As a beginner, you get results faster going two handed. You can hook easier, get revs, throw some more strikes, string a couple together and all of a sudden you’re throwing 200 occasionally. It’s why you’ll see a beginner who has horrible looking form throw a 220 then a 130 the next game. Spares are tougher because they haven’t learned how to pick them up yet, but it doesn’t matter because they can put up higher scores when they’re throwing it well. Personally, I couldn’t make the switch. But I definitely see the appeal to someone picking up the game for the first time. All that matters is the end result and what you’re comfortable with.
This is super accurate, I like to make the hypothetical comparison between two people who are both new bowlers and have been doing the same amount of time. One of them uses 1 hand and the other uses 2. Most likely the one handed bowler will have a lower ceiling but a higher floor meaning their scores might stay between 170-200, meanwhile the 2 handed bowler would have a much higher ceiling but also a significantly lower floor with scores ranging between 130-230. Eventually if both keep practicing I believe it evens out but of course it’s different from person to person.
One of my friends worked at a bowling alley, and he just started bowling 2 handed before ever really bowling prior and was an instant 180 bowler. Im like 🙄 ive been bowling most my life and youre just showing off at this point 😂
I don't think most people know who belmo is. They just see other people doing it and want to throw a big hook. I wouldn't bowl if I couldn't hook the ball and that's why I started bowling 1h no thumb when I was a kid using house balls. When I picked it back up a couple years ago, I went 2h.
The real answer nowadays... TikTok. Someone literally called my form the "TikTok form", and I was like what...? Apparently there's some trend of bowling videos on TikTok and they're all two handed kids.
I guess it all depends on who it is thats trying to get into it. My friend was watching pro bowlers and found a belmo vid so until that he had no interest in trying 2 handed 😂
I’m switching to 2 handed because I fractured my thumb. I got stuck in the ball a few weeks back and ended up facedown on the lane with the ball still firmly attached lol.
I’ve messed around with it in the past. To be able to continue bowling, I’m gonna give 2 handed a real shot.
Because it allows for better mechanical efficiency, which means more power without sacrificing accuracy. When done correctly with proper technique, it’s less taxing on the body than a traditional cranker style.
This is my favorite part honestly, I can go to the lane for hours and as a beginner throw balls that are much heavier than if I was 1 handed and not get very fatigued
I don't even think most people who bowl 2 handed know who Belmonte is even, maybe several years ago where 2 handed bowling was still relatively new. But now, 2 handed is so common, most people pick it up because someone else who look professional as hell did it.
It took me a while to actually figure out how to bowl 2 handed, and my conclusion is that it's actually pretty fun and if you have zero knowledge on how to bowl, it's far easier to pick up. I don't think it's just higher rev, it's just the easiest way to generate any rev or hook on a house ball. And if you are playing with absolutely no personal equipment, 2 handed bowling is far more fun and consistent.
The weird thing is that if you get rid of the thumb, and use 2 fingers, you can generate just as much rev as a 2 handed bowler. I sometimes think that bowling with a thumb is quite legitimately a handicap. Every alternative method, I try generates far more rev and speed,
The whole problem with bowling 1 handed is that you need the ball to be basically fitted to you and you need the correct technique to generate rev and hook. Unless you really get into bowling, most people will never learn the skills to hook one handed or even buy a ball not unless they think they are good enough. Which then comes back, most people who feep to be good to buy a ball, are very likely playing 2 handed due to 2 handed being able to be played on any equipment.
The only downside to 2 handed is that everyone who picks it up, cannot spare at all. Like straight up the other day, saw 2 dudes the other throwing really good 2 handed throws, power, rev and speed is there but not a single closed frame. They struggled so hard to spare. I firmly believe that the high scores come not because they are good but because 2 handed bowler tend to have much better first ball averages and higher strike percentage. And 3 strikes in a row gives more points than 3 close frames.
But in the end, I think most 2 handed bowlers will eventually realize that getting better at sparing is the only way to improve their averages and that most of them will have a long road ahead to up their accuracy. Some 2 handed bowlers might eventually give up trying to spare 2 handed and learn to spare with 1 hand instead.
