@@jimbeard2864 I recommend starting with your normal grip first and simply take your thumb out to see how it feels. If you don't like it you can always have the fingers adjusted for semi fingertip.
watched this a couple months ago but just wanted to say that this video changed everything for someone who recently transitioned into 2h. thank you for sharing
As someone who has been 1 handed since I was a kid trying to switch to 2 handed this might be the most helpful video I have seen. I cant wait to watch the rest. Thank you. Subbed!
Thanks for this video and the series on Keys to the two-handed game. I've recently switched to two-handed bowling (practising the last two weeks) after bowling one-handed since end March last year. I've been placing my middle finger of my left hand between the fingers of my right hand. I had no idea that changing the finger would change the axis rotation. Thanks! I have to try switching around the next time I practise.
Thanks for explaining support hand location. Was a one hand/no thumb bowler but switching to 2 handed as my wrist and shoulder started getting sore after a few games. Love the power in 2 handed but wasn’t sure about where to place support hand. This video explained it and is highly suggested!
I’m right handed and I used the technique tonight using this. I was comfortable with my ring finger on my left hand in placement between my right hand middle finger and ring finger. I had lost my touch but using this technique helped. My scores were 196, 180, 215
I am a one-handler considering two-handed. My reason is mostly to bring some new excitement to my game. I’ve watched all your videos in this series, but I’m commenting here, as it’s where most folks probably start. Your tips on finger placement to control tilt were pretty interesting. I was actually looking for videos on how to covert from one-handed to two-handed, but yours is still the most useful.
Man this video def helped me! I just started 2 hand bowling 2 weeks ago. I was having that problem of my wrist un-cuping. I tried out moving my hand forward on the ball at home and it instantly helped!
I’ve been having trouble with my 2 handed form lately, but by changing my off hand grip as mentioned in the video, I was able to get a new high avg today! Thanks much for the informational video ❤
Hey Big Sky, @5:56 very good video showing how to keep the wrist cupped with help from the off ball hand. The off ball hand position relative to the ball hand fingers is very important for supporting the weight of the ball. Thank You !
I am considering moving to 2 handed this summer, I struggle with having a consistent hand position on my 1 handed release. I think anytime I have thrown 2 handed my off hand (left) has just been on the side of the ball. I never thought about this. Great videos full of information. Thanks.
I've just started bowling and decided to switch to two-handed style because I injured my middle finger, have not seen a better explained video regarding the helping hand. Thank you so much, keep up the work! Greetings from México.
I'm a one-hander and intend to stay that way; however, I've always admired the two-handed style and have been fighting the war against it for a while. Too many conservatives think that two-handers are "weak"; have an unfair advantage of some type, or should be placed in a different division of bowling. They don't understand that the vast majority of two-handers are only throwing the ball with one arm. The non-bowling arms purpose is how you described. The speed and revolutions that are created are in the same manner as one handed. Foot speed; coil/uncoil of the upper and lower body, and hand position upon release. The biggest example of this would be Tom Daugherty. He's literally a two-handed bowler that uses only one arm to throw it.
this has been one of the most helpful videos I've seen in talking about the two handed bowling technique. I've recently gotten back into bowling in general and have been enjoying watching all your videos. keep up the good work!
I do the same thing with my fingers, except I use the index finger on my ball hand as the key. Offhand index to ball index is forward. Offhand pinkie finger to ball index is max side roll. Although I think your practice of using the spot between the middle/ring fingers is more consistent, and I may try that next time I practice. I also vary the height of my offhand to dictate wrist position (like you showed early in this video). I open up the distance between the finger tips for less revs (usually for spare shooting)... and I'll move the off hand fingers in tighter to the ball fingers for more revs.
Awesome! I am definitely glad I'm not the only one as it does really help with a consistent release. I've never tried to uncup my wrist, it feels unnatural. I try to focus on forward rotation of my spare ball to ensure accuracy on my spares.
Hey big sky bowler! I just wanted to say all points in your video are very accurate. As I am a 2 handed bowler as well, I have found methods of changing my axis rotation without using my control hand. Since I’m a righty I change the position of my right hand on the ball. In other words I rotate the ball left once it is in my hand to create more axis rotation and rotate the ball more right to create less. This has helped my ability to become more versatile and more accurate because I found that changing my left hand position can create some inconsistencies. I use this every single day I bowl. As well as the most minor change in my right hand placement makes all the difference on bowling on sport shot. I would love to go more in depth as in the form of a video because i’m not the best at explaining.
This seems very useful. Once I get over covid (it finally caught up with me yesterday) I plan to implement the different finger positions and see how it works for me. Looking forward to next week.
@@BigSkyBowler -- Today was my first day back bowling, but it was league, not practice time and I didn't think I should start experimenting, so I haven't yet tried your suggestions. But I will shortly. I was watching another one of your videos and you mentioned you live in Billings. I'm from NYC and there now, but I lived in Billings from 1992 -1995. I always had an interest in the history of the American West and thought Billings would be a good place to live and explore, so I literally packed my bags and got a one-way Greyhound ticket. The first place I lived was Parkhill Drive (I think the address was 539) and then I lived off the corner of Yellowstone and First (a big bluish house). There was a music store on Grand Ave called Hansen Music and a very good guitar player who worked there named Art Eichele. I used to love driving to Custer battlefield, Red Lodge, Bozeman, Yellowstone and lots of other places. Wyoming was great to go driving around too. It was a great adventure and glad I did it. I'm in my mid-50s now and I'm guessing a bit older than you. Unfortunately I didn't start bowling until about 5 years ago. My son is 17, bowls one-handed, but started when he was very young, averages low 200s, and has some 300 games. I top 200 a lot but my average is 160s. I am very inconsistent and need to work on that. I can score 225 and next game have a hard time getting to 150. Wish I was 25 again. I think about Montana a lot. I used to get some takeout, drive up to the Rimrocks and eat looking out at the city and the mountains in the distance. I remember when I moved back to NYC. People thought I would have culture shock moving to Billings. But I didn't. However, when I moved back to NYC, I experienced it full force. Took a while to overcome. I subscribed and looking forward to watching more of your videos.
