How to Hook the Ball With the Fingertip Bowling Grip

Only amateurs throw the ball straight -- professionals hook.

Ideally, when throwing a bowling ball towards the 10 pins at the end of the lane, the ball should come in at an angle. Striking the "1" pin on the side will send it pummeling into half of the pins and allow the ball to knock down the other half. The best way to achieve this angle is to hook the ball down the lane. The ball should start out off target, then gently hook back onto target just in time to hit the pins.

Instructions

1. Insert of tips of your middle and ring finger on your dominant hand into the two side-by-side holes at the head of the ball.

2. Insert the tip of your thumb on your dominant hand into the single hole at the butt of the ball.

3. Take the ball back into an even and parallel line with your shoulder, so that the ball is pointing directly behind you.

4. Begin the down swing motion, thrusting the ball forward and releasing just as your arm breaks the plane of your body and goes from behind you to in front of you.

5. Twist your wrist from outside to in just as you release the ball, causing it to begin off target and spin back on target. If you are left handed, the ball will start out left, spin clockwise and finish on target. If you are right handed, the ball will start out right, spin counterclockwise and finish on target.

Tips & Warnings

• It may feel a little unnatural at first, since all common sense tells you not to throw the ball towards the gutter, but practice through repetition until you can comfortably and confidently throw the ball into harm's way and allow it to come back all on its own.

• It is wise to stretch your lat muscles and loosen your rotator cuff before throwing a bowling ball, in order to stave off injury and achieve a full range of motion.

References

• Improve Bowling: How to Hook a Bowling Ball with Greater Accuracy
• Perfect Bowling: How to Hook a Bowling Ball