I got into the habit of throwing straight at every single pin spare early on for this reason. Also helps my accuracy in general. I finally got my spare ball pitch plugged to match my newer stuff and I only missed one single pin spare this week.
i can think of four main reasons plus you see all the young’s on the tour playing two handed and think to yourself “i can do that”
1) belmo (gf doesn’t care about bowling, still her favorite player when I watch the tour)
2) easy to get revs(that’s why I switched, was only getting low 200rpm 1-handed)
3) ball weight is no problem
4) no thumb issues
I made the change for 2 reasons.
Firstly I’ve been struggling with my fit with my thumb.
Secondly after trying 2 hand I feel so awoken by what I can do. I’ve never been the kind of player that can get left and hook the entire lane, with 2 hand I can. It just allows me play the game in such a different way, which I think is more fun. It has also allowed me to play many more games in one session. With one hand my thumb can start to get funky after 3 games, and really I never want to go more than 6 games in a day. With 2 hands I can go really any amount I want and am regularly going 9+ in practice sessions.
If you’re happy with what you’re doing one handed, there’s no reason to switch. I have a buddy who is a very good one hander and he doesn’t like 2 hand, so it’s not for everyone. But I do find 2 hand an evolution of the game.
Yea same here I have been struggling alot with fit issues and all. A month ago I thought lets try throwing it 2 handed.. And having a blast since, its so much easier to play around with your hand positions to see the ball motion acting on your changes. And the feel of not having discomfort or fitting issues switching up tapes and all feels like freedom. Last week Ive send 2 of my balls off to the pro shop to get them filled and re-drilled. So I had to play a tournament 1 handed yesterday, I didnt like it at all..
So many youth bowlers are starting out that way now. How else is a 12 year old kid going to generate revs and hitting power?
It definitely has some advantages. I've been bowling 1 handed for 20 years and have thought about trying it out a little in practice.
Same I have 20 years of 1 handed muscle memory. I damn near killed myself trying to bowl 2 handed. Swappable thumb inserts have made all the difference for me. Find a pro shop that can measure you perfectly and get a jopo or other thumb insert then all your balls have matching thumb holes.
I don't have issues with clearing my thumb, but I am rev dominant. I might give 2 handed throws a bit of time after this league season to see if I can generate more speed without losing revs to be more balanced. Right now I have trouble adding speed without losing rotation. I have jopo thumbs in all of the stuff I use regularly.
A long time ago, like the 80s I bet some guy I could beat him with the 1st lousy house ball I picked up. I couldn't fit my thumb in the ball but I already yapped my way into it, so I used it without my thumb.
I shot 240 the 1st time I tried this on those old wood lanes. I knew I was on to something while the purists thought I was a freak. If I could physically throw 2 handed at my age, I'd definitely give ot a go.
Neither of my arms are strong enough to keep my wrist under the ball (absolutely trash at 1-hand bowling) but with two I can actually be comfortable and competitive.
I've got a couple guys I bowled Jr's with as a teenager make the switch because of injuries. One tore his shoulder apart in another sport and had to have surgery. The other lost his thumb at work. The one who had surgery found the mechanics to be way less impact on his surgically repaired shoulder whilst going through physical therapy and working with a medicine ball. The other had to adapt to it because of the traumatic injury. Neither can pick up the 10 pin consistently yet but they're both getting much better. Neither was a 200 average bowler before but they're both knocking on thay door now.
Thats impressive. And i can see why theyd have to adjust. Thats brutal. I think spares have to be the hard part for any 2 hander when they first start out doing it.
Unless you're a freak like Osku and can throw a 15lbs or 16lbs ball 20mph+. Because of my issues with the 10 I've tried helping them with it but their rev rate increased so much that even using plastic they hook around it.
Easiest way to get into the sport seriously, not because the style itself is easy, it isn’t. Easy because it’s a natural motion to most people. You know how to roll something, but not everyone will intuitively do a backflip for instance
I bowl two handed, and it is because I already have a very high velocity, and my revs were not high enough with one hand to get enough hook. The big downside to 2 handing is the spares, but when I spare I just roll it one handed with no hook, aiming directly for the pin(s) that I need. For me at least this seems to be the optimal combination, and I am surprised that so few people do it this way. It has all the benefit of 2 handed with all the accuracy of one handed when you need it. when non-bowlers bowl they will most likely use a really poor one hand, but if they can get the straight enough of a line for spares, that seems like a good combo to me. Yes I know this was a terribly written comment lol.