@@BigSkyBowler -- So, about 2 weeks ago I tried to bowl based on your hand positioning in this video. It was a bit awkward for me. Let me explain my usual hand positions: First of all, I don't cup the ball into my wrist and forearm. I hold the ball in my right hand but away from my arm and I crank my wrist so that the back of my hand is just about facing my leg and I spread my pinky and index fingers. My left hand holds the ball in place but on top of the ball. Therefore, my two hands are not touching. I bring my arm back and during my swing I rotate the ball bringing my hand around it so that the back of my hand is now facing away from my body (the normal position for someone's hand). I crank my wrist different amounts depending on how much I want to hook the ball. Sometimes I just get my hand right behind it and throw it straight (usually up the second arrow) and let it hook on its own. So my problem trying it your way is that both my hands have to touch, and the ball has to be cupped which felt very awkward. I haven't had much time for practice recently but played again today and tried to work on this new technique some more. I did a little better but not great and managed some good shots. I see that in order to really do it comfortably and naturally that I'm going to have to break it down into small steps/drills and build it up, which is what I should have done in the first place. My biggest issue is getting the ball off my hand smoothly. A few times my ring finger sort of got stuck in the ball. Oddly, some of those mishaps resulted in strikes. Everyone around me thought, great shot. No, I didn't admit it was just an accident; instead, I bowed and asked if anyone wanted my autograph. If you are using the power of your forearm in your throw, I can see that being helpful getting extra speed. A lot of the time I find myself throwing the ball just a little too slow and hooking a bit too early... a lot of "almost strikes" if only I had a tad more speed. I also need help getting the ball more on the outside than I usually do. I see the gutter and often overcompensate by throwing more down the middle of the lane. Not all the time, but enough. I need to find a way to be consistent. I will practice this new style more as time provides and look forward to becoming adept at it.
@@brigham2250 I understand. There is absolutely nothing wrong with the way you hold the ball in your setup but I do recommend getting your wrist in more of a cupped position. You can maintain the ball side hand position and still cup the wrist by using your non-ball side hand to do it appropriately. You are working the inside part of the ball which is a very good thing to do. Not staying cupped however is definitely reducing your rev rate capabilities. In fact, one bowler that I can think of who does it similar to the way you describe it is Osku Palerma. To throw more on the outside part of the lane as a two-hander you will need to ensure that you are staying behind the ball so it reads the front part of the lane early and doesnt jump too hard on the back. You will also need to ensure your using either a reactive ball with a very stable layout (something like a short Pin to PAP) or a urethane ball. Consistency takes time - the best way to be consistent is to have a focused practice session where you are focusing on being as consistent as possible at one thing at a time. I am looking forward to hearing about your progress! Keep up the hard work!
I'm gonna try this and think it will help me alot never worried much about my left hand much besides holding the ball hopefully it will help me take some revs off for my 10 pin spares to. Thanks
We have very similar shots and approaches but I’ve been very inconsistent lately and I think it has to do with my off hand. Going to try this stuff tonight at league and see what happens
Getting into the sport again after many years and want to use the two-handed style now. Although this might work differently for each person, it looks like a very clever system to build up a playing style on.
It's awesome to see someone coming back to the sport with a motivation to try something completely different and new. Thanks for watching my video, I hope it will help you along your journey.
This is really good information for any two hander or a coach. One question about having your opposite hand on top of the ball. I believe on the downswing the wrist will cup again before the release.
Not unless you're making that motion occur. The intention here is to place your ball side hand in a power position without having to think about it. Having the non ball side hand in the proper position in front of the ball helps this occur naturally. Thank you for the kind words!
Your welcome and thanks for watching! You will get better, if you put in the work and practice. Remember, there is not a single solution to getting better but hopefully these tips help!
New subscriber great great video I’m not a two handed player but considering changing. My one handed game as struggled mightily. I still tend to use a lot of muscle. I could never develop a free arm swing. I know when I practice I should be more drill orientated. But this in de Luxe Gary interesting and something I wish I could send a video because I believe I should’ve been a two-handed player all along.
I used to be the same way with my one handed swing. When I switched to two handed, everything instantly felt more natural to me. I would encourage you to at least try it out and see how it fits. If you want a comprehensive review of your game, one or two handed, you can definitely look me up on Facebook and book a virtual lesson. Send me a dm! facebook.com/JeremiahRooneyBowling Thank you for the compliment on the video and thank you for watching!
Love your videos. I’ve noticed my non ball side hand slide a little further apart during the backswing than my initial setup position. Is this an issue that will affect accuracy? How can I correct it?
Thank you! I definitely understand what your dealing with, as I dealt with that initially as well. What I recommend you do is focus on keeping your ball side arm completely relaxed during the swing, focus on getting the ball up into the swing using your non-ball side hand. If you lift the ball into the swing with your ball side hand, your range of motion from your ball side hand/arm will quickly outrun the range of motion from your non-ball side hand.
@@BigSkyBowler thanks for the quick response. You mentioning the non ball side was meant to lift the ball into the back swing was a eureka moment for me after bowling for 6 years 2 handed. It’s hard to change that muscle memory after bowling 20 years one handed 😅
@@dezzraven couldn't agree more! Old muscle memory is hard to overcome. I still struggle at times to overcome bad muscle memory from my one handed days.
@@BigSkyBowler my usual setup is full weight resting in the palm of my hall side hand. I tried a new setup today with the ball weight resting on my non ball side hand, like Belmo. Seems it works better for me to allow my non ball side hand to do the work in the back swing
Having the hand uncup in the backswing could be good if you are trying to cut down the hook on super dry lanes. Our centre has synthetic lanes that are over 35 years old and the centre is in the habit of not oiling the lanes on days with no leagues
Thank you for the good video:) I want to ask you a question.. Wouldn't it be possible to adjust the rotation with the index finger facing forward and the angle of the middle and ring fingers?
Not exactly sure what your asking here. Your changing the angle of your middle and ring fingers as I do in the video. If your doing that there's no way your index finger will remain pointed forward.
