Expert Bowling Tips for Left-Handed Bowlers

This 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!