Bowling Balls For Two-Handers: A New Style of Bowling You Need To Know

If you’ve ever watched a pro bowling tournament and seen a player launch the ball down the lane with both hands, you might’ve thought, “What on earth?” This unique and exciting spin on traditional bowling is known as ‘two-handed bowling’, and it’s been gaining traction in the bowling world. In this blog, we’ll guide you on choosing the perfect bowling ball for the two-handed style and share tips to enhance your skills.

Is There a Two-Handed Bowling Style?

Absolutely! The two-handed bowling style isn’t just a figment of your imagination. This technique involves a bowler swinging the ball using both hands instead of just one. The two-handed style allows for more spin and powerful hits.

Is the Two-Handed Bowling Style Illegal?

Nope, not at all! Although two-handed bowling may look unusual to some, it’s completely legal according to the rules of the sport. In fact, it’s a style that’s been recognized and accepted by the United States Bowling Congress (USBC).

Is It Necessary To Choose a Specific Bowling Ball for the Two-Handed Style?

While it’s possible to bowl two-handed with any ball, having a ball that’s tailored specifically for the two-handed style can make a big difference.

These balls are usually designed with a stronger core and coverstock to withstand the increased forces and provide an optimal hook potential.

Characteristics of a Bowling Ball for Two-Handed Style

1. Strong Core: Two-handed style bowling balls require a dynamic and robust core. This allows for increased revolutions, resulting in improved hitting power and excellent pin continuation.
2. Responsive Coverstock: The ball’s coverstock should be aggressive and responsive, creating substantial friction with the lane surface to deliver the desired hook potential for two-handed bowlers.
3. Finger Holes: For two-handers, finger holes may not be necessary as they don’t usually put fingers in them. However, some bowlers still prefer to have them for additional control and stability.

Which Type of Bowling Ball is Best for Two-Handed Style?

We recommend considering a ball with a symmetrical core and reactive resin coverstock.

Symmetrical cores are usually smoother and more predictable in their motion, which can offer two-handed bowlers increased control and consistency.

Reactive resin coverstocks are known for their exceptional hook potential and hitting power, making them a great match for the high-revving, powerful style of two-handed bowlers.

However, always remember to try out different types to see what works best for you!

Are Solid Asymmetrical Bowling Balls Perfect for Two-Handed Bowling Style?

“Most two-handers I know stay away from the Solid Asymmetrical Ball because they tend to hook too much.” said Trevor O’Sullivan, a guy from a local bowling shop.

So, while they’re certainly not a bad choice, they might not be the best fit for two-handed bowlers who want optimal control over their ball.

Pros and Cons of Two-Handed Bowling

Like any bowling style, two-handed bowling comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages.

Pros

• More Spin: A two-handed approach can help generate more revolutions on the ball, and therefore more hook potential. This can make it easier to knock down more pins.
• Powerful Hits: The increased torque and energy generated with two hands can lead to more powerful hits, increasing the chance of a strike.
• Less Strain on Wrist: With the weight of the ball distributed across both hands, there’s usually less strain on your wrist, reducing the risk of injuries.

Cons

• Requires More Physical Strength: This bowling style needs a high level of physical strength, as it demands extra energy to maintain control over the ball with two hands.
• Difficult to Master: The two-handed approach requires a lot of practice and repetition to get the technique right. It can be tricky to maintain balance and timing.
• Limited Versatility: Due to the aggressive hook that generally comes with two-handed bowling, it might limit your ability to play straighter angles or adjust to certain lane conditions.

Do Pro Players Use Two-Handed Bowling Style?

They do! One of the most notable players is Jason Belmonte, who’s often credited with popularizing this technique on the pro circuit.

Should Beginners Practice Two-Handed Bowling Style?

Definitely! It might feel a bit weird at first, but with some practice, you can get the hang of it. It’s a great style to learn because it can potentially give you more control over your ball’s spin and power.

Closing Thoughts

Bowling two-handed can be a fun and exciting way to switch up your game and potentially improve your performance on the lanes. While it may require a bit more physical strength and precision, the results can be incredibly rewarding. Remember, choosing the right ball for this style is crucial, and while we’ve made some suggestions, the perfect ball for you comes down to personal preference and comfort. So, whether you’re a seasoned pro or a curious beginner, why not give two-handed bowling a try? You might just surprise yourself with how much you enjoy it.