@@Novajin0 are you maybe referring to not setting your release in your setup? If so, yes it's possible but in my opinion, that gives you more to think about as you approach the line.
Amazing video, I'm getting better and better watching your videos, the positioning of your non dominant hand really dictates the accuracy of your shot.... I recently however discovered their 2 handed bowlers that still use the thumb hole with great results..i wonder is it any benefit?
@@matthewputtroff9551 you can, but it's much harder to adjust without your thumb in the ball. When you change your rotation, your tilt usually changes a few degrees.
Very interesting concept! I’m two handed with thumb and never thought of this, still learning a lot about different arm and hand positions for different ball reactions so I’ll definitely try this and see if this has an effect too. Considering I have my thumb in there as well.
Just found you through Elliens Bowling channel. I am coming back from both hips and both knees being replaced. I will have questions as I attempt to learn to bowl 2 handed. I am starting out with a 10 pound ball as I build my strength back. and eventually 15. Any hints would help.
Awesome to meet you! Welcome to the channel. Your on the right path by starting with a lower weight ball, definitely work on drills as much as you can to increase strength in the proper areas before trying a full approach. I would recommend doing drills with the lighter ball and slowly increasing the weight of the ball before you attempt a full release.
Thank you! Don't miss the rest of the series! ua-cam.com/video/6LEDZ3nt06M/v-deo.html ua-cam.com/video/cPn6RY5hM7w/v-deo.html Ball Speed video coming out next week!
Enjoyed the video, but I’m confused. I’m a beginner and understand axis rotation to be when I bring my hand around to the outside of the ball, and axis tilt being when you do what you described as “axis rotation”…
I guess they are closely related, when your hand gets to the inside of that ball with axis tilt, there’s more ball to get under and up the revs, and in the end the hand winds up around the outside of the ball. I am interested in learning 2 hand style also though. Great video.
You understand both quite well. When you change one, you change the other. The easiest way to change both is with the method described. Check out this older video of mine where I try to explain. ua-cam.com/video/E5tvaW1c6So/v-deo.html
Thank you! Ball weight depends really on several factors. The biggest factors are how old you are and what kind of bowling experience you have. There is nothing wrong with starting with a lower weight to help you get the feel for everything then moving back up in weight once you start to figure things out.
@@OurAmericanJourney being part of swag, I of course recommend swag balls. The majority of our equipment is very controllable and control is what matters for two handers. Check us out at www.swagbowling.com Our shield series would be the recommendation of a starter ball in 12 lbs of that's the weight you plan to start with. We also have the buzzer beater series, designed specifically for two handers with a 78D coverstock hardness. This allows for the ultimate control.
Sorry for not responding until now. I've been super busy at bowl expo the past few days. You will want to make sure your non ball side hand comes off the ball just before your ankle in the downswing.
Just tried 2 two handed today and love it!! I'm so inconsistent bowling regular but I have only bowled 4 times in the last 20 years but joined a league with the guys at work. The first 2 handed throw felt weird but I see why it was my support hand that was way in the wrong spot. Can waint to try this guy's technique it seems extremely helpful. Cool in depth video BTW. Cheers.
Just watched this video and one of your previous ones, showing hand position of the ball side hand. How do you mesh them together? Like are you still moving your non ball hand if you have your ball hand already set up for more rotation? I’m struggling with getting any rotation that’s consistent and doesn’t feel like I’m way around it and dropping it off my hand or I’m straight up the back and have no back end reaction and I’m unable to get deeper consistently when I need too.
Hello and thank you for watching the video. They work together. I use my ball side hand to set my initial rotation, then I use my non-ball side hand to hold that position throughout the swing process by making sure I've got the correct finger on this hand locked between my ball side hand ring and middle fingers. If your struggling with a consistent release, it is very likely that your non-ball side hand is moving around on the ball during your swing or there could be a problem with your approach that is making this occur. I would need to see a video to know for sure. Have you tried using a bowling glove on your non-ball side hand to help you maintain your grip and position with that hand?
Is there any reason many pros like belmo or packy don’t hold the ball against the forearm to start? It seems like it’s less common to do among the pros
I am 2 handing but my affinity has a thumb drilled. I find myself skewing my palm alittle bit to the left for more rotation. should i grip it so my palm is over the thumb hole and focus on the support hand for the rotation? Hard to explain i know. :/
You throw it with two hands and the thumb hole isn't plugged? First, you will want to get the thumb plugged so it's a legal ball. Second, proper two handed technique does require proper use of your non-ball side hand to adjust your rotation. Just keep in mind that the non-ball side hand doesn't help the ball rotate, it just helps maintain the balls position throughout the swing until its released.
@@BigSkyBowler yeah I got it a long time ago and bc of work could never really get into it. Work for myself now and started really practicing like 2 weeks ago. I have a summer pass at a local place. Trying to just learn my way through it myself. I 2 hand bc I’m more legs then upper body bc I grew up playing soccer so I struggle getting a 14 back in the air so started 2 handing and found some results there. I’ll have to find the shop open one day to look into a plug, no1 has ever told me that so I’ve just been throwing it as is. Struggled with hearing the holes hit the floor down lane. Womp womp womp noise so that started making me rotate the ball with my 2 fingers in and the contact stopped so it’s a smooth roll now but didn’t want to be throwing it wrong bc I know it has a core inside and wanted to make sure I was spinning it the right way.
My grip is a semi fingertip. I get a better grip on the ball this way. If I use regular fingertip I feel like I can't hold onto the ball properly during the swing which causes release issues.
You could definitely attempt it. However without your non-ball hand remaining on the ball throughout the swing, you wouldn't really get the full benefit. You would have to remember to keep your wrist in that position through the swing.
@@jimbeard2864 it gives me more control and a better feel on my grip. It actually reduces my rev rate slightly as the fingers take longer to clear the holes.
