Bowling Wrist Support – An Essential Equipment You Should Know

You’ve probably seen or heard about bowling wrist supports. They’re those cool-looking gadgets that some bowlers wear around their wrists, and you might be wondering if you need one too. But are these just fancy accessories, or do they serve a purpose?

Types of Bowling Wrist Support Equipment

• Wrist Wraps: These are usually made from elastic and are worn tightly around the wrist. They provide a basic level of support and can help prevent strain or injury.
• Gripping Gloves: These gloves have a textured surface designed to enhance your grip on the bowling ball. They can help ensure a secure hold and precise release.
• Wrist Supports: These devices are typically sturdier than wraps, and they immobilize the wrist to promote a consistent, efficient bowling motion. They’re especially helpful for those with weak wrists or those recovering from injury.
• Support Gloves: These are a combination of gripping gloves and wrist supports. They offer the advantages of both, providing not only enhanced grip but also increased wrist stability.
• Mechanical Supports: These are the most advanced types of support equipment. They feature adjustable settings that can control the degree of wrist bending and rotation, allowing for fine-tuning of your throw.

Why Use Wrist Support While Bowling

Well, it turns out they do more than just look cool.

A wrist support can greatly enhance your bowling game by stabilizing your wrist and preventing unwanted movements that could impact your throw. If you’ve noticed your wrist twisting or flopping while trying to make a powerful throw, a wrist support can help.

Did You Know?

According to a report by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, close to 20,000 bowling-related injuries were treated in U.S. hospital emergency rooms in a single year. A significant proportion of these injuries were wrist injuries that could have been potentially mitigated or even avoided with the use of proper wrist support.

The Importance of Wrist Support

Prevents common wrist injuries.

A good wrist support keeps your wrist in a proper position, helping to prevent sprains, strains, tears, and other injuries that are common in bowling.

Improve your overall game performance.

With your wrist stabilized, you can deliver a more powerful, accurate throw, thus improving your scores and enhancing your overall game experience.

Prolonging Your Bowling Career

Over time, bowling can put stress on your wrist, leading to chronic pain or conditions that may shorten your bowling career. By providing support and minimizing strain, wrist support helps prolong your bowling career, ensuring you can enjoy this sport for years to come.

 

Do Pros Players Wear Wrist Support?

Yes, many professional bowlers do indeed wear wrist support.

While it’s not a requirement, wrist supports can help pros maintain consistency in their shots, regardless of the fatigue that sets in during long games or tournaments.

Disadvantages of Wrist Support

While wrist supports offer numerous benefits, they do have a few potential downsides worth considering.

• Restriction of Movement: The primary function of wrist support is to stabilize the wrist, this can feel uncomfortable or unnatural for some bowlers, especially those who rely on a more fluid or dynamic bowling style.
• Dependency: There’s a risk of becoming overly dependent on the support. Over time, this might affect your ability to bowl effectively without it.
• Cost: High-quality wrist supports, particularly mechanical ones, can be pricey. While they’re a good investment for many bowlers, the cost can be prohibitive for some.
• Overuse: Overusing wrist wraps can result in weak wrist joints and connective tissues. This is because the support provided by the wrap can cause the muscles and ligaments of the wrist to rely too much on the wrap, reducing the strength and resilience of these tissues over time.

Should Beginners Buy Wrist Support?

The answer depends!

If you’re a beginner or you don’t bowl regularly, it might not be worth investing in one right away. Focus instead on honing your skills, understanding the game, and getting comfortable with the bowling style that suits you.

However, if you bowl regularly and are getting more invested in the world of bowling, wrist support can be a valuable addition to your equipment. It not only protects your wrist from potential injuries but also aids in enhancing your performance.

In conclusion

Whether you’re a professional bowler, a regular player, or just starting out, prioritize your health and safety. Bowling wrist supports help prevent common wrist injuries, boost performance, and extend your bowling career.

While they have downsides like restricted movement and potential dependency, the benefits outweigh these drawbacks. Before investing in one, consider your needs, bowling frequency, and style. Bowling is about more than just scores; it’s about the experience and your well-being.