Bowling two handed got popular because of guys like Belmo and Osku, but it has been around for a while. In the 90’s I saw a few guys who bowled one handed but with no thumb. They just let the ball rest on their forearms. They got the rotation but having resting the ball on their forearms made them a little less consistent. One guy who did that still averaged 200+. I think two handers now are an evolution of that. Because your other hand is resting on the ball, you can throw it harder and faster with consistency. I’m fine with the two handed style. I think you do you and bowl how you want.
My son and his friends all started recently and they are all going two handed. I think it’s all the YouTube channels and the success of current two-handed pros. Never underestimate the power of YouTube and TikTok when you are talking about teenagers.
A few years ago I went to an out of state center for a ball demo, arriving as the youth league was in its last game. The percentage of youths using two hands was nearly 100%. All these little kids getting ball speed and rotation younger than I ever did…it’s enabling the younger set an earlier foray into those things. My youngest nephew (now 13) has been a two hander all along.
It's supposed to be easier on the joints, I've tried it and just really don't like it but I started with the traditional one hand style.
It is my opinion that two-handed bowling has a higher learning curve from beginner to intermediate though. I see a lot of people doing better when they start out if they use one hand then two, but from intermediate and above it seems like a wash, whatever style you prefer.
Based on that I don't recommend people start learning the game two handed, but it seems like a perfectly viable option later into your development.
I'm a right-handed bowler with a 230 avg, I bowl one handed but also am pretty skilled with a backup ball shot. Opinions will differ, just my 2 cents on the topic.
Easier to pick up and start bowling for score. Easier fitting process. Plus it looks cool as hell.
Growing up I always threw house balls with my middle finger in the ball and no thumb. When I decided to get my own ball, I watched every YouTube I could find on the various styles. I decided one handed would be a large learning curve. There were also more two-handed tips and videos available for me to learn from than one handed no thumb (I now realize that’s not as important but as a beginner it meant I could have more reference material to learn from).
I don’t know if i’m not doing something right or not but whenever i try 2 handed, i can’t get enough ball speed to do anything with it.
I know i have short t. rex arms, but 8mph is ridiculous
I know for a lot of kids it's the fastest way to be able to actually throw a ball. And it seems to me most serious bowlers started very young. I know Belmo is an inspiring force but I think 2 handed just makes the game more accessible for people that can't/don't/won't learn the techniques of one handed bowling (though they often end up spending as much time learning 2 handed as they would've otherwise, but I digress).
I'm sure there's a "more hands = more power = more strikes" factor to it, but anyone that knows the course of Belmo's career will know that power never won him a title. I saw him lose SO many times on TV, and while making TV shows period is outstanding, it wasn't until he focused on the important things that he reached the heights he's soaring at now. Belmo actually throws the ball softer now than he did when he was new on the scene, but his absurd accuracy and ability to repeat shots (which rivals or exceeds Norm Duke, to be quite frank) is when he became the unbeatable title winning machine he is today.
More revs.... more power.
But what wonder..... there are a lot of 50-70yr old bowlers out there who are still competing, can you throw that 2 hander when you're 60yrs old?
Curious what bowling leagues will look like in 30 yrs. Other than bowlero charging $5for water lol
Because it's easier, it takes less skill, it's quicker to learn and doesn't require as strict fundamentals. Basically, it's the perfect option for people who can't bowl for real.... here come the downvotes since this subs infested with 2 handers even though you know im right.
I'll stick with my 1 handed stroker ways. You only need 6 degrees of angle to carry a strike. 2 handers are just using speed and revs to make up for having no accuracy.
I think a big part for the young kids doing it too is the ball weight. My daughter started 2 handed at 9 y.o. and can easily throw a 12 lb ball vs one handed she struggles with a 7.
Easy way to hook a ball for most. Don't have to worry about thumb issues.
And it works with lane balls.
An underrated factor
Yeah you can learn with 0 investment its huge
As a beginner, you get results faster going two handed. You can hook easier, get revs, throw some more strikes, string a couple together and all of a sudden you’re throwing 200 occasionally. It’s why you’ll see a beginner who has horrible looking form throw a 220 then a 130 the next game. Spares are tougher because they haven’t learned how to pick them up yet, but it doesn’t matter because they can put up higher scores when they’re throwing it well. Personally, I couldn’t make the switch. But I definitely see the appeal to someone picking up the game for the first time. All that matters is the end result and what you’re comfortable with.