The Two hand may be the. Future..how ever it is totally unfair to and older bowler who bowls single handed cause more revs and more speed that there is no way for single hand players ever to get
On the contrary... there are quite a few one handed players that rival a two handed rev rate and in some cases, exceed it. Ej Tackett is one of them. The future of bowling is both two handed and one handed. Thanks for watching!
I'm glad you stuck around! Thank you and thanks for watching. I'm working on ways to have better audio, but my camera doesn't support external mics. I suppose I could just use my phones camera.
@@BigSkyBowler Well, I've subscribed with that hope... Thank you for your postings. I've just started bowling again after about 20 years, and I've been intrigued enough about two-handed bowling to try it. Your video filled in a lot of knowledge gaps for me. Thank you.
2 handed bowlers, not using the thumb hole is not bowling. Should have different tournaments for each, 2 hands no thumb hole is cheating by creating more revolutions, which increases the chances of more pin action, equaling more STRIKES!
Your entitled to your own opinion but the last time I checked, there was no rules against having a higher rev rate. By your logic, all bowlers with a high rev rate should be in a separate tournament together because there are several one handed bowlers out there who can match the two handed rev rate.
Not many of these. After trying that myself, I honestly see no benefit in using your thumb as a two hander. It complicates the release and reduces rev rate. However if you are using your thumb as a two hander, your thumb should be able to help you change your release but you will still need your non-ball side hand to support the ball properly as you swing.
@@BigSkyBowler just making the switch to 2 hands..after bowling years with 1 hand all my balls have a thumb hole …using 2 hands with my thumb definitely feels better and better on my wrist as well
Here are the ones I know of: Wesley Low Jr (used to use his thumb but stopped like 2 seasons ago and is bowling better). Matt Russo (only one I know of who has won with his thumb). Sean Maldonado (used to use his thumb, was unsuccessful and went no thumb last season, has won since then).
I have never seen anyone go in depth about the support hand, very very interesting to see this in action.
Thank you! Hopefully it helped!
@@BigSkyBowler Ging to try 2 handed so looking for more information. Go Swag !!
@@jimbeard2864 I recommend starting with your normal grip first and simply take your thumb out to see how it feels. If you don't like it you can always have the fingers adjusted for semi fingertip.
I do want to try 2-handed because I feel like I'm not doing well 2 handed anymore
Facts
watched this a couple months ago but just wanted to say that this video changed everything for someone who recently transitioned into 2h. thank you for sharing
Your welcome, I am glad it helped and thank you for watching and sharing the video!
This made good sense to me. I'm about to grab a ball and start trying it out in my house!
I am glad it made sense.
Welcome to the channel!
You explained the finger location of the non bowling hand as good as anyone. Thank You
Your welcome!
As someone who has been 1 handed since I was a kid trying to switch to 2 handed this might be the most helpful video I have seen. I cant wait to watch the rest. Thank you. Subbed!
Glad it helped! Thank you for the sub!
Agreed, in the same situation and this was super helpful.
Thanks for this video and the series on Keys to the two-handed game. I've recently switched to two-handed bowling (practising the last two weeks) after bowling one-handed since end March last year. I've been placing my middle finger of my left hand between the fingers of my right hand. I had no idea that changing the finger would change the axis rotation. Thanks! I have to try switching around the next time I practise.
I'm glad you found the series helpful!
You are very welcome.
Thanks for explaining support hand location. Was a one hand/no thumb bowler but switching to 2 handed as my wrist and shoulder started getting sore after a few games. Love the power in 2 handed but wasn’t sure about where to place support hand. This video explained it and is highly suggested!
I'm glad this video helped you! Hope you can find some relief in two-handed bowling!
I’m right handed and I used the technique tonight using this. I was comfortable with my ring finger on my left hand in placement between my right hand middle finger and ring finger. I had lost my touch but using this technique helped. My scores were 196, 180, 215
This man is very easy on the ears and not really wasting time on the break downs. well done good sir
Thank you!
Thank you for watching and sharing!
I appreciate the info. It is; indeed; difficult to find a lot of detailed info on the subtleties of two handled techniques.
Thank you! There will be followup videos to this coming in the next week.
Thanks for watching!
Thank you for this. I didn't know how to effectively use the support hand to make consistent shots
@@YoPhocFays your welcome! Glad it helped.
Exactly what I was looking for
I'm glad you found it helpful!
Wow, that's a very detailed explanation, I'll be adding these concepts to my practice next time.
I am a one-handler considering two-handed. My reason is mostly to bring some new excitement to my game. I’ve watched all your videos in this series, but I’m commenting here, as it’s where most folks probably start. Your tips on finger placement to control tilt were pretty interesting. I was actually looking for videos on how to covert from one-handed to two-handed, but yours is still the most useful.
Glad to hear they are so helpful! Thank you for watching!
Man this video def helped me! I just started 2 hand bowling 2 weeks ago. I was having that problem of my wrist un-cuping. I tried out moving my hand forward on the ball at home and it instantly helped!
I'm so glad to hear that it helped! I'm glad you found my channel. Thanks for watching.
I’ve been having trouble with my 2 handed form lately, but by changing my off hand grip as mentioned in the video, I was able to get a new high avg today! Thanks much for the informational video ❤
That is awesome! I'm so glad it helped!
I am looking forward to trying this. Great presentation
Thank you for the compliment and thank you for watching!
Hey Big Sky, @5:56 very good video showing how to keep the wrist cupped with help from the off ball hand. The off ball hand position relative to the ball hand fingers is very important for supporting the weight of the ball. Thank You !
Your welcome
I am considering moving to 2 handed this summer, I struggle with having a consistent hand position on my 1 handed release. I think anytime I have thrown 2 handed my off hand (left) has just been on the side of the ball. I never thought about this. Great videos full of information. Thanks.
Your welcome! Thank you for watching!
I've just started bowling and decided to switch to two-handed style because I injured my middle finger, have not seen a better explained video regarding the helping hand. Thank you so much, keep up the work! Greetings from México.
Thank you for the compliment! I'm glad I could help you on your journey.
Greetings and welcome!
Thank you for the compliment! I'm glad I could help you on your journey.
Greetings and welcome!
