How important is the proper grip in bowling? The proper fit or grip is essential for consistency, a relaxed swing and an effective release. The three basic grips are the conventional grip (usually for beginners), the semi-fingertip grip and the full-fingertip grip.

With the conventional grip the fingers are put all the way in to the large knuckle. With the semi-finger tip grip the fingers are put in half the distance between the large knuckle and the small knuckle. With The full-finger tip grip the fingers are put in up to the small knuckle and is used for more advanced players.

A good ball driller will help you obtain the proper fit for your hand and flexibility. An improperly fitting grip can cause a bowler to develop a lot of bad habits along with wrist and hand problems. If you have a thumb hole or finger holes that are sloppy and too big it becomes close to impossible to relax your swing without dropping the ball; if the thumb or fingers are too tight you will hang up in the ball and have a hard time getting good roll on the ball.

There are many factors that come into play that create a good fitting grip.

Different drilling factors:
1. Span (distance between finger holes and thumb hole).
2. Finger and thumb pitches (angle that the holes are drilled into ball).
3. Size of thumb and finger holes.
4. Bridge (distance between middle and ring finger).
5. Finger grips.
6. Thumb insert or slugs.

A beginning bowler who is just learning to bowl will almost always start out with a conventional grip until they develop more control and consistency. As your skill level increases you will need to go to a semi-finger tip or a full-finger tip grip. The span is shorter on a conventional grip and and the thumb and fingers exit the ball at almost the same time, making it more difficult to get lift and turn. The full-finger tip allows you to get more roll and revolutions because the weight of the ball at release point rests on the finger tips for a longer period of time once the thumb exits the ball.

I suggest a bowler be a solid 150 to 160 average before they move up to a finger tip. The combination of the correct span, finger and thumb pitches is unique to each bowler and can make a major difference in a bowlers overall game. A bad grip can inhibit developing a good swing with a consistent and effective release. Remember to have a reputable Pro Shop take a look at your grip if you are having problems releasing the ball consistently.

If you have any bowling-related questions or have a problem with your game and could use some advice from a professional bowler, Mrs. Daniels can be contacted one or two ways. Snail mail: Cheryl Daniels, P. O. Box 250014, West Bloomfield, MI 48325. Email address: Cheryl_Daniels@msn.com. Also, please visit Mrs. Daniels' website: www.my.freeway.net/`Shebe.