How to Throw A Bowling Ball To Make It Hook

A good hook can create extra pin action.

Throwing a hook in bowling is not a matter of strength or style. It does require a good grip on the ball, knowing where to aim, and a steady arm swing.

Instructions

1. Use a ball where your thumb fits in snugly but can be pulled out with little friction. The other finger holes should be spaced far enough from the thumb hole so your whole hand is on the ball.

2. Stand in the middle of the lane. Your head and body center should line up with the 20th board (the middle board) and the throwing arm hanging at about the 12th board from the gutter.

3. In the back swing of your approach, slightly turn your hand so the back of your hand (opposite palm) is slightly facing your body. Keep the hand behind the ball rather than under it. This action should create the spin necessary for a hook.

4. Crouch into your slide to lay down the ball down as close to the lane as possible (as opposed to dropping it on the lane). The wrist should rotate evenly so the back of the hand goes from facing the body to facing behind the body to the right. Release the ball evenly, starting with the thumbs. Do not exaggerate any part of the release.

5. At the release, the slide foot should be at the center of the lane, and the ball should be released at about the 12th board. Your shoulders should be square to the lane. Aim for the second arrow from the gutter. If you successfully hook the ball, it will go up the 12th board and slightly hook back to the middle of the lane in time to hit the pins in the pocket.

References

• Improve Bowling