Awkward Style of Bowling..?

Question

Recently notice this guy who happened to be playing on the lane just next to me who bowls with an rather awkward style..
His moves looks a little crappy to me, neither graceful nor professional..
But some pretty high scores he've got(+/-200)..
So I started paying more attention..
To my astonishment, he was bowling with only 2 fingers in the holes & with the thumb outside gripping onto the ball..
Never seen anyone played this way before..
But all his spins are pretty neat, the ball spins smooth arcs[somewhat like this " ) "] before hitting the centre pin resulting in strikes mostly..
But I doubt any competition would recognise this form of unorthodox style..
What do you guys think?

Answer 1

I bowled with three different professional bowlers in the Professional Bowler's Tour that had the same style and delivery. One actually used two hands for his "no thumb" release, and the other two were just like you described. Since there is no rule in the US stating that all two fingers and the thumb had to be in the bowling ball at the same time, it is okay. By the way, one of the "no-thumb" bowlers was a major PBA champion!

Answer 2

I believe you're talking about bowling thumbless. I have tried this as well as a lot of others I bowl with. It is very inconsistent for most of us, however I do have a friend that averages 217 without the thumb.
I believe there is a rule that you do not have to use the thumb BUT the thumb hole must be covered with the hand. I think this is to eliminate the chances of too much side weight being created by holding the ball away from the thumb hole.

Answer 3

If it works for him, so be it... BUt I dont recommend bowling like that.. First off, you said he was pocketing all the balls and had a consistent throw, and even a couple others responded mentioning certain pros bowl like that, but believe me, they are in the minority... You might put more hook on the ball that way, but its also much harder to control... Also it could result in injury cuz your not properly supporting the weight of the ball, and you could very easily hurt your wrist or your arm doing that... Most people I know that do that are beginner guys who are just trying to show off, and think they're cool... After awhile though they realize it doesnt work and start to learn the more conventional way, esp. if you want to be serious about the game... If you want more hook in your ball, first make sure your game is at the level where you can handle it, and then talk it over with your pro shop and they should be able to recommend the right ball for you, and have it drilled for the hook... But remember let the ball do the work, you shouldnt have to force the hook... Many beginners dont realize, but its not all about ball speed, you actually want to do the opposite and slow the ball down

Answer 4

No, it's not abnormal and there's nothing illegal about it. However, to me, it's just a macho show off style of approach. The only reason guys bowl like this is because of the maximum amount of rotation that can be put on the ball. They think it's impressive.

Well, there's nothing impressive about it. Throwing a bowling ball without your thumb only leads to inconsistency and lack of control. Most guys (I didn't say all!) that approach like this have no idea how to read oil patterns. And when they come across a dry condition, there's no way they're going to be able to keep that ball on the lane.

Please don't become 'inspired' and start throwing like this. There is no benefit to your game in this style of approach.

Answer 5

I bowl the same way, but I've only used that style in charity bowl-a-thons and such because I do not bowl competetively.

All of the people I bowl with call it a ghetto spin because you can generate so much spin with only the two fingers, and without much practice at all. When I changed to this style from striaght on bowling my average went from 155 to 185. The only hard part is when it comes to picking up spares especially on the right side ; ;

Answer 6

That's not the way to go. It's far too inconsistant. People who do that just want to see thier ball hook a lot, and they can't shoot spares very good either. You never see pros doing that. Find a style that works best for you, and work on perfecting it. Consistancy is the key, not how much turn you can put on the ball.

Answer 7

Bowling is bowling and I see nothing wrong with it. Maybe he has a hand problem who knows? Use to bowl with a fellow who lost his thumb and had to bowl with two fingers. He bowled in tournaments with no problems. He wasn't awkward just competitive.

Answer 8

My hubby is a pro bowler - and I have actually discussed this style before. He says that this is NOT an wierd...and there lots of really good bowlers who bowl this way.

To each his own!

Answer 9

If that style works for him...that's great!

Answer 10

bowling is good but tennis is most cooler