Bowling Techniques for a Curve Ball Hook Ball

Throwing a spectacular hook is one the hallmarks of a seasoned bowler. It is an extremely effective shot and is used by every bowler in any major tournament. Curving the ball into the sides of the pins reduces the risk of leaving splits and increases the odds of striking. There are four elements to every hook technique: physics, hand rotation, ball type and lane conditions.

  1. Physics

    • Bowling balls rotate on a horizontal axis, also called axis rotation, and on a vertical axis, called axis tilt. These two forces converge at a spot on the lane called the break point, which is the point when the ball begins to curve toward the pins. Axis tilt, or "spin," should be kept to a minimum when hooking. Releasing the ball with your thumb near the bottom of the ball instead of the top will reduce your spin. Axis rotation can vary depending on the style of the bowler. The higher the rotation, the faster the ball reaches the break point and starts hooking. Finding a happy medium is a big part of hooking technique.

    Hand Rotation

    • Proper hand rotation is another element of a solid hook technique. As the hand rotates when it releases the ball, the thumb moves first, then the fingers. Starting the thumb at the 11 o'clock position and rotating counterclockwise as the ball is released is the most basic hooking rotation technique. The fingers are what put the rotation on the ball by tugging at the ball as it slides off the hand. Keeping the wrist firm during the swing of the ball and the rotation of the hand adds to overall ball control.

    Ball Type

    • Friction is an important factor in a hook ball, and there are four basic types of bowling ball with varying degrees of friction: plastic, urethane, reactive resin and particle bowling balls. Plastic balls are the most inexpensive and the hardest to control. They are prone to skipping and make poor hooking balls. Urethane are softer than plastic and get more friction, making them better hook balls. Reactive resin is a coating on a urethane ball, and the resin particles give the ball more grip and greater hook potential. They work well in a variety of lane conditions. Particle balls are coated with ceramic or glass and have the greatest grip of any ball. They are the easiest ball to hook and are the favorite of pro bowlers.

    Lane Conditions

    • The oil applied to bowling alleys can have a significant impact on a hooking ball, and a bowler must know how to adjust his technique relative to the lane conditions he faces. Dry lanes are harder to hook balls on than oiled lanes. Moving your feet, and your eyes, to different boards on the lane will enable you to adjust your hook accordingly. A two-to-one ratio is often applied, for example, looking two boards to the left or right of your target and moving your feet 4 feet in that direction. Sometimes ratios of 3:6 or 4:8 are needed to properly adjust this element of proper hooking technique.