Bowling without thumb

[Bedrock]

I've been having problems not being able to fully get under my ball when I use my thumb. I find it easier to hook the ball precisely how I want when I remove my thumb too, but I do have VERY large hands.... I shot my highest game ever tonight- 205.


I just thought I would share this since it worked for me and helped bring my scores up. Feel free to post any opinions, just wanting some feedback!

[BJones]

I have seen some people bowl like that before. I have no idea how it works for them, I can barely get a 160 with my hand in the ball. It just seems like this would make it more difficult.

[jalli008]

I prefer to bowl with my thumb being that it gives me more control over the ball and much better accuracy but you definitely have to bowl with what works for you!

[striker12]

one little advise i use to bowl with no thumb try this bowl with your thumb half way in the ball and hand abit down the side of the ball and jsut practice doing that and work on getting your hand under the ba;l cause once u get your hand under the ball then u can put your thumb all the way in and do any type of backswing and have your hand under the ball cause u will get use to with half a thumb which gives alittle more weight then a full thumb in soo it wuld be much easyer thats what i did and it works great for me im able to play anyboard any style cause also with a half ofthumb u get alot more revs soo if u come to a oil pattern where your shots notworking well go to half a thumb it will work

[Special_K]

i bowl without a thumb but been practicing with a thumb
i feel like i have my control without my thumb just the way i throw it i guess

[HunterRunsIt]

I know a few people who bowl without there thumb. But very few of them can pick up there spares with there thumb. Because you lack control!

[10-in-the-pit]

I know a few people that bowl without a thumb and they average over 200. They are very consistent shooters. I've also watched more recreational bowlers that try this and they usually suck pretty bad. Like any bowling style, you need to practice to get better. If you look for help from people you know, it will be harder to get good advice since they might not be able to give you much advice since most of us don't bowl like that. Good luck.

[americantrotter]

I bowl without a thumb. Average around 160. You can get control of the ball, it's all comfort level. I use the thumb occasionally for spare shots, but rarely ever am I trying to get hook with those spares.

It truly is just practice. It is a harder road because less people can help you. Plus people won't always take you seriously.

I thought I would get my game going and then put the thumb in, but I have already gained 60 pins in less than a year. (Only in my 3rd league season now) So the thumb is staying out.

[Mi5hka]

alot of people have been getting into the no thumb roll haha power to you guys tho ive seena lot on the pba too doing so but in a less cupping way.

[Bedrock]

Just an update: still bowling the no thumb style. The only spare I have trouble making is the ten pin. Probably convert it 3/5 times. High game is now a 242. My average has improved a lot. It is hard to throw a very straight ball, but still practicing!