Why The Grip Is Important
A Proper Fit and Drill Is Essential
A properly fitted and drilled bowling ball is essential for bowling successfully and preventing finger or thumb problems.
Basics of Proper Bowling Ball Fitting And Drilling
Pro Shop ball drilling professionals must first measure the bowler's hand to determine the size and shape of the fingers and thumb that will grip the ball.
Additionally, the hand must be examined to determine how it opens and closes, the shape of the fingers and thumb, flexibility, and the span of the hand (the distance between the thumb and the gripping fingers).
Drilling Down
There is no ONE WAY to drill all grips. Every hand is different, and a ball driller must consider the following factors:
1. Flexibility of the thumb
2. Flexibility of the fingers
3. Span of Grip
4. Hole size of thumb.
5. Hole sizes of fingers.
6. Use of Finger Inserts or Not
7. Grip Type: Fingertip vs Conventional
8. Experience of the Bowler
9. Determine Thumb and Finger Laterals
- The standard method of determining laterals is limited and misunderstood
- Age, arthritis, injury, and flexibility determine laterals
- Tendon pressure can affect the thumb lateral pitch
11. Shape of the Thumb (round, oval, or deformed)
There is NO WAY to determine a proper fit without the bowler being present.
Experience The Best Teacher
There is only ONE SCHOOL that teaches ball drillers how to fit a bowler properly, and that is experience and knowledge, along with the ability to diagnose a bowler's hand.
A weekend school, or even a week-long school, will not do it. While the attendees do learn some of the techniques of drilling, no amount of schooling can prepare a ball driller for the diversity of a bowler's hand.
As every person is different in looks, build, and personality, so is a person's hand. Everyone is unique, and that is especially true for a bowler and their grip.
Everyone Change With Age, and So Does Their Grip
Getting older not only affects a person's physical abilities, but a bowler's grip also changes over the lifetime of their bowling career. Age, injuries, changes in bowling style, and experience all contribute to a bowler's grip changing.
What worked when a bowler was young, flexible, and strong will not work when the ravages of age, arthritis, or injuries combine to alter the situation.
Get A Grip!!
In bowling, having a consistent grip on the ball will improve your ability to strike (and spare!). If you have any issues with your fit, it can affect your scores and, worse yet, lead to minor or major injuries. Protect your hand, protect your scores, and make sure that your bowling ball grip is the right fit!
Only The Best Will Do
At Players Pro Shop, Roger Koplin and John Eberhard have a combined 60 years of ball drilling experience, and we take the time to fit every bowler properly. Regardless of your experience level, we will utilize all of our expertise to ensure that you have the best possible fit.