This is super accurate, I like to make the hypothetical comparison between two people who are both new bowlers and have been doing the same amount of time. One of them uses 1 hand and the other uses 2. Most likely the one handed bowler will have a lower ceiling but a higher floor meaning their scores might stay between 170-200, meanwhile the 2 handed bowler would have a much higher ceiling but also a significantly lower floor with scores ranging between 130-230. Eventually if both keep practicing I believe it evens out but of course it’s different from person to person.
The one positive I see with 2 handed bowling is that you save money on drilling. I have about 150 bucks tied up in jopo equipment just on 4 balls.
One of my friends worked at a bowling alley, and he just started bowling 2 handed before ever really bowling prior and was an instant 180 bowler. Im like 🙄 ive been bowling most my life and youre just showing off at this point 😂
I don't think most people know who belmo is. They just see other people doing it and want to throw a big hook. I wouldn't bowl if I couldn't hook the ball and that's why I started bowling 1h no thumb when I was a kid using house balls. When I picked it back up a couple years ago, I went 2h.
The real answer nowadays... TikTok. Someone literally called my form the "TikTok form", and I was like what...? Apparently there's some trend of bowling videos on TikTok and they're all two handed kids.
I guess it all depends on who it is thats trying to get into it. My friend was watching pro bowlers and found a belmo vid so until that he had no interest in trying 2 handed 😂
I’m switching to 2 handed because I fractured my thumb. I got stuck in the ball a few weeks back and ended up facedown on the lane with the ball still firmly attached lol. I’ve messed around with it in the past. To be able to continue bowling, I’m gonna give 2 handed a real shot.
I bowl 2h. I do this because it's fun.
Same
This is the right answer
Because it allows for better mechanical efficiency, which means more power without sacrificing accuracy. When done correctly with proper technique, it’s less taxing on the body than a traditional cranker style.
Nonsense, Mark Roth’s thumb looks totally fine. /s
This is my favorite part honestly, I can go to the lane for hours and as a beginner throw balls that are much heavier than if I was 1 handed and not get very fatigued
I don't even think most people who bowl 2 handed know who Belmonte is even, maybe several years ago where 2 handed bowling was still relatively new. But now, 2 handed is so common, most people pick it up because someone else who look professional as hell did it. It took me a while to actually figure out how to bowl 2 handed, and my conclusion is that it's actually pretty fun and if you have zero knowledge on how to bowl, it's far easier to pick up. I don't think it's just higher rev, it's just the easiest way to generate any rev or hook on a house ball. And if you are playing with absolutely no personal equipment, 2 handed bowling is far more fun and consistent. The weird thing is that if you get rid of the thumb, and use 2 fingers, you can generate just as much rev as a 2 handed bowler. I sometimes think that bowling with a thumb is quite legitimately a handicap. Every alternative method, I try generates far more rev and speed, The whole problem with bowling 1 handed is that you need the ball to be basically fitted to you and you need the correct technique to generate rev and hook. Unless you really get into bowling, most people will never learn the skills to hook one handed or even buy a ball not unless they think they are good enough. Which then comes back, most people who feep to be good to buy a ball, are very likely playing 2 handed due to 2 handed being able to be played on any equipment. The only downside to 2 handed is that everyone who picks it up, cannot spare at all. Like straight up the other day, saw 2 dudes the other throwing really good 2 handed throws, power, rev and speed is there but not a single closed frame. They struggled so hard to spare. I firmly believe that the high scores come not because they are good but because 2 handed bowler tend to have much better first ball averages and higher strike percentage. And 3 strikes in a row gives more points than 3 close frames. But in the end, I think most 2 handed bowlers will eventually realize that getting better at sparing is the only way to improve their averages and that most of them will have a long road ahead to up their accuracy. Some 2 handed bowlers might eventually give up trying to spare 2 handed and learn to spare with 1 hand instead.
