a badly fitted ball handicaps any bowler.

If your bowling ball fits properly, your hand does not feel cramped. If the ball doesn't fit, your hand is not loose and comfortable, and the results at the pin-end of the alley will not be to your liking.

To determine the proper fit for your hand, insert your thumb almost its complete length into the thumb hole of your ball. The thumb hole should be comfortably loose. The hole should be sufficiently large to allow for a slight expansion of your thumb—for the thumb is likely to puff up during a bowling session.

The finger holes may be snug. After you insert your thumb into the ball, lay your hand flat on the surface of the ball, with the fingers extended over the finger holes. The second joint from the end of your finger (or fingers), should extend at least one quarter of an inch beyond the near rim of the finger hole. If your hand is bulky and not too flexible, the second joint should extend to the middle of the finger hole.

This extra span allows you to manipulate the ball better. After you have selected a ball according to the method described, make a further test to complete your diagnosis.

Place your thumb and fingers into the proper holes, pick up the ball, and then insert a pencil into the space between your hand and the ball. If the pencil fits snugly without strain, you are fitted correctly. When the fit is right, you can carry your ball comfortably up to the foul line. Your hand has a natural feel to it, there is no straining.