Thank you so much. My son tried your hand positioning advice today. He had a lot more control of axis rotation.
Your welcome! I'm glad it helped!
The best two handed bowling coaching video.thanks
Thank you! That means alot to me.
Thanks for watching and for the support!
Great details on this process. Plan on trying it this weekend. Thanks for the video!
Your welcome and thanks for watching!
Never thought of it like that this could be so helpful the video definitely deserves a like 👍🏽
Thank you!
Thank you for explaining the off hands...very interesting
Your welcome
I'm a one-hander and intend to stay that way; however, I've always admired the two-handed style and have been fighting the war against it for a while.
Too many conservatives think that two-handers are "weak"; have an unfair advantage of some type, or should be placed in a different division of bowling.
They don't understand that the vast majority of two-handers are only throwing the ball with one arm. The non-bowling arms purpose is how you described.
The speed and revolutions that are created are in the same manner as one handed. Foot speed; coil/uncoil of the upper and lower body, and hand position upon release.
The biggest example of this would be Tom Daugherty. He's literally a two-handed bowler that uses only one arm to throw it.
Totally agree!
Each style has its benefits and downsides and each requires time and effort to master.
Thank you for watching!
this has been one of the most helpful videos I've seen in talking about the two handed bowling technique. I've recently gotten back into bowling in general and have been enjoying watching all your videos. keep up the good work!
Glad it was helpful! Thank you!
I do the same thing with my fingers, except I use the index finger on my ball hand as the key. Offhand index to ball index is forward. Offhand pinkie finger to ball index is max side roll. Although I think your practice of using the spot between the middle/ring fingers is more consistent, and I may try that next time I practice. I also vary the height of my offhand to dictate wrist position (like you showed early in this video). I open up the distance between the finger tips for less revs (usually for spare shooting)... and I'll move the off hand fingers in tighter to the ball fingers for more revs.
Awesome! I am definitely glad I'm not the only one as it does really help with a consistent release.
I've never tried to uncup my wrist, it feels unnatural. I try to focus on forward rotation of my spare ball to ensure accuracy on my spares.
I really like your 2-handed tips. For me as a relatively new bowler i love these videos. Keep it up🤘🏼
Thank you for the compliment and thank you for watching.
Appreciate the info so much, was struggling now for the bridge between finger holes on my ball. Gonna try this soon for better flares.
Your welcome! Glad it helped!
I needed this info, I’m always trying to remember the feel and will ultimately help, thanks
Your welcome!
Great tip and explanation - never knew this was a thing - thanks!
Your welcome and thank you for watching
Thank you so much for this! I am a novice and this helps me out a lot! Subbed!
Your very welcome!
Thanks for subbing! Second video in this series is out tomorrow!
Very interesting concept! I shall experiment with this technique the next time I practice. Thank you for sharing this!
Your welcome and thank you for watching!
Hey big sky bowler! I just wanted to say all points in your video are very accurate. As I am a 2 handed bowler as well, I have found methods of changing my axis rotation without using my control hand. Since I’m a righty I change the position of my right hand on the ball. In other words I rotate the ball left once it is in my hand to create more axis rotation and rotate the ball more right to create less. This has helped my ability to become more versatile and more accurate because I found that changing my left hand position can create some inconsistencies. I use this every single day I bowl. As well as the most minor change in my right hand placement makes all the difference on bowling on sport shot. I would love to go more in depth as in the form of a video because i’m not the best at explaining.
As a new bowler thank you for explaining the off hand !
Your welcome!
This seems very useful. Once I get over covid (it finally caught up with me yesterday) I plan to implement the different finger positions and see how it works for me. Looking forward to next week.
Let me know how it works out!
Get better and thanks for watching!
@@BigSkyBowler -- I will post again for sure.
@@BigSkyBowler -- Today was my first day back bowling, but it was league, not practice time and I didn't think I should start experimenting, so I haven't yet tried your suggestions. But I will shortly. I was watching another one of your videos and you mentioned you live in Billings. I'm from NYC and there now, but I lived in Billings from 1992 -1995. I always had an interest in the history of the American West and thought Billings would be a good place to live and explore, so I literally packed my bags and got a one-way Greyhound ticket. The first place I lived was Parkhill Drive (I think the address was 539) and then I lived off the corner of Yellowstone and First (a big bluish house). There was a music store on Grand Ave called Hansen Music and a very good guitar player who worked there named Art Eichele. I used to love driving to Custer battlefield, Red Lodge, Bozeman, Yellowstone and lots of other places. Wyoming was great to go driving around too. It was a great adventure and glad I did it. I'm in my mid-50s now and I'm guessing a bit older than you. Unfortunately I didn't start bowling until about 5 years ago. My son is 17, bowls one-handed, but started when he was very young, averages low 200s, and has some 300 games. I top 200 a lot but my average is 160s. I am very inconsistent and need to work on that. I can score 225 and next game have a hard time getting to 150. Wish I was 25 again. I think about Montana a lot. I used to get some takeout, drive up to the Rimrocks and eat looking out at the city and the mountains in the distance. I remember when I moved back to NYC. People thought I would have culture shock moving to Billings. But I didn't. However, when I moved back to NYC, I experienced it full force. Took a while to overcome. I subscribed and looking forward to watching more of your videos.
