How to Make a Bowling Ball Hook

A good hook in bowling starts with a good finger grip.

Making a bowling ball hook takes a lot of practice, but it can be worth the effort. A good hook will take the ball into the pins at an angle and create more pin action than a straight ball can. Throwing a good hook comes down to how the ball is gripped and then released.

Things You'll Need

• Bowling ball
• Bowling Alley

Instructions

1. Practice with a lighter ball and one with a thumb hole large enough to fit at least 3/4 of the digit. The middle and ring fingers should sink only to the first joint.

2. Bring the ball back into the swing position as you start the approach. The palm should be slightly behind the ball.

3. Bring the ball forward as you take the final stride and release the ball. It should roll off the thumb first, and your fingers must "lift" a little.

4. Follow through with your arm going straight up. The finger release should generate the hook. Twisting your wrist or the ball will not have much of an impact on the hook.

5. Practice the release and determine the break point of your "natural" hook. If your hook takes too long to kick in and misses the pocket, adjust your release point.

Tips & Warnings

• Release the ball closer to the lane for more movement

• Watch how your ball reacts to the lane and make adjustments on your approach

• You want to make the same approach and have the same release every time you throw the ball. This will allow you to make the proper adjustments when going for spares.

• Lay the ball down as close to the lane as possible. The ball will curve less if it is lofted or bounced on the lane.

References

• Help With Bowling