How to Bowl a Reverse Hook

A reverse hook, better known in bowling as a "backup ball," is a maneuver that hooks the ball in a path opposite to the conventional hook. Normally, a right-handed bowler spins the ball in a counter-clockwise rotation with the hook breaking from right to left into the strike pocket on the right side of the pin formation. A right-handed reverse hook spins clockwise and the ball breaks from left to right into the strike pocket on the left side of the pin formation. Reverse hooks thrown by left-handers are similarly opposite. The tendency to throw reverse hooks is innate and usually not a conscious decision.

Instructions

    • 1

      Line up on the side of the lane opposite to your dominant hand. A right-handed bowler will line up to the left of the center board and a left-handed bowler to the right.

    • 2

      Use the alignment dots and arrows on the bowling lane opposite your dominant hand as reference points to visualize a reverse hook into the pocket. A right-hander will utilize the left-hander's dots and arrows to estimate the path and make corrections. For a right-hander, imagine a path extending from the center dot, between the second and third arrow, then breaking to the right and hooking into the left pocket.

    • 3

      Maintain your conventional stance and grip through the backswing phase.

    • 4

      Draw the right elbow in toward the hip as the downswing begins. Consciously pivot the palm of your hand to the right to add clockwise spin to the ball and lay the ball down the middle of the lane.

    • 5

      Follow through with the arm continuing smoothly up toward the face.