@@BigSkyBowler -- So, about 2 weeks ago I tried to bowl based on your hand positioning in this video. It was a bit awkward for me. Let me explain my usual hand positions: First of all, I don't cup the ball into my wrist and forearm. I hold the ball in my right hand but away from my arm and I crank my wrist so that the back of my hand is just about facing my leg and I spread my pinky and index fingers. My left hand holds the ball in place but on top of the ball. Therefore, my two hands are not touching. I bring my arm back and during my swing I rotate the ball bringing my hand around it so that the back of my hand is now facing away from my body (the normal position for someone's hand). I crank my wrist different amounts depending on how much I want to hook the ball. Sometimes I just get my hand right behind it and throw it straight (usually up the second arrow) and let it hook on its own. So my problem trying it your way is that both my hands have to touch, and the ball has to be cupped which felt very awkward. I haven't had much time for practice recently but played again today and tried to work on this new technique some more. I did a little better but not great and managed some good shots. I see that in order to really do it comfortably and naturally that I'm going to have to break it down into small steps/drills and build it up, which is what I should have done in the first place. My biggest issue is getting the ball off my hand smoothly. A few times my ring finger sort of got stuck in the ball. Oddly, some of those mishaps resulted in strikes. Everyone around me thought, great shot. No, I didn't admit it was just an accident; instead, I bowed and asked if anyone wanted my autograph. If you are using the power of your forearm in your throw, I can see that being helpful getting extra speed. A lot of the time I find myself throwing the ball just a little too slow and hooking a bit too early... a lot of "almost strikes" if only I had a tad more speed. I also need help getting the ball more on the outside than I usually do. I see the gutter and often overcompensate by throwing more down the middle of the lane. Not all the time, but enough. I need to find a way to be consistent. I will practice this new style more as time provides and look forward to becoming adept at it.
@@brigham2250 I understand. There is absolutely nothing wrong with the way you hold the ball in your setup but I do recommend getting your wrist in more of a cupped position. You can maintain the ball side hand position and still cup the wrist by using your non-ball side hand to do it appropriately. You are working the inside part of the ball which is a very good thing to do.
Not staying cupped however is definitely reducing your rev rate capabilities.
In fact, one bowler that I can think of who does it similar to the way you describe it is Osku Palerma.
To throw more on the outside part of the lane as a two-hander you will need to ensure that you are staying behind the ball so it reads the front part of the lane early and doesnt jump too hard on the back. You will also need to ensure your using either a reactive ball with a very stable layout (something like a short Pin to PAP) or a urethane ball.
Consistency takes time - the best way to be consistent is to have a focused practice session where you are focusing on being as consistent as possible at one thing at a time.
I am looking forward to hearing about your progress! Keep up the hard work!
I'm gonna try this and think it will help me alot never worried much about my left hand much besides holding the ball hopefully it will help me take some revs off for my 10 pin spares to. Thanks
Your welcome!
Thank you for watching!
Definitely gonna be trying this method out
Very interesting notes. I want to start trying this style
No time like the present!
I'm going to try this today. Thank you! I've been struggling to get behind the ball.
Your welcome!
We have very similar shots and approaches but I’ve been very inconsistent lately and I think it has to do with my off hand. Going to try this stuff tonight at league and see what happens
Great stuff. Thanks for making this video!
You are welcome.
amazing in depth video. thank you for this
Your welcome!
Getting into the sport again after many years and want to use the two-handed style now. Although this might work differently for each person, it looks like a very clever system to build up a playing style on.
It's awesome to see someone coming back to the sport with a motivation to try something completely different and new. Thanks for watching my video, I hope it will help you along your journey.
Exactly what I needed thanks for this tip!!
Happy to help!
Super informative, thank you for this
Your welcome! Glad it was helpful!
Thank you for watching!
Good video. I need to pick one anyway for more consistency
Thank you!
Going to try this today in practice!
Awesome let me know how it went!
Great video. Thank you!
You're welcome and thank you for watching!
This is really good information for any two hander or a coach. One question about having your opposite hand on top of the ball. I believe on the downswing the wrist will cup again before the release.
Not unless you're making that motion occur.
The intention here is to place your ball side hand in a power position without having to think about it. Having the non ball side hand in the proper position in front of the ball helps this occur naturally.
Thank you for the kind words!
I’ll have to test it out next time I go out
Let me know how it goes!
great info (best i have seem) thank you
You're welcome!
Your tips sure help. Yhanks.
Thx for sharing. Hopefully I get better
Your welcome and thanks for watching!
You will get better, if you put in the work and practice. Remember, there is not a single solution to getting better but hopefully these tips help!
New subscriber great great video I’m not a two handed player but considering changing. My one handed game as struggled mightily. I still tend to use a lot of muscle. I could never develop a free arm swing. I know when I practice I should be more drill orientated. But this in de Luxe Gary interesting and something I wish I could send a video because I believe I should’ve been a two-handed player all along.
I used to be the same way with my one handed swing. When I switched to two handed, everything instantly felt more natural to me.
I would encourage you to at least try it out and see how it fits. If you want a comprehensive review of your game, one or two handed, you can definitely look me up on Facebook and book a virtual lesson. Send me a dm!
facebook.com/JeremiahRooneyBowling
Thank you for the compliment on the video and thank you for watching!
@@BigSkyBowler Thank you Will do ! I’ll be looking forward to it 💪😃
Love your videos. I’ve noticed my non ball side hand slide a little further apart during the backswing than my initial setup position.
Is this an issue that will affect accuracy? How can I correct it?
Thank you!
I definitely understand what your dealing with, as I dealt with that initially as well.
What I recommend you do is focus on keeping your ball side arm completely relaxed during the swing, focus on getting the ball up into the swing using your non-ball side hand.
If you lift the ball into the swing with your ball side hand, your range of motion from your ball side hand/arm will quickly outrun the range of motion from your non-ball side hand.
@@BigSkyBowler thanks for the quick response. You mentioning the non ball side was meant to lift the ball into the back swing was a eureka moment for me after bowling for 6 years 2 handed. It’s hard to change that muscle memory after bowling 20 years one handed 😅
@@dezzraven couldn't agree more! Old muscle memory is hard to overcome.
I still struggle at times to overcome bad muscle memory from my one handed days.
@@BigSkyBowler my usual setup is full weight resting in the palm of my hall side hand. I tried a new setup today with the ball weight resting on my non ball side hand, like Belmo. Seems it works better for me to allow my non ball side hand to do the work in the back swing
uuu, finger thingy is som'in new... i gonna try that😙
Excellent! Let me know how it goes.
Great tips
Glad you like them! Thank you for watching!
Having the hand uncup in the backswing could be good if you are trying to cut down the hook on super dry lanes. Our centre has synthetic lanes that are over 35 years old and the centre is in the habit of not oiling the lanes on days with no leagues
Agreed, if you can be consistent at it, it definitely is a way to reduce your rev rate.
