Discover the intricacies of two-handed bowling, a unique technique that has taken the bowling world by storm. Whether you’re a seasoned bowler seeking to enhance your game or a curious newcomer eager to venture into this realm, this comprehensive exposition will guide you through the fundamental principles and advanced nuances of mastering this captivating approach to the sport.
The genesis of two-handed bowling can be traced back to the late 20th century, when a group of innovative bowlers sought to maximize their power and accuracy. By employing both hands to grip and release the ball, they gained unprecedented control over its trajectory and rotation. Today, two-handed bowling has garnered a loyal following among professional and recreational bowlers alike, captivating audiences with its unconventional yet highly effective style.
Embracing two-handed bowling entails a departure from traditional techniques, requiring a unique combination of coordination, timing, and finesse. However, the rewards of mastering this approach are substantial. Two-handed bowlers typically generate greater ball speed and pinpoint precision, allowing them to strike with consistency and leave their opponents in awe. If you’re ready to elevate your bowling game to new heights, delving into the world of two-handed bowling is an endeavor that promises both challenge and exhilaration.
The Basics of Two-Handed Bowling
Grip
The first and most important step in two-handed bowling is to find the right grip. Unlike traditional one-handed bowling, two-handed bowling requires you to grip the ball with both hands. The most common grip is the "claw" grip, where the dominant hand holds the ball with the thumb inside the ball and the fingers curled underneath, while the non-dominant hand wraps around the ball and supports the dominant hand. Other popular grips include the "staple" grip and the "pipeline" grip.
Stance
Once you have a comfortable grip, you need to find the right stance. The most common stance for two-handed bowling is the "stacked" stance, where the feet are placed shoulder-width apart and the knees are slightly bent. The body should be bent forward slightly, with the hips tilted back. The shoulders should be parallel to the foul line, and the eyes should be focused on the target.
Swing
The swing in two-handed bowling is similar to the swing in one-handed bowling, but there are a few key differences. The first difference is that the backswing is shorter in two-handed bowling. This is because the ball is held with both hands, which limits the amount of backswing that can be generated.
Release
The release in two-handed bowling is also slightly different from the release in one-handed bowling. In two-handed bowling, the ball is released with both hands, which gives the ball more power and accuracy. The release should be smooth and fluid, with the ball being released at the bottom of the swing.
Table of Two-Handed Bowling Grips:
| Grip | Description |
|---|---|
| Claw Grip | Dominant hand holds the ball with the thumb inside and fingers curled underneath, while the non-dominant hand wraps around the ball and supports the dominant hand. |
| Staple Grip | Both hands are placed on the ball, with the thumbs touching and the fingers interlocked. |
| Pipeline Grip | Dominant hand holds the ball with the thumb inside and the fingers curled underneath, while the non-dominant hand is placed on top of the ball, with the thumb and fingers spread apart. |
Proper Hand Placement and Grip
Hand Placement
For two-handed bowling, proper hand placement is crucial. The dominant hand should be positioned on the top of the ball, with the thumb inserted into the thumb hole. The non-dominant hand should be placed on the opposite side of the ball, with the fingers curling over the side and the thumb resting on the other side of the ball.
Grip
The grip for two-handed bowling differs from traditional one-handed bowling. The dominant hand should use a relaxed grip, with the thumb and two fingers slightly bent. The non-dominant hand should grip the ball with a more cupped hand, using all four fingers to support the ball and providing additional stability.
Thumb Grip
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Conventional Thumb Grip | The thumb is inserted straight into the thumb hole. This grip provides good control and accuracy. |
| Semi-Roll Thumb Grip | The thumb is slightly angled to the side. This grip allows for more power and hook potential. |
| No-Thumb Grip | The thumb is not inserted into the thumb hole. This grip is used by bowlers who have difficulty fitting their thumb into a standard thumb hole. |
The Two-Handed Backswing
The two-handed backswing is a unique and powerful technique that allows bowlers to generate more speed and accuracy. It involves using both hands to grip the ball and swing it back in a fluid motion.
Step 1: The Grip
The grip is the foundation of the two-handed backswing. Place your dominant hand on the side of the ball and wrap your fingers around the thumb holes. Your non-dominant hand should rest on top of your dominant hand, with your fingers curled around the outside of the ball. Your thumbs should be slightly separated, forming a “V” shape.
Step 2: The Setup
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your toes pointed slightly outward. Your knees should be slightly bent, and your back should be straight. The ball should rest comfortably in your hands, with your elbows slightly bent. Your head should be up and your eyes focused on the pins.
