How to Add Spin to the Ball

In this article, I will explain how to add spin to your bowling ball. I will discuss how to adjust the ball, as well as the differences in thumb and wrist positioning during release. Please note that this is my personal method and may not apply to everyone. I hope this article can serve as a starting point or material for your practice.

Thumb Hole Adjustment

First, let’s talk about adjusting the thumb hole.

For Those with Naturally Weak Spin (Strokers)

If you naturally have weak spin, it’s okay to have a looser thumb hole. One method is to keep the thumb hole loose and slightly grip the ball, releasing the pressure at the moment of release. By intentionally gripping the ball, you can also learn the sensation of not gripping.

For Those Who Want to Add More Spin

For those who want to add more spin, I recommend adjusting the thumb hole so that the ball doesn’t fall off even if you slightly relax your grip. It doesn’t need to be very tight, but if it’s too loose, you will end up putting unnecessary strain on your wrist.

Subaru Nagano

In my case, I use a shorter span and press my fingers in up to the area between the first and second joints. Even when I relax my grip, the ball does not fall off. I only tape the inside of my thumb and not the back, which helps with a smooth release. I also use rosin bag powder to prevent my thumb from slipping out awkwardly.

Adding Spin

The major difference between adding spin and not adding spin is whether or not you use your wrist.

Methods to Avoid Spin

When not adding spin, I keep my wrist fixed and throw the ball. In this case, I don’t force my thumb out; instead, I let it come out naturally due to the weight of the ball. Fixing the wrist shortens the distance the ball travels, resulting in less spin.

Methods to Add Spin

When adding spin, I create a cup shape with my hand and imagine squeezing inward. The thumb is positioned outside, and the fingers are inside. I intentionally pull my thumb out and create spin from a cup to a broken wrist position.

Summary

I recommend starting without a full approach, maybe with zero or one step, to practice and confirm your technique. Be mindful not to disturb adjacent lanes during practice. Bowlers have different ways of adding spin. Even if you lack strength or can’t create a cup shape, try watching videos to learn how to add spin and change the axis of the ball.