Thank you for the good video:)
I want to ask you a question.. Wouldn't it be possible to adjust the rotation with the index finger facing forward and the angle of the middle and ring fingers?
Not exactly sure what your asking here. Your changing the angle of your middle and ring fingers as I do in the video. If your doing that there's no way your index finger will remain pointed forward.
@@BigSkyBowler Hmm..it should have been a question for another case🤔
Thank you for your kind reply😉👍
@@Novajin0 are you maybe referring to not setting your release in your setup?
If so, yes it's possible but in my opinion, that gives you more to think about as you approach the line.
@@BigSkyBowler Yes~ I'll practice taking your advice into consideration:)
Amazing video, I'm getting better and better watching your videos, the positioning of your non dominant hand really dictates the accuracy of your shot.... I recently however discovered their 2 handed bowlers that still use the thumb hole with great results..i wonder is it any benefit?
Thank you!
Honestly, the only benefit I can see is it helps with release accuracy..
Beyond that, it's more of a limitation than an advantage IMO.
thank you
You're welcome! Thank you so much for watching the video.
Can you also adjust your axis tilt? Or does the tilt stay the same?
@@matthewputtroff9551 you can, but it's much harder to adjust without your thumb in the ball.
When you change your rotation, your tilt usually changes a few degrees.
Very interesting concept! I’m two handed with thumb and never thought of this, still learning a lot about different arm and hand positions for different ball reactions so I’ll definitely try this and see if this has an effect too. Considering I have my thumb in there as well.
Thank you!
Just keep in mind, even with your thumb in the ball you still need to focus on the non-ball side hand to support the swing properly.
Just found you through Elliens Bowling channel. I am coming back from both hips and both knees being replaced. I will have questions as I attempt to learn to bowl 2 handed. I am starting out with a 10 pound ball as I build my strength back. and eventually 15. Any hints would help.
Awesome to meet you! Welcome to the channel.
Your on the right path by starting with a lower weight ball, definitely work on drills as much as you can to increase strength in the proper areas before trying a full approach.
I would recommend doing drills with the lighter ball and slowly increasing the weight of the ball before you attempt a full release.
Honestly great vid
Thank you! Don't miss the rest of the series!
ua-cam.com/video/6LEDZ3nt06M/v-deo.html
ua-cam.com/video/cPn6RY5hM7w/v-deo.html
Ball Speed video coming out next week!
@@BigSkyBowler thanks 🙏
Enjoyed the video, but I’m confused. I’m a beginner and understand axis rotation to be when I bring my hand around to the outside of the ball, and axis tilt being when you do what you described as “axis rotation”…
I guess they are closely related, when your hand gets to the inside of that ball with axis tilt, there’s more ball to get under and up the revs, and in the end the hand winds up around the outside of the ball. I am interested in learning 2 hand style also though. Great video.
You understand both quite well. When you change one, you change the other.
The easiest way to change both is with the method described.
Check out this older video of mine where I try to explain.
ua-cam.com/video/E5tvaW1c6So/v-deo.html
Great tutorial, btw, what is a good ball weight for a 2 handed beginner? I stand 5’5” if this matter
Thank you!
Ball weight depends really on several factors. The biggest factors are how old you are and what kind of bowling experience you have.
There is nothing wrong with starting with a lower weight to help you get the feel for everything then moving back up in weight once you start to figure things out.
@@BigSkyBowler I'm 50 now, got it, I'll start with 12 then. Thank you!
@@BigSkyBowlerbtw, any recommended ball brand/style?
@@OurAmericanJourney being part of swag, I of course recommend swag balls.
The majority of our equipment is very controllable and control is what matters for two handers.
Check us out at www.swagbowling.com
Our shield series would be the recommendation of a starter ball in 12 lbs of that's the weight you plan to start with. We also have the buzzer beater series, designed specifically for two handers with a 78D coverstock hardness. This allows for the ultimate control.
@@BigSkyBowler I'll check it out! Thanks!
Looking to start bowling 2 handed perhaps. I will try this when practicing. When should I take my offhand off the ball?
Sorry for not responding until now. I've been super busy at bowl expo the past few days.
You will want to make sure your non ball side hand comes off the ball just before your ankle in the downswing.
Just tried 2 two handed today and love it!! I'm so inconsistent bowling regular but I have only bowled 4 times in the last 20 years but joined a league with the guys at work. The first 2 handed throw felt weird but I see why it was my support hand that was way in the wrong spot. Can waint to try this guy's technique it seems extremely helpful. Cool in depth video BTW. Cheers.
@@derek8511 glad it helped! Thank you!
Does your middle and ring finger ever get swollen and/or sore after bowling?
@@1ANN no.
If your fingers are, I would recommend going to see a certified PSO about your pitches.
Do you do lessons? My son is starting out first year bowling and he wants to do 2 handed. He's john Whitakers grandson. Richie knows us
Yes sir I do. I have a flyer at town and country lanes on the bulletin board.
So if I use the index finger technique on a spare ball I might get it to roll straighter at single pins?
If executed correctly, yes it will help you achieve more forward roll.
Just watched this video and one of your previous ones, showing hand position of the ball side hand. How do you mesh them together? Like are you still moving your non ball hand if you have your ball hand already set up for more rotation? I’m struggling with getting any rotation that’s consistent and doesn’t feel like I’m way around it and dropping it off my hand or I’m straight up the back and have no back end reaction and I’m unable to get deeper consistently when I need too.
Hello and thank you for watching the video.
They work together. I use my ball side hand to set my initial rotation, then I use my non-ball side hand to hold that position throughout the swing process by making sure I've got the correct finger on this hand locked between my ball side hand ring and middle fingers.
If your struggling with a consistent release, it is very likely that your non-ball side hand is moving around on the ball during your swing or there could be a problem with your approach that is making this occur. I would need to see a video to know for sure.
Have you tried using a bowling glove on your non-ball side hand to help you maintain your grip and position with that hand?