Step 3: The Backswing
The backswing begins by lifting the ball straight back behind your head. Keep your arms extended and your elbows close to your body. As the ball reaches its apex, your non-dominant hand should continue upward, while your dominant hand remains slightly behind. This creates a “coil” in your body, which will generate power and accuracy on the downswing.
The table below provides a more detailed breakdown of the three steps of the two-handed backswing:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Grip the ball with both hands, with your dominant hand on the side and your non-dominant hand on top. |
| 2 | Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, your knees slightly bent, and your back straight. |
| 3 | Lift the ball straight back behind your head, keeping your arms extended and your elbows close to your body. As the ball reaches its apex, your non-dominant hand should continue upward, while your dominant hand remains slightly behind. |
Generating Power and Accuracy
Two-handed bowling emphasizes proper hand placement and timing for optimal power generation. The first hand, typically used for support, is positioned under the ball with the thumb extended. The second hand is placed on top of the ball, with the fingers spread apart and curled around the sides for grip. During the backswing, both hands move backward simultaneously, with the support hand acting as a pivot point while the bowling hand creates momentum.
As the ball swings forward, the support hand releases its grip first, allowing the bowling hand to follow through with force. The fingers of the bowling hand should remain curled around the sides of the ball during the release, imparting spin and accuracy. The timing and coordination between the two hands are crucial for generating maximum power and ensuring the ball follows the intended trajectory.
4. Wrist Position
The angle of the wrist at the release plays a significant role in fine-tuning accuracy. Typically, a neutral wrist position is desirable, with the wrist neither bent downward nor upward. This allows for greater control over the ball’s release point and prevents unwanted deviations from the target line. However, some bowlers may benefit from slightly adjusting their wrist position depending on their personal preferences and the lane conditions.
For instance, slightly bending the wrist downward can create more hook and curvature, while tilting it upward imparts backspin and helps maintain a straighter path. Finding the optimal wrist angle through consistent practice is crucial for optimizing accuracy and consistency on the lanes.
| Wrist Position | Effect |
|---|---|
| Neutral | Greater control, consistent trajectory |
| Bent downward | Increased hook and curvature |
| Tilted upward | Backspin, straighter path |
Release Techniques for Two-Handed Bowling
Mastering the release technique is crucial for consistency and accuracy in two-handed bowling. Here are the key release techniques:
Finger Placement
Place your fingers slightly below the thumb hole, with your two middle fingers gripping the same side of the ball as your thumb and your ring finger slightly extended. This placement helps create leverage and control the ball’s rotation.
Wrist Position
Keep your wrist relaxed and slightly cupped. Avoid locking your wrist, as this can restrict your swing and reduce power.
Elbow Angle
Maintain a slight bend in your elbows throughout the swing. This helps create a consistent and controlled release.
Arm Swing
Swing your arms downward in a smooth and fluid motion. Avoid jerky or abrupt movements, as this can disrupt the ball’s trajectory.
Hand Position at Release
As the ball is released, your hands should be slightly behind the ball and pointing towards the target. Your fingers should roll through the ball as it leaves your hand, creating a forward rotation. This rotation helps the ball hook and curve towards the pins.
Ball Rotation
The amount of rotation you impart on the ball depends on several factors, including the bowling lane conditions, the ball’s surface texture, and your own personal style. Experiment with different release techniques to find the rotation that works best for you.
| Factors | Influence |
|---|---|
| Lane conditions | More oil = less friction, more rotation |
| Ball surface texture | Rougher surface = more friction, less rotation |
| Personal style | Higher speed = more rotation |
Alignment and Targeting
Stance and Footwork
Begin with a balanced stance, feet shoulder-width apart and parallel. Step forward with your non-dominant foot, keeping your knees slightly bent for stability.
Ball Grip
Grip the ball with your non-dominant hand under the ball and your dominant hand on top. Keep your thumbs aligned on the back of the ball.
Target
Identify your target arrow on the lane. This is typically the second or third arrow from the left for right-handers and the right for left-handers.
Aiming
Keep your eyes fixed on the target arrow as you release the ball. Aim slightly to the right of the arrow for right-handers and to the left for left-handers to account for the ball’s hook.
Release
Release the ball with a smooth, fluid motion. Extend your dominant arm forward and release the ball at the bottom of your swing.
Follow-Through
Continue your swing after releasing the ball, ending with your non-dominant arm extended and your dominant arm slightly behind you.
Fine-Tuning Your Targeting
To optimize your accuracy, consider the following techniques:
**Reference Points:** Use fixed objects on the lane, such as gaps in the ceiling or wall markings, as reference points to guide your aim.
