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!
ok i am a lefty my problem is with my ball release how can i improve on that part of my game
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!
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?
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?
That is correct, this refers to Left Handed and Right Handed Drilling.
There is a difference….at my local alley the finger holes are all wrong for me on the right handed balls and I couldn’t use them. They have one lefty ball that I always look for when I go there and it feels fine. I have heard that the weight balance is different because of how the holes are drilled.
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
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.
Hi. I am a proud “SouthPaw” Bowler. =)
My main problem has been that even when wearing a wrist brace for support, & using the thumb up release technique, my ball always goes across the lane to the right side…so much so, that I’ve had to stand almost in the left side gutter area just to hit the middle and get a strike. I am using a lefty ball that was drilled for me, and it doesn’t feel too heavy for me. What am I doing wrong? How can I fix this issue? Please help. Thanks. =)