How to Increase Your Bowling Rev Rate

Your rev rate is the number of revolutions your bowling ball makes per minute (rpm). More revs usually give the ball a stronger hook and a steeper entry into the pocket. This guide explains how to increase your rev rate in bowling – through wrist position, grip, release and targeted drills – and why control matters more than the number itself.

What rev rate means

How rev rate is measured

According to the United States Bowling Congress (USBC), rev rate is best measured right after the release, when thumb and fingers leave the ball. The usual method is video: you mark a point on the ball and count in slow motion how many times it turns within a set number of frames, then convert that to revolutions per minute.

Typical ranges

Bowlers are often grouped by their rev rate:

• Strokers – smooth release, typically below 300 rpm.
• Tweeners – between the two, roughly 300 to 370 rpm.
• Crankers – strong wrist action, typically over 400 rpm.

Two-handed bowlers often reach higher numbers; Jason Belmonte and Jesper Svensson have both been measured at over 500 rpm. These groups describe a style, not a level: successful professionals can be found in all three.

Rev rate, axis rotation and axis tilt

Rev rate is often confused with two other release characteristics. Axis rotation describes how far the ball's axis is turned sideways and strongly influences the shape of the hook. Axis tilt describes how steeply the axis is tipped and affects how long the ball skids before it starts to hook. Before changing your release, find out which of the three you actually want to change.

Wrist position

A firm, cupped wrist keeps your fingers behind and under the ball longer and is one of the most effective ways to add revs. A flat or broken wrist reduces rotation. The differences are explained in our article on wrist position in bowling. If you struggle to hold the position through the swing, a wrist support can help – ideally as a training aid, not a permanent substitute for technique.

A common reason for a collapsing wrist is a ball that is too heavy. If that is the case, a lighter ball often helps more than extra effort; see how to choose the right ball weight.

Grip and drilling

Fingertip or conventional grip

With a conventional grip, the fingers go into the ball up to the second joint; with a fingertip grip, only up to the first joint. The fingertip grip keeps your fingers in the ball longer at release and is considered the biggest equipment factor for more revs. It requires a ball drilled for your hand – our guide to ball drilling and finger fitting explains the details. If you are still bowling with a house ball, start with choosing your first ball.

Grip pressure

Squeezing the ball costs revs. A relaxed grip lets the ball roll cleanly off your fingers. Span and pitch of the finger holes also affect how your fingers exit the ball; a pro shop can check them.

The release

The thumb leaves the ball first, then the fingers lift through it. Turning your hand too early or too quickly usually costs revs rather than adding them. Stay behind the ball and let the rotation come from the finger lift. A detailed overview of the different styles is in our guide to bowling release techniques.

Timing matters too: the release should coincide with your slide on the last step. Some bowlers switch to the two-handed style to generate more revs; that changes the whole delivery and is best done with a coach.

Drills for more revs

One-step drill

Start one step from the foul line and concentrate only on a clean release. Without the full approach, you can feel how thumb and fingers exit the ball.

Shadow releases

Without a ball, swing your arm and rehearse the cupped wrist, the hand position behind the ball and the thumb-first exit. Once the movement feels natural, add the ball.

Video from behind

Film your release from behind and in slow motion. You will see whether your wrist holds its position and how the ball comes off your hand. Our article on video analysis shows how to set it up.

Realistic expectations

A new release is a trained movement. It usually takes several weeks before you feel a difference, and longer before it holds up under pressure. Practise it in training rather than on league night, and measure your rev rate from time to time instead of after every shot.

When more revs are not the answer

Accuracy comes first. If you miss your target by a few boards, extra rotation will not save the shot. Work on your spare shooting, learn to read the lane and keep your rhythm repeatable. The USBC recommends focusing on rev rates you can repeat and use in competition, rather than on your maximum.

A consistent slide on the last step helps as well. BOWLIO bowling shoes have a genuine leather slide sole under both shoes and suit left- and right-handed bowlers, from beginners to professionals.