USBC distinguishes a two-handed approach, where the dominant hand delivers the ball, from a two-handed delivery. A no-thumb ball needs a grip-orientation mark, and a bowler who does not use the thumb cannot use a ball with a thumb hole in certified competition. The USBC rulebook caps ball weight at 16 pounds and sets no minimum, so choose by control and fitted grip.
Start a two-handed setup with the delivery you intend to use. The ball’s fit and hole layout depend on that grip, so settle how you release it before a pro shop drills a personal ball.
Know which two-handed technique you use
USBC separates two types of delivery. A two-handed delivery uses both hands to impart force on the ball. A two-handed approach keeps both hands on the ball during the swing while the dominant hand imparts force at release. The rulebook identifies the dominant hand by the side of the body through which the ball swings.
Match the ball’s holes to your grip
| Your delivery | What to discuss with the pro shop |
|---|---|
| You use your thumb on every delivery | Fit the thumb and finger holes to your hand and use the thumb hole consistently. |
| You deliver without your thumb | USBC says the ball cannot have a thumb hole; a no-thumb ball needs a plus sign to show its intended orientation. |
| You use a two-handed approach and one hand for spares | Use the same dominant hand for both. USBC’s rulebook allows this when the dominant hand stays the same. |
USBC’s equipment rules also limit gripping holes to the fingers and thumb of one hand. The 2026-27 rulebook says gripping holes must be used on each delivery, with stated exceptions for house balls and balls weighing 12 pounds or less. Its no-thumb rule separately says a bowler who does not use the thumb cannot use a ball with a thumb hole. Ask the league or tournament official if your ball or delivery raises a rule question.
Choose weight for a repeatable swing
USBC sets a 16-pound maximum and no minimum for a bowling ball. Pick a weight you can swing smoothly for a full session, then have a pro shop fit the span and holes to your delivery. Compare bowling ball weights and learn how pin-to-PAP layouts fit into a later ball decision.
If this is your first personal ball, see the beginner equipment order and finger inserts and thumb slugs. Browse beginner and league guides.
Sources
Common questions
Does a two-handed bowler need a special bowling ball?
The ball's fit and drilled holes must match the bowler's delivery. Start with the hand used to deliver the ball, whether the thumb is used on every shot, and a weight you can control.
Can a no-thumb bowler use a ball with a thumb hole?
USBC says a bowler who does not use the thumb during a delivery cannot have a thumb hole in that ball. If a thumb hole is present, it must be used on every delivery.
Can a two-handed bowler shoot a spare one-handed?
USBC allows a bowler to use only the dominant hand for a spare when that is the same hand used for the two-handed approach. Follow the league's current delivery rules.
What is the plus sign on a no-thumb bowling ball?
It marks the intended grip orientation. USBC says a ball without a thumb hole must have a scribed or engraved plus sign near the center of the palm and be delivered with the palm covering it.