Can A Bowler Bowl With Both Hands? (Unexpected Answer)

Bowling has become one of the oldest sports In the world. Anyone could engage in it. Also, the approaches to bowling have gradually evolved across generations, leading to the advent of new forms and techniques, making bowlers adapt. One of these adaptations could be bowling with both hands.

However, this new adaptation could be confusing and controversial for some people. 

You can bowl with both hands. In fact, some of the best bowlers in the world even use this approach. This has become so common that they’re often called two-handed bowlers. 

They’re probably some misconceptions and unknown facts about two-handed bowling. Therefore, let’s learn more.

Is Bowling With Both Hands Wrong?

The controversies about this style of bowling have spread across countries. Some people even go to the extent of saying that this technique is cheating and illegal simply because both hands are involved. 

However, bowling with two hands isn’t wrong because it does not go against the USBC (United States Bowling Congress) rules governing this sport.

Whether it gives an added advantage or disadvantage, it’s just a style. Some bowlers merely prefer this technique to other approaches like one-handed bowling. 

Even one of the world’s known bowlers, Jason Belmonte from Australia, has won several professional tournaments using this approach (two-handed Belmo style). This further proves that this bowling technique is accepted professionally.

Should Bowling With Both Hands Be Banned?

As earlier mentioned, bowling with both hands is a technique of bowling known as a one-handed technique. It’s not that this technique is much easier for some bowlers; it’s just preferred. 

Rumors have even spread that some bowlers, most especially the old day seamers(bowlers), don’t see any wrong or illegality In this two-handed bowling approach. 

They merely want to get rid of it because of the fear of its dominance over traditional one-handed bowling. You can see that their reason is vague and meaningless. Rather envious.

There isn’t any reason as to why bowling with both hands should be banned. Some people may give reasons concerning the two-handed bowling having an unfair advantage for it to be banned. However, bowling with both hands is not an assurance for success, wins, or even a trophy. 

You should be able to deliver your ball any way you want. After all, you still have to send it 60 feet to a target about an inch wide. 

Moreover, It also requires practice. Robert Smith even generated more Revolution(s) Per Minute than Belmo. He did this with his one-handed technique. 

I have seen many people struggle to make revolutions even though the two-handed technique generally increases a bowler’s revolution rates.

 Even Brian Valenta uses both hands to bowl but hasn’t won a national title. One-handed bowlers have rather dominated. This shows that bowling with both hands is equal to one-handed bowling.

Bowling with both hands also serves as a means by which young children can participate in the game. Rolling a ball with two hands is how a six-year-old child bowls when not strong enough to hold and spin the ball with one hand.

 Many young children who lack the coordination and strength of older children and young adults find it more natural to hold and throw the ball with two hands than one. Therefore, banning this technique will side-line young children from participating In this sport. We know how sports and recreation play an important role in child development.

Bowling with both hands shouldn’t be banned as it equals any other bowling technique in the long run. The so-called ‘unfair advantage’ should not pull you off.

Bowling With One Hand Vs. Bowling With Both Hands

Regardless of the approach to which you deliver your shot, you still have to be consistent in your release and hitting what you aim for down the lane. If you can’t do this, it’s irrelevant how you throw the ball.

Over the haul, I see about an even split between two-handed bowlers and one-handed bowlers. Both ways have advantages and disadvantages. Whatever way you throw the ball, you have to be consistent to score.

Rolling the ball with one hand involves an actual arm swing, something that can take years and thousands of games to also perfect and hold up the pressure. 

Contrarily, rolling and holding a ball with both hands require less experience and practice than one-handed bowling. You merely need to know one’s equipment.

One-handed bowlers pay special attention to where they place their hands on the ball. Whereas two-handed bowlers figure out the spots and grips to which they’re most comfortable.

 Bowling with both hands, your two hands support the ball and have a tight grip on it. However, In one-handed bowling, only one hand is used, there’ll be less support.

Bowlers believe that most two-handers get more Revolution Per Minute on the bowling ball, thereby increasing their ability to score. However, many professional one-handers are closer in Revolution rates than some one-handers. Nevertheless, two-handers have increased chances.

One-handers make more hand adjustments when delivering the ball, whereas two-handers usually find it hard to adjust their hands. This fact can be an advantage for one-handers as lane conditions change.

In two-handed bowling, the second hand allows you to make deliveries without a thumb. This feature will thus create an ability to rotate and lift the ball and have a decent ball speed. One-handed bowling sadly uses just one hand.

One-handed bowling slightly maximizes power and control. However, if you want a technique that increases power, go for the two-handed technique. A lot of practice would determine the one you should choose.

Apart from extra power and two-handers’ ability to create shoulder abduction that facilitates the power, they can change their ball roll more easily than one-handed players. Two-handers can make their ball roll more forward and make more angles through the pins on the fly.

In as much, one-handed players will still have a much easier time manipulating the Revolution rates and options while playing. They’ll also have more control over the ball.

Even though E J Tackett clicked over 600 RPMs(Revolution Per Minutes) with one-handed bowling, everything requires practice. I advise you to use the two-handed approach despite all the benefits or challenges you might experience or have.

Also, note that as a two-handed bowler, you are ultimately responsible for the delivery. Being slightly out could result in a split, and you’ll have to be able to take the hook off the ball to convert several spares.

 Although the two-handed approach is not a guarantee to succeed or win, you’ll have more Revolution Per Minute, deliveries without a thumb using the second hand, power, and much more to mention. Trust me, the benefit outweighs the difficulties associated. Just be committed!

What Are Difficulties Or Problems You May Experience Bowling With Both Hands?

I can give reasons to bowl with both hands and still give you reasons not to bowl with them. The disadvantage of this approach is irrespective of experience!

 Even though it enhances power and all, two-handed bowlers have challenges just as other techniques in bowling.

Two-handed bowlers usually require quicker moves with an extremely flexible body, which is why not all bowlers are comfortable with this technique. This need for speed and flexibility is due to the increase in Revolution Per Minutes.

Since two-handed bowlers will have a higher revolution rate than other bowling techniques, beginners will need to take little time to learn spare shooting. If you’re not able to throw two-handed at spares, it can be hard to play using this technique.

In two-handed bowling, the accuracy of the ball’s release is compromised. This fact is because there is an absence of free swing. Nevertheless, if your body is flexible and you can master this technique to deal with high revolution rates, this will not be a problem.

Also, before releasing the ball down the lane, two-handed players usually need to lean forward and rotate the body. This leaning could put a lot of rotating force through the spine, especially on the lumbar vertebrae. If the impact is more than the spine can handle, the lumbar spine muscles can get affected.

Generally, as a bowler (specifical two-handers in this case), you’ll need to run. In the process, you can hit your knee at the line if you’re not careful. This effect can cause the two tendons to rub together. 

Surgical operations can be later needed, which is also life-threatening. Note that these injuries could appear anywhere, could be the wrists, arms, or even shoulders.

The benefits such as the high revolution rates I stated earlier shouldn’t enrapture you. Always try to look into these pull-backs before your conclusion on this approach.

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