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general | July 06, 2026

Can two-handed bowlers have a thumb hole?

A two-handed bowler is required to use the same dominant hand during their delivery on both their first and second shots (this refers to the hand in which the bowling ball rests). They also have the option of utilizing a thumb hole or not—both are acceptable. However, only one set of gripping holes is allowed.

Do two-handed bowlers use finger holes?

If you choose a two-handed grip with a thumbhole, the fit is designed the same way as a traditional bowler. Two-handed bowlers that choose not to drill a thumbhole in their ball have a decision to make when figuring out how to drill their finger holes, first knuckle or past the first knuckle.

Do you have to have a thumb hole in a bowling ball?

The rule states all holes in a bowling ball must be used on every delivery; any hole not used is considered a balance hole, making the ball illegal. Bowlers who do not use their thumb no longer can have a thumb hole, as it now is considered a balance hole.

Are you allowed to bowl with 2 hands?

There are some who cry foul, claiming the two-handed approach is cheating or illegal. The United States Bowling Congress (USBC), the sport's national governing body, studied this issue early on and determined there are no rules violations using the two-handed approach.

How many finger holes can you have in a bowling ball?

Bowlers are allowed up to five holes for gripping purposes but each hole must be used every delivery. A bowler who chooses not to use a thumb hole will scribe the intended center of palm with a plus (+) mark to indicate grip orientation.

39 related questions found

What makes a bowling ball Illegal?

It's Aug. 1 and that means effective today if you have a balance hole (or weight hole) in your bowling ball, it is officially illegal in USBC competition. Bowlers have had more than two years to prepare for this day after USBC announced on April 24, 2018 that balance holes would be outlawed on Aug. 1, 2020.

Who was the first 2 handed bowler?

Australian Jason Belmonte was among the first bowlers to gain worldwide recognition for using the two-handed approach style.

Why am I leaving the 9 pin?

Leaving the solid nine pin means that you are not. If you turn the ball pretty hard, you will eventually leave a solid nine pin. However, if you are leaving more than just a few, your ball is not acting correctly while going through the pins.

Are bowling balls balanced?

Bowlers still can have a bowling ball with a balance hole until Aug. 1, 2020, but any balls with a balance hole must stay within the current static weight specification of one ounce for finger, thumb or side weight, and three ounces for top or bottom weight.

Do all bowling balls have holes?

Balls used in ten-pin bowling and American nine-pin bowling traditionally have holes for two fingers and the thumb. Balls used in five-pin bowling, candlepin bowling, duckpin bowling, and European nine-pin bowling have no holes, and are small enough to be held in the palm of the hand.

Do two handed bowlers slide?

Most two handed bowlers have a decent slide. I've only seen one plant their slide foot. Just like one handed bowling, footwork and timing go together. The ideal spine tilt (bending over at the waist) is about 75- 80 degrees.

Do any pro bowlers use conventional grip?

Look at the people who have been successful: Jason Belmonte and Osku Palermo both have conventional grips. However, some two-handed bowlers have fingertip grip, like Kyle Troup.

Why do bowlers have two balls?

There's a particular reason that bowlers carry more than one ball. Most bowlers roll their first shot with a hook, and a spare ball is used for a more precise second throw that won't hook away from the pin(s) that remain.

What are the 3 types of bowlers?

There are three different ways in which a bowler can hold the ball: relaxed, firm and strong. These ways will adjust how the ball rolls down the lane.

What is throwing a bowling ball called?

Lofting (by a bowler) in bowling is throwing a bowling ball a short or long distance down the lane. This is usually done with the bounce-pass technique, but can also be done with a straight ball.

Is sandbagging illegal in bowling?

Re: USBC rule on sandbagging? An individual can be charged with attempting to gain an unfair advantage in league or tournament play for the following reasons: 1. Directly or indirectly tampering with lanes, pins or bowling balls so they no longer meet USBC specifications.

What bowling balls are banned by USBC?

Purple Hammer bowling balls manufactured in 2016 and 2017 were banned from USBC certified competition, and are not allowed in any level of PBA competition. Previously, for PBA National Tour competition only, the PBA placed a 2-year shelf-life rule on all “traditional urethane” bowling balls.

Is purple hammer banned?

The tournament rule reads: Purple Hammer bowling balls manufactured during 2016 or 2017 (identified by serial numbers that start with either a “6” or “7”) are prohibited for use. USBC has shared this national tournament rule with Hammer's current owner, Brunswick, and has Brunswick's support.