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Expert Bowling Tips for Left-Handed Bowlers

January 3, 2020 by Writers 7 Comments

Person bowling left-handedThis one’s for you, lefties! As you surely know, the world is set up for right-handed folks, from scissors and desks to golf clubs and even your computer mouse. The same usually goes for house bowling balls, but don’t stress—being left-handed might actually be a boon to your bowling game! 

According to HowStuffWorks, left-handed athletes tend to dominate in many types of pro sports, from boxing and tennis to baseball and bowling. Lefties make up only about 10% of the general population, but they account for one third of MLB players, 20% of elite fencers, and 20% of PBA top-50 bowlers, just to give a few examples. Part of the benefit of left-handedness probably comes from the element of surprise; after all, if you’re used to competing against right-handed opponents, you’re less likely to be prepared for a left-handed attack. However, in bowling it’s a little more complicated. 

Some people think that left-handed bowlers have it easier because the left side of the lane tends to have a more consistent oil pattern. Fewer left-handed bowlers means that the left side gets less action, providing a more consistent surface. 

Left-Handed Bowling Tips

Whether it’s a real advantage or just an ego-booster, you might as well enjoy the aura of mystery and danger being left-handed brings to your bowling game. Check out these left-handed bowling tips, and give them a try during one of our open bowling sessions!

 Buy your own left-handed bowling ball. 

If you only retain one left-handed bowling tip, make it this one: Choose a bowling ball designed for left-handed bowlers. The center weight is different in a ball designed for a lefty, so if you try to bowl with a right-handed bowling ball, you’re not going to have your best game. 

Get your ball custom drilled. 

Improperly fitted finger and thumb holes are one of the most common problems for any bowler, left- or right-handed. Fortunately you can get your bowling ball custom drilled at Rab’s! Just stop by and speak to our pro shop staff for help getting the perfect fit with your ball. 

Perfect your posture. 

While it might be harder to find examples of how to bowl left-handed, it’s worth putting in the time to perfect your stance. The way you hold the ball, how far you bring your arm back, your approach—they’re all vital aspects of your game. 

Buy your own bowling shoes.

Most bowling shoes are designed to accommodate right-handed bowlers, and bowling alley rental shoes are typically only made for sliding, not traction. To play your best game, it’s worth it to invest in your own pair of bowling shoes, and you can customize the soles for sliding or traction based on your personal bowling style. 

Practice makes perfect, so remember to practice with left-handed balls when you bowl at Rab’s!

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Comments

  1. al says

    June 27, 2020 at 2:08 pm

    ok i am a lefty my problem is with my ball release how can i improve on that part of my game

    Reply
    • Rab's Country Lanes says

      August 8, 2020 at 3:54 pm

      Hey Al! Being Lefty is not a problem at all! When we re-open, schedule a lesson with our instructor. In the meantime, check out some video tips on YouTube from our friends at Backstage Bowling, Kegel Training Center, or BowlU!

      Reply
  2. Edward Malz says

    August 5, 2021 at 4:37 pm

    I bought 2 balls and got drilled. For some reason the pin is in the same position as the right handed bowlers. Saw 2 balls today the same as mine, same kind of bowlers with low speed and low revs, and both their bowls were drilled exactly like mine. Is this where it should be?

    Reply
  3. Al says

    October 10, 2022 at 4:53 pm

    My Pro Shop says there is “NO” difference in left and right handed bowling balls, it is only how they are drilled. He is a former Pro Bowler and I believe him.
    True or False?

    Reply
    • Rab's Country Lanes says

      October 20, 2022 at 4:58 pm

      That is correct, this refers to Left Handed and Right Handed Drilling.

      Reply
  4. Greg Harper says

    October 19, 2022 at 7:38 pm

    Hello… due to being older (66) with hand and lower back issues, and a bowler out of the game for sometime now, and right-handed, I decided to try to develop my left-handed game. I am ambidextrous.

    Anyway, I recently bought two new balls (Storm Tropical Surge/Black & Red Cherry and a Motiv Green & White Fatal Venom.

    Well, I only am able to throw the ball about 11-12mph and am having one heck of a time controlling them both. Apparently, I don’t have enough speed on my ball to hold line…

    I think I made a mistake with both! Should I have bought plastic and urethane instead?

    Help!
    Thank you,
    Greg

    Reply
    • Rab's Country Lanes says

      October 20, 2022 at 4:59 pm

      Less aggressive bowling balls would do the trick. Talk with your Pro Shop and see if they can offer a trade in or a different drilling to help you.

      Reply

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