How to Hook a High Reactive Ball

A high reactive bowling ball is so called because it reacts, through friction with the lane, to increase the hook potential of the ball. Reactive bowling balls have resin particles added to the urethane stock. The resin causes the ball to hydroplane through the oily portions of the lane and move hard when contacting the dry portions, resulting in a heavy back-end hook. Properly throwing a high reactive ball takes skill and practice.

Things You'll Need

  • Bowling shoes
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Instructions

    • 1

      Grip the bowling ball with the two middle fingers and thumb of your dominant hand. The ball should be drilled for a fingertip grip, which means you insert the two fingers into the ball only to the first knuckle. This setup allows a quicker release of the ball and more revolutions.

    • 2

      Set up on the approach to the left side of the lane (for a right-handed bowler). Note a mark for your setup you can use to orient yourself and make adjustments if needed. Aim to throw your ball at the second arrow from the right on the lane, which will result in a throw moving left to right across the lane and hooking back toward the pocket.

    • 3

      Take your approach and a full backswing, then release the ball at the foul line. When you release, your palm should be under the ball. Your thumb should release first, allowing you to move your hand upward to create lift with your fingers. This lift will determine the number of revolutions the ball will undertake.

    • 4

      Repeat the procedure until you are comfortable with it and throwing a consistent shot. Consistency is the key to making adjustments. Don't worry about making a good shot the first few throws; just focus on throwing the same and getting the same results.

    • 5

      Make adjustments based on the results. This trial-and-error process will become easier with practice. Some basic adjustments include moving your body to the left if your ball is coming back too far into or past the pocket, aiming more left or right to compensate for where the ball begins hooking and increasing, or decreasing the amount of revs you put on the ball during release to increase or decrease the hooking action.