Bowler Types / Play Styles :
Two-Hander
Bowling.com Pro Staff Posted: September 18, 2025
Last Updated: April 1, 2026
Quick Article Summary: In-depth look at the Two-Handed bowling style, including unique equipment needs, recommended high-performance balls, and technique considerations for modern two-handers.
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What is a Two-Hander? The "two-handed" bowling style is a relatively modern technique that has revolutionized the sport in recent years. Two-handers use both hands during the approach and release, generating extreme revs and speed without a thumb in the ball. They cradle the ball with both hands throughout most of the approach, removing their non-dominant hand just before release. This unconventional approach allows two-handers to generate significantly higher revolution rates (sometimes exceeding 600 RPM)!
Game Traits: Very high rev rate (500–700+ RPM), fast speed (17–22 mph), and a dynamic, angular hook. Jason Belmonte popularized this style, standing out with his unique mechanics.
What type of ball should a Two-Hander use?
What Works: Two-handers need asymmetrical cores for angularity and solid or hybrid reactive coverstocks to handle their high revs on medium to heavy oil. Heavier weights (15–16 lbs) maximize pin carry, and fingertip drilling enhances their spin-heavy release.
Why: Their extreme revs require balls that can handle oil and snap hard on the backend, with cores amplifying their natural hook. As of April, 2026, some customer favorite bowling balls that work well for a Two-Hander are: 1) Hammer Black Widow 3.0 Dynasty, 2) Ebonite The One Ovation, 3) Hammer Maximum Effect, 4) Storm Ion Max, 5) Hammer Zero Mercy Solid, 6) Hammer Black Widow 2.0 Hybrid.
Top Bowling Balls For Two-Handers
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Two-Hander Play Style Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a two hander bowler in bowling?
A two hander is a bowler who uses both hands to cradle and deliver the ball. They keep their non dominant hand on the ball throughout most of the approach and remove it just before release. This style does not use a thumb hole in the ball and generates extremely high rev rates and powerful angular hook. Jason Belmonte is the most famous example who popularized this modern technique.
2. How does a two hander release the ball differently from a one hander?
Two handers cradle the ball with both hands during the approach and release it with only one hand at the bottom of the swing. They do not insert their thumb into the ball. This creates more leverage and allows for much higher rev rates. One handers use a traditional thumb in grip and rely on wrist rotation with one hand for lower to moderate revs.
3. What ball speed and rev rate do two hander bowlers typically have?
Two handers usually have very high ball speed between 17 and 22 mph and extremely high rev rates of 500 to 700 plus RPM. This combination produces explosive hook and strong pin carry, especially on medium to heavy oil patterns.
4. What type of bowling ball should a two hander use?
Two handers need high performance reactive balls with asymmetrical cores and solid or hybrid coverstocks to handle their massive revs and create strong angular backend reaction. Heavier balls (15 to 16 lbs) are common for maximum power. Recommended balls include the Hammer Black Widow 3.0 series, Ebonite The One Ovation, Storm Ion Max, and Motiv Jackal Ghost. Fingertip drilling without a thumb hole is standard.
5. What are the pros and cons of bowling with a two handed style?
Pros include generating extreme rev rates for powerful hook, high strike potential, and excellent pin carry on oily conditions. Cons include the need for specialized equipment to control the high energy, greater physical demand on the body, and potentially more difficult spare shooting compared to lower rev styles. It requires good timing and balance to be consistent.