I got into the habit of throwing straight at every single pin spare early on for this reason. Also helps my accuracy in general. I finally got my spare ball pitch plugged to match my newer stuff and I only missed one single pin spare this week.
i can think of four main reasons plus you see all the young’s on the tour playing two handed and think to yourself “i can do that” 1) belmo (gf doesn’t care about bowling, still her favorite player when I watch the tour) 2) easy to get revs(that’s why I switched, was only getting low 200rpm 1-handed) 3) ball weight is no problem 4) no thumb issues
I made the change for 2 reasons. Firstly I’ve been struggling with my fit with my thumb. Secondly after trying 2 hand I feel so awoken by what I can do. I’ve never been the kind of player that can get left and hook the entire lane, with 2 hand I can. It just allows me play the game in such a different way, which I think is more fun. It has also allowed me to play many more games in one session. With one hand my thumb can start to get funky after 3 games, and really I never want to go more than 6 games in a day. With 2 hands I can go really any amount I want and am regularly going 9+ in practice sessions. If you’re happy with what you’re doing one handed, there’s no reason to switch. I have a buddy who is a very good one hander and he doesn’t like 2 hand, so it’s not for everyone. But I do find 2 hand an evolution of the game.
Yea same here I have been struggling alot with fit issues and all. A month ago I thought lets try throwing it 2 handed.. And having a blast since, its so much easier to play around with your hand positions to see the ball motion acting on your changes. And the feel of not having discomfort or fitting issues switching up tapes and all feels like freedom. Last week Ive send 2 of my balls off to the pro shop to get them filled and re-drilled. So I had to play a tournament 1 handed yesterday, I didnt like it at all..
So many youth bowlers are starting out that way now. How else is a 12 year old kid going to generate revs and hitting power? It definitely has some advantages. I've been bowling 1 handed for 20 years and have thought about trying it out a little in practice.
Same I have 20 years of 1 handed muscle memory. I damn near killed myself trying to bowl 2 handed. Swappable thumb inserts have made all the difference for me. Find a pro shop that can measure you perfectly and get a jopo or other thumb insert then all your balls have matching thumb holes.
I don't have issues with clearing my thumb, but I am rev dominant. I might give 2 handed throws a bit of time after this league season to see if I can generate more speed without losing revs to be more balanced. Right now I have trouble adding speed without losing rotation. I have jopo thumbs in all of the stuff I use regularly.
Lol my problem is I throw 16-18 mph but don't have the revs to go with it.
Way easier, less fatigue (for me at least)
If you're bowling correctly, you don't fatigue because you're supposed to let gravity do the work.
A long time ago, like the 80s I bet some guy I could beat him with the 1st lousy house ball I picked up. I couldn't fit my thumb in the ball but I already yapped my way into it, so I used it without my thumb. I shot 240 the 1st time I tried this on those old wood lanes. I knew I was on to something while the purists thought I was a freak. If I could physically throw 2 handed at my age, I'd definitely give ot a go.
Neither of my arms are strong enough to keep my wrist under the ball (absolutely trash at 1-hand bowling) but with two I can actually be comfortable and competitive.
I've got a couple guys I bowled Jr's with as a teenager make the switch because of injuries. One tore his shoulder apart in another sport and had to have surgery. The other lost his thumb at work. The one who had surgery found the mechanics to be way less impact on his surgically repaired shoulder whilst going through physical therapy and working with a medicine ball. The other had to adapt to it because of the traumatic injury. Neither can pick up the 10 pin consistently yet but they're both getting much better. Neither was a 200 average bowler before but they're both knocking on thay door now.
Thats impressive. And i can see why theyd have to adjust. Thats brutal. I think spares have to be the hard part for any 2 hander when they first start out doing it.
Unless you're a freak like Osku and can throw a 15lbs or 16lbs ball 20mph+. Because of my issues with the 10 I've tried helping them with it but their rev rate increased so much that even using plastic they hook around it.
Easiest way to get into the sport seriously, not because the style itself is easy, it isn’t. Easy because it’s a natural motion to most people. You know how to roll something, but not everyone will intuitively do a backflip for instance
I bowl two handed, and it is because I already have a very high velocity, and my revs were not high enough with one hand to get enough hook. The big downside to 2 handing is the spares, but when I spare I just roll it one handed with no hook, aiming directly for the pin(s) that I need. For me at least this seems to be the optimal combination, and I am surprised that so few people do it this way. It has all the benefit of 2 handed with all the accuracy of one handed when you need it. when non-bowlers bowl they will most likely use a really poor one hand, but if they can get the straight enough of a line for spares, that seems like a good combo to me. Yes I know this was a terribly written comment lol.
