How to Bowl a Hook With a Fingertip Ball

Bowling with a curve or hook allows greater opportunity for consistent strikes and therefore higher scores, but learning to throw a hook ball takes practice to perfect. A fingertip drill on a ball allows just a small portion of the fingers in the ball. Using a fingertip ball may require even more rehearsal since throwing a fingertip creates additional lift and therefore extra curve on each throw. Adjusting to that hook and learning to control the lift demands proper technique in order to dependably roll the ball the same way.

Instructions

    • 1

      Choose a ball that is properly drilled for your hand. The thumb must release first, so the thumb hole should not be too tight.

    • 2

      Release the ball at the bottom of your swing, pulling your thumb out first so the ball rolls off the fingertips.

    • 3

      Follow through straight up with your swing so the ball rolls off the tips of the other two fingers instead of sliding down the lane. Avoid turning your wrist to try to create a curve.

    • 4

      Practice with different balls of different weights and varying lane conditions so you can learn how to adjust to such factors.