**Adjustment Lanes:** Practice on lanes that have varying layouts and arrows to develop your ability to adapt to different conditions.
**Bowler’s Chart:** Keep a record of your shots to identify patterns and areas for improvement. Use a table to track your targeting accuracy:
| Shots | Hits on Target | Misses to the Left | Misses to the Right |
|---|
Handling Different Lane Conditions
Mastering the art of two-handed bowling requires versatility in adapting to various lane conditions. Here’s how to excel in each condition:
Dry Lanes
On dry lanes, the ball tends to skid more. To compensate, move your target left and bowl with a slight hook to create friction and generate more hooking power.
Oiled Lanes
Oiled lanes provide ample traction. Aim straight at your intended pocket and use a more direct release to avoid overhooking and hitting the head pin off its feet.
Burnt Lanes
Burnt lanes have patches of oil that have been bowled over. To overcome this, adjust your feet and target position to avoid hitting the burnt area. Alternatively, consider switching to a reactive ball that grips better in these conditions.
House Pattern
House patterns are the most common lane condition found in recreational bowling centers. Aim straight at the pocket and maintain a consistent speed and hook.
Tournament Pattern
Tournament patterns are designed to challenge bowlers with complex oil distribution. Study the lane pattern carefully and adjust your strategy accordingly, using different balls and techniques to navigate the unique conditions.
Seven-Pin Tap
When facing a seven-pin tap, aim slightly to the outside of the head pin and rotate your ball counterclockwise for right-handed bowlers (clockwise for left-handed bowlers). This technique creates a pin action that knocks down the seven pin indirectly.
Advanced Two-Handed Bowling Techniques
8. Finger Placement and Release
Finger placement and release are crucial for generating both power and accuracy. Position your dominant hand’s fingers slightly spread apart on the ball, with your thumb on the Paps and your middle and ring fingers inserted into the span. Your non-dominant hand should rest lightly on top of the ball, supporting your dominant hand’s grip. As you release the ball, your dominant hand’s thumb should slide down and away from the ball, while your fingers swing around to apply spin.
Experiment with different finger and thumb positions to find what feels most comfortable and provides the most control. For instance, you can try moving your thumb forward or backward on the Paps, or adjusting the angle of your fingers. The goal is to create a consistent and repeatable release that generates the desired amount of power and rotation.
Here’s a table summarizing the key finger placement and release techniques:
| Technique | Description |
|---|---|
| Thumb placement | On the Paps, around 11 or 12 o’clock for right-handers |
| Finger placement | Slightly spread apart, middle and ring fingers in the span |
| Non-dominant hand | Rests lightly on top of the ball, supporting the dominant hand’s grip |
| Release | Thumb slides down and away, fingers swing around to apply spin |
Training and Practice Tips
Mastering the two-handed bowling technique requires dedication and consistent practice. Here are some tips to help you improve your skills:
Grip
Ensure a firm and comfortable grip on the bowling ball, with both hands placed inside the finger holes. Place your thumb behind the thumb hole and your fingers curled around the other two holes. Adjust the grip width to fit your hand size.
Stance
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, slightly bent at the knees. Position your non-dominant hand slightly ahead of your dominant hand. Keep your body relaxed to allow for a smooth bowling motion.
Backswing
Initiate the backswing by pulling the ball back behind your head, keeping it close to your chest. Extend your arms fully, ensuring your elbows remain bent and your wrists loose.
Downswing
As you start the downswing, release the ball with both hands simultaneously. Keep your elbows tucked in and your wrists neutral. Aim the ball at the desired spot on the lane.
Follow-Through
After releasing the ball, follow through with both hands, extending them towards the pins. Keep your head up and eyes focused on the target.
Speed Control
Gradually increase your bowling speed as you become more comfortable. Control your speed by varying the distance between your feet and the backswing.
Lane Conditions
Pay attention to the lane conditions and adjust your release point accordingly. Drier lanes require a higher release point, while more oily lanes necessitate a lower release point.
Spare Shooting
Practice hitting specific pins to improve your spare shooting skills. Focus on maintaining a consistent grip, stance, and release for each spare attempt.
Practice Drills
Incorporate practice drills into your training sessions, such as ladder drills (alternating between strikes and spares), and strike drills (aiming for the same pin repeatedly). These drills help improve accuracy and consistency.
Visualization
Visualize successful throws repeatedly. Imagine yourself executing the perfect bowling motion, releasing the ball smoothly, and hitting the target accurately. This mental practice enhances muscle memory and builds confidence.