@@BigSkyBowler well I’ve actually never heard how important the off ball hand is until now. I will have to try it when I practice next.
Is there any reason many pros like belmo or packy don’t hold the ball against the forearm to start? It seems like it’s less common to do among the pros
Different way of doing it.
There are many others who do.
The one thing we all have in common is getting under the ball at the release point.
Thank you.
You are welcome
I am 2 handing but my affinity has a thumb drilled. I find myself skewing my palm alittle bit to the left for more rotation. should i grip it so my palm is over the thumb hole and focus on the support hand for the rotation? Hard to explain i know. :/
You throw it with two hands and the thumb hole isn't plugged?
First, you will want to get the thumb plugged so it's a legal ball.
Second, proper two handed technique does require proper use of your non-ball side hand to adjust your rotation. Just keep in mind that the non-ball side hand doesn't help the ball rotate, it just helps maintain the balls position throughout the swing until its released.
@@BigSkyBowler yeah I got it a long time ago and bc of work could never really get into it. Work for myself now and started really practicing like 2 weeks ago. I have a summer pass at a local place. Trying to just learn my way through it myself. I 2 hand bc I’m more legs then upper body bc I grew up playing soccer so I struggle getting a 14 back in the air so started 2 handing and found some results there. I’ll have to find the shop open one day to look into a plug, no1 has ever told me that so I’ve just been throwing it as is. Struggled with hearing the holes hit the floor down lane. Womp womp womp noise so that started making me rotate the ball with my 2 fingers in and the contact stopped so it’s a smooth roll now but didn’t want to be throwing it wrong bc I know it has a core inside and wanted to make sure I was spinning it the right way.
For the two holes, how deep do you have to put your fingers in ?
My grip is a semi fingertip. I get a better grip on the ball this way. If I use regular fingertip I feel like I can't hold onto the ball properly during the swing which causes release issues.
Would the same method apply to a no thumb one handed bowler or would it be different?
You could definitely attempt it. However without your non-ball hand remaining on the ball throughout the swing, you wouldn't really get the full benefit. You would have to remember to keep your wrist in that position through the swing.
Ok thank you
@@jerichogaydos7185 your welcome!
But why? Are their averages higher than bowlers of my prime line Earl Anthony, Chris and Dick Webber, etc?
DOES IT MATTER ON THE BOWLING BALL I HAVE A Axiom Pearl
No sir. All your doing is changing your release. Any ball, unless its plastic, will have a drastic change in ball shape if you do this properly.
@@BigSkyBowler THANK YOU SO MUCH MY HIGHEST WAS 214 BUT I WAS DRUNK LOL BUT NOW ITS TIME TO AVERAGE THAT SOBER.
Your welcome! Keep at it, you will get there!
Thanks for watching!
@@BigSkyBowler YOUR WELCOME MY BROTHER BLESS UP
good video but ideally a higher audio volume for dialogue
Thank you.
All of my recent content is much better as I have a good wireless mic now.
It looks like you have your fingers much deeper than finger tip. Are you in the ball more like a conventional grip?
Semi fingertip. In-between first and second knuckle.
@@BigSkyBowler Was your intent to add more rev rate or more control of the ball or both ?
@@jimbeard2864 it gives me more control and a better feel on my grip.
It actually reduces my rev rate slightly as the fingers take longer to clear the holes.
interesting tips but your backswing needs little adjustment :D
Yes I know, and its something I've been working towards fixing for a month now.
@@BigSkyBowler did you fix it? :)
The Two hand may be the. Future..how ever it is totally unfair to and older bowler who bowls single handed cause more revs and more speed that there is no way for single hand players ever to get
On the contrary... there are quite a few one handed players that rival a two handed rev rate and in some cases, exceed it.
Ej Tackett is one of them.
The future of bowling is both two handed and one handed.
Thanks for watching!
I almost skipped by this video because of the mediocre audio. ...Glad I didn't, though; this advice is gold!
I'm glad you stuck around!
Thank you and thanks for watching. I'm working on ways to have better audio, but my camera doesn't support external mics. I suppose I could just use my phones camera.
@@BigSkyBowler Well, I've subscribed with that hope... Thank you for your postings. I've just started bowling again after about 20 years, and I've been intrigued enough about two-handed bowling to try it. Your video filled in a lot of knowledge gaps for me. Thank you.
Your welcome! Your in the same boat I was in about 5 years ago when I came back to bowling.
dont ear blast us next time. 8:50 and beyond
Sorry, I did not have a wireless mic at the time of recording this video and I had to rely on the external mic of my camera.
I DON'T LIKE 2 HANDED BOWLER ... I PREFER RIGHT HANDED BOWLER AND I'M A RIGHT HANDED ...
2 handed bowlers, not using the thumb hole is not bowling. Should have different tournaments for each, 2 hands no thumb hole is cheating by creating more revolutions, which increases the chances of more pin action, equaling more STRIKES!
Your entitled to your own opinion but the last time I checked, there was no rules against having a higher rev rate.
By your logic, all bowlers with a high rev rate should be in a separate tournament together because there are several one handed bowlers out there who can match the two handed rev rate.
What about the 2 handed bowler that uses their thumb???
Not many of these.
After trying that myself, I honestly see no benefit in using your thumb as a two hander. It complicates the release and reduces rev rate.
However if you are using your thumb as a two hander, your thumb should be able to help you change your release but you will still need your non-ball side hand to support the ball properly as you swing.
@@BigSkyBowler just making the switch to 2 hands..after bowling years with 1 hand all my balls have a thumb hole …using 2 hands with my thumb definitely feels better and better on my wrist as well
To each their own. There are a couple of two handed bowlers who use their thumb, only one of which that I know has been successful at it.
@@BigSkyBowler can I ask who that may be…
Happy Thanksgiving
Here are the ones I know of:
Wesley Low Jr (used to use his thumb but stopped like 2 seasons ago and is bowling better).
Matt Russo (only one I know of who has won with his thumb).
Sean Maldonado (used to use his thumb, was unsuccessful and went no thumb last season, has won since then).