The most important part of a bowling shot is the release of the ball, and a major component of the release is how the ball fits your hand. Most new bowling balls come from the manufacturer without holes drilled in them, allowing you to customize the ball to fit your needs. The fitting process is typically carried out by a trained professional at a bowling pro shop.
Significance
The fit of your bowling ball can either enhance or hinder your scoring potential. If the finger holes are not drilled correctly, it can be too easy or difficult for the ball to leave your hand at release, which translates into inconsistency in your throws. Conversely, if the fit of your ball gives you the proper release, it will be easier to have precision down the lane and consistently improve your average.
Features
Bowling ball fit comes down to four main factors: ball weight, cover stock material, core composition and finger-hole placement. The ball weight, cover stock material and core composition are predetermined when you choose or order your ball. Proper finger-hole placement and depth are elements you have to find through trial and error or by having a professional measure the span of your fingers with special tools.
Types
Adult bowling balls weigh between 12 and 16 pounds, and come with either balanced or imbalanced cores. While older bowling balls came with geometric cores, modern balls have cores with every shape imaginable. Finger-hole placement is an individual adjustment related to the span and bowling style of each player. Most balls have one thumb and two finger holes, but the Professional Bowlers Association’s rule book allows for a ball to have up to five finger holes and one weight-balancing hole.
Considerations
Bowling style is the main consideration to be weighed when attempting to fit a new ball. If you bowl with a hook, you will likely want a ball with an imbalanced core to enhance this aspect of your game. The span of the finger holes is determined not only by the size of your hand, but also by how you hold the ball on approach. Many players insert their middle and ring fingers into the ball somewhere between their second and third knuckles. You may, however, prefer your grip closer to your fingertips for greater spin, and thus require a wider span.
Potential
If a bowling ball does not quite fit your hand correctly, there are steps that can be taken. Finger plugs are soft rubber tubing that can be affixed inside the finger hole to make it smaller if it has been overdrilled. Holes can also be added to your ball later, but keep in mind that adding holes will change the weight balance of the ball.
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