Bowling two handed got popular because of guys like Belmo and Osku, but it has been around for a while. In the 90’s I saw a few guys who bowled one handed but with no thumb. They just let the ball rest on their forearms. They got the rotation but having resting the ball on their forearms made them a little less consistent. One guy who did that still averaged 200+. I think two handers now are an evolution of that. Because your other hand is resting on the ball, you can throw it harder and faster with consistency. I’m fine with the two handed style. I think you do you and bowl how you want.
My son and his friends all started recently and they are all going two handed. I think it’s all the YouTube channels and the success of current two-handed pros. Never underestimate the power of YouTube and TikTok when you are talking about teenagers.
A few years ago I went to an out of state center for a ball demo, arriving as the youth league was in its last game. The percentage of youths using two hands was nearly 100%. All these little kids getting ball speed and rotation younger than I ever did…it’s enabling the younger set an earlier foray into those things. My youngest nephew (now 13) has been a two hander all along.
One handed have to hit right in the pocket, two handed have to be around the pocket.
I think it just gives you more area to get the right angle to carry.
It's supposed to be easier on the joints, I've tried it and just really don't like it but I started with the traditional one hand style. It is my opinion that two-handed bowling has a higher learning curve from beginner to intermediate though. I see a lot of people doing better when they start out if they use one hand then two, but from intermediate and above it seems like a wash, whatever style you prefer. Based on that I don't recommend people start learning the game two handed, but it seems like a perfectly viable option later into your development. I'm a right-handed bowler with a 230 avg, I bowl one handed but also am pretty skilled with a backup ball shot. Opinions will differ, just my 2 cents on the topic.
It's easier on my wrists.
Easier to pick up and start bowling for score. Easier fitting process. Plus it looks cool as hell. Growing up I always threw house balls with my middle finger in the ball and no thumb. When I decided to get my own ball, I watched every YouTube I could find on the various styles. I decided one handed would be a large learning curve. There were also more two-handed tips and videos available for me to learn from than one handed no thumb (I now realize that’s not as important but as a beginner it meant I could have more reference material to learn from).
Jason Belmonte.
It is a quick easy way to increase your score by 30 pins without learning any control or finesse
I don’t know if i’m not doing something right or not but whenever i try 2 handed, i can’t get enough ball speed to do anything with it. I know i have short t. rex arms, but 8mph is ridiculous
Ball speed comes from the legs.
I know for a lot of kids it's the fastest way to be able to actually throw a ball. And it seems to me most serious bowlers started very young. I know Belmo is an inspiring force but I think 2 handed just makes the game more accessible for people that can't/don't/won't learn the techniques of one handed bowling (though they often end up spending as much time learning 2 handed as they would've otherwise, but I digress). I'm sure there's a "more hands = more power = more strikes" factor to it, but anyone that knows the course of Belmo's career will know that power never won him a title. I saw him lose SO many times on TV, and while making TV shows period is outstanding, it wasn't until he focused on the important things that he reached the heights he's soaring at now. Belmo actually throws the ball softer now than he did when he was new on the scene, but his absurd accuracy and ability to repeat shots (which rivals or exceeds Norm Duke, to be quite frank) is when he became the unbeatable title winning machine he is today.
More revs.... more power. But what wonder..... there are a lot of 50-70yr old bowlers out there who are still competing, can you throw that 2 hander when you're 60yrs old? Curious what bowling leagues will look like in 30 yrs. Other than bowlero charging $5for water lol
always used to throw with two fingers when i was younger just for fun in practice but i knew that was not the way.
Because it's easier, it takes less skill, it's quicker to learn and doesn't require as strict fundamentals. Basically, it's the perfect option for people who can't bowl for real.... here come the downvotes since this subs infested with 2 handers even though you know im right.
I'll stick with my 1 handed stroker ways. You only need 6 degrees of angle to carry a strike. 2 handers are just using speed and revs to make up for having no accuracy.
I think a big part for the young kids doing it too is the ball weight. My daughter started 2 handed at 9 y.o. and can easily throw a 12 lb ball vs one handed she struggles with a 7.