Common Mistakes and How to Correct Them
1. Not Getting Enough Hook
This is a common mistake for two-handed bowlers who don’t swing the ball in the right way. The key to getting more hook is to swing the ball with your palm down and your thumb up. This will create a natural arc in the ball, which will give it more hook. Make sure to keep your wrist straight and your elbow bent to help you create the right amount of spin.
2. Not Releasing the Ball Properly
Releasing the ball properly is crucial for two-handed bowlers. If you don’t release the ball at the right time, it won’t have the right spin and it will hook too much or too little. The key is to release the ball when your thumb is directly under the ball. This will help you create a consistent release and get the ball to hook the right amount.
3. Not Using Enough Power
Two-handed bowling requires a lot of power to generate the necessary hook. If you’re not using enough power, the ball won’t have enough momentum to carry through the pins. The key is to use your legs to generate power and swing the ball with your arms. Make sure to keep your follow-through straight to help you put more power behind the ball.
4. Not Aiming Properly
Aiming is just as important for two-handed bowlers as it is for one-handed bowlers. If you’re not aiming properly, the ball won’t go where you want it to. The key is to line up your feet and shoulders with the target and swing the ball straight through. Make sure to keep your head down and your eyes on the target to help you stay consistent.
5. Not Using the Right Grip
The grip is another important factor for two-handed bowlers. If you’re not using the right grip, the ball will feel uncomfortable and you won’t be able to control it properly. The key is to find a grip that is comfortable for you and that allows you to put the ball in the right position for release. Experiment with different grips until you find one that works for you.
6. Not Using the Right Ball
The ball you use can also affect how well you bowl. If you’re not using the right ball, it won’t react properly to the lane and you won’t be able to get the hook you want. The key is to choose a ball that is the right weight and size for you and that has the right amount of hook. Talk to a bowling pro to help you choose the right ball for your needs.
7. Not Practicing Enough
Practice is essential for improving your two-handed bowling skills. If you’re not practicing enough, you won’t be able to develop the consistency and accuracy you need to succeed. The key is to practice regularly and to focus on the fundamentals. Make sure to practice your swing, release, and aim.
8. Not Taking Lessons
Taking lessons from a bowling pro can help you improve your two-handed bowling skills quickly. A bowling pro can help you identify your mistakes and teach you the proper techniques. Lessons can be especially helpful for beginners who are just starting out.
9. Not Getting Feedback
Getting feedback from other bowlers can help you improve your two-handed bowling skills. Ask your friends, family, or bowling pro to watch you bowl and give you feedback on your technique. Feedback can help you identify your mistakes and make the necessary adjustments.
10. Not Watching Your Videos
Watching videos of yourself can help you improve your two-handed bowling skills. Record yourself bowling and then watch the video back. This will help you identify your mistakes and see what you need to improve. Make sure to watch your videos in slow motion so you can see your technique in more detail.
How to Bowl Two Handed
Two-handed bowling is a unique and effective technique that can help you improve your scores. It involves using both hands to grip the ball and deliver it down the lane. While it may seem more difficult than traditional one-handed bowling, it can actually be easier to control and can generate more power.
To bowl two handed, start by placing your dominant hand on top of the ball, with your thumb in the center of the finger holes. Your non-dominant hand should be placed underneath the ball, with your thumb on the left side of the ball (for right-handed bowlers) or the right side of the ball (for left-handed bowlers). Your fingers should be spread out and relaxed.
Once you have a good grip on the ball, take a few steps back from the foul line and begin your approach. As you approach the line, keep your eyes on the target and focus on staying balanced. When you reach the line, release the ball by pushing it forward with both hands. Be sure to follow through with your swing to generate power.
With a little practice, you can master the two-handed bowling technique and improve your scores. It takes time and dedication, but it can be a rewarding experience.
People Also Ask
What are the benefits of bowling two handed?
There are several benefits to bowling two handed, including:
- Increased power
- Improved control
- Reduced risk of injury
Is bowling two handed harder than bowling one handed?
While it may seem more difficult, bowling two handed can actually be easier to control than bowling one handed. This is because you are using both hands to grip the ball, which helps to stabilize it. Additionally, the two-handed technique can help to reduce the risk of injury, as it puts less strain on your wrist and elbow.
What kind of ball should I use for two handed bowling?
The type of ball you use for two handed bowling is important. You will want to choose a ball that is relatively heavy and has a smooth surface. A good option is a 15-pound ball with a polished finish.
