Learning the two-handed delivery properly can establish skills that will be used as the bowler develops and ages. The �run and dump� and �chest throw� styles may knock down some pins and look and sound strong, but neither method will build or establish the long-term skills required for lasting success.
For the basic two-handed delivery, the bowler should put the ball down on the approach at the center dot. This center dot is slightly larger than the others and young bowlers can easily find the �big� dot. Position the ball so that the holes face upward with the finger holes toward one hand and the thumb hole toward the other hand as shown in the figure below. This is because in most bowling balls, the area in the middle of the grip is slightly heavier or lighter than other parts of the ball. If this heavy spot is turned right or left, it will cause the ball to curve. Having the fingers and thumb to the sides will allow the ball to roll without hitting these holes. Hitting the holes can also cause the ball to �jump� and go off the intended path. When using an inflatable ball on a gym floor, roll the ball so that it rolls over the valve used to inflate the ball. The valve can be a "heavy" spot and rolling the ball over this spot will help in keeping the ball rolling on a straight line.
With the ball in the proper position, have the bowler stand behind the ball with feet approximately shoulder width apart. Have the bowler squat down and put his or her hands behind the ball ready to push as shown below. A good way to help the bowler understand putting the hands behind the ball is to have him or her touch, or almost touch, the pinky fingers together.
