Expert: Warren Friedl, Pro Shop Owner/Operator, - 5/28/2009

Question
At what age should I get my son, age 11, his first fingertip ball.  He is about 70 lbs 4 ft 7 inches.

He averages 127 with new conventional ball.
Thanks

Answer
Don,
I've got a 26 year old that out hooks me with a conventional grip. My other boys switched in high school. Their sister is very accurate with a conventional grip, plastic ball.

I've always felt that a performance grip puts a lot of pressure on the growing hands of kids, and with less performance from the ball or the grip, if they want to knock stuff down, they develop skills.

The fingertip grip isn't necessary for performance, because at a young age kids roll the ball too slow to NEED much hook. Teach him the skills and he'll hook the ball plenty.

When he gets older and stronger, and throws harder, you'll recognize when more "hand" would benefit him.

Thanks for the question. Good luck and good bowling.