Not using any finger hole

[jbkoala]

I wonder if it is legal to throw a spare ball by palming it without using any finger and thumb hole?

[kidlost2000]

http://www.bowl.com/rulebook/

[JohnP]

I'm not sure if that is in the rule book, it is in the equipment specifications manual.  The portion for balls over 10 lbs is pasted below, lighter balls have tighter limits.  --  JohnP

The following tolerances shall be permissible in the balance of a bowling ball used in certified
competition:
1. 10.01 pounds or more:
a. Not more than three ounces difference between the top half of the ball (finger hole side) and the bottom half (side opposite the finger holes).
b. Not more than one ounce difference between the sides to the right and left of the finger holes or between the sides in front and back of the finger holes.
c. A ball drilled without a thumb hole may not have more than three ounces difference between the top half and bottom half of the ball.
d. A ball used without any holes or indentations may not have more than one ounce difference between any two halves of the ball.

[jbkoala]

Hmm, still not sure whether its legal or not, but I tried it and it sure killed every single rev and made 10pin super easy...

[JohnP]

See section d (in bold print) of my previous post.  As long as the ball you're using without any drilled holes meets these specs it is legal to throw that way.  But it's going to be fairly difficult to find a ball that meets those balance specs.  Now, if you mean can you throw a ball with drilled holes without actually using any of the holes for gripping, I am not aware of any rule that would prohibit that.  Another way you could try is to insert only your thumb, turn it so the fingers are away from their holes, and then palm it.  It's almost impossible to put any revs on it that way.  --  JohnP

[Aloarjr810]

JohnP I believe he's talking about throwing a ball that has holes, just not using them. Not a ball without holes.

Which you can do, but you have to cover the holes with your hand.(I believe because any hole not covered would be considered a weight hole and you can only have one weight hole)

Holes
The following limitations shall govern the drilling of holes in the ball:
1. Holes or indentations for gripping purposes shall not exceed five and shall be limited to one
for each finger and one for the thumb, all for the same hand. The player is not required to
use all the holes in any specific delivery, but they must be able to demonstrate, with the
same hand, that each hole can be used simultaneously for gripping purposes. Any hole that
cannot be reasonably shown to be used with a single hand would be classified as a balance
hole.

[jbkoala]

Aloarjr810, yes you are right. Just trying to throw a normal ball with 3holes without using any of them.
I am 2 handed hence its easy to throw for me without using any finger holes.

[JohnP]

As I read the rule, the holes must be in a position that they can be used, but you don't actually have to use them.  I don't see anything that says they have to be covered during a delivery.  --  JohnP

[Aloarjr810]

I don't see anything that says they have to be covered during a delivery.  --  JohnP

I agree it doesn't exactly say that in the USBC Rule book or the Equipment Spec. Manual.

But I've read in other posts/articles where they mentioned covering the hole's.

(One said it this way "By strict rule the thumb is a gripping hole if covered, weight hole if not covered. A second weight hole would make the ball illegal (or shot illegal) if thumb hole isn't covered.")

And after looking at the Manual I figured out where it came from.

In the Spec. Manual page 8 under "Two-Handed Techniques--->Determining the Grip Center" (Which covers two handed and thumbless bowling.) it says:
 
Note: the ball must be in specification for balance and hole requirements as the ball rests in the bowler’s hand. A
ball may be in specification if oriented one particular way but not another. Compare Figures 11 and 14.

The example in Fig.14 is the not allowed orientation. It's a ball with 2 fingerholes, 1 thumbhole and a balance hole.

The ball is turned so that only the fingers are in the fingerholes. the thumbhole is away from you. In this example they consider the thumbhole a new second balance hole.

So it violates the rule for only having one balance hole and being able to demonstrate, with the same hand, that each hole can be used simultaneously for gripping purposes (Because holding the ball that way you can't get your thumb in the hole).

[JohnP]

Let's say for argument's sake that it is illegal.  First, who's going to challenge it?  I doubt that there are many bowlers that are even aware of the rule.  Second, what would the penalty be?  Maybe a firm "don't do it again"?  Now, I'm not advocating doing anything that is not according to USBC regulations, but this is a situation that even those of us that are fairly familiar with both the equipment spec and general bowling rules aren't sure of.  I'd say do it until someone challenges it, then consult the USBC rules dept.  --  JohnP

[Aloarjr810]

Let's say for argument's sake that it is illegal.  First, who's going to challenge it?  I doubt that there are many bowlers that are even aware of the rule.

I totally agree, it would probably only come up in once in a 1000 times. In some hardcore league or tournament.

Second, what would the penalty be?  Maybe a firm "don't do it again"?

The penalty would be whatever they thought to have in the league or tournament rules to cover the situation.

 

Now, I'm not advocating doing anything that is not according to USBC regulations, but this is a situation that even those of us that are fairly familiar with both the equipment spec and general bowling rules aren't sure of.  I'd say do it until someone challenges it, then consult the USBC rules dept.  --  JohnP

The "Do it till you get caught" scenario is fine by me too.

As for the OP's question, he can do it.

[jbkoala]

Thanks for all the input. Now I am shooting my spares without using any holes. Ive got the release timing smooth now, really made my game much easier now. At least I do not have to fear dry or spotty lanes now.
Will do it until someone challenges me.