How to Bowl With Reactive Bowling Balls

Bowling is a game that has evolved significantly over time. Equipment manufacturers continually create products that will help the bowler get a higher score. Before the current generation of reactive bowling balls was introduced, bowlers could only choose between rubber, plastic and urethane finishes. While it was possible to hook these bowling balls, it required more effort, with a less satisfying result. Reactive bowling balls create a lot of friction with the lane and can hook much more than older-generation equipment. Therefore, it is necessary to learn how to properly use them as you make this transition.

Instructions

    • 1

      Insert your fingers into the ball first, followed by your thumb. This will allow your thumb to come out of the ball first, which is essential for a proper release.

    • 2

      Stand on the approach with the ball in your hand. The hand you throw the ball with should be positioned directly underneath the ball, while your non-bowling hand should be placed on the side of the ball to hold it steady.

    • 3

      Simultaneously take your first step and push the reactive ball toward the pins, with both hands still positioned on the ball. You will be taking a four-step approach, so your first step should be with the foot that is on the same side of your body as your bowling hand.

    • 4

      Take your second step as you remove your non-bowling hand from the side of the ball. Allow the reactive ball to fall down and pass your side, creating a pendulum motion with your arm.

    • 5

      Make your third step as the ball is nearing the top of your back swing.

    • 6

      Take your fourth and final step as the ball returns forward in your swing, releasing the ball as your arm begins the upward motion of your swing. Your thumb will come out first, followed by your fingers. Imagine that you are shaking hands with the pins as you release the ball, so that your thumb is pointing upward. This method of release will naturally cause the ball to rotate properly, thereby creating a hook.

    • 7

      Repeat steps 1 through 5, adjusting your feet and your target according to where the ball hits the pins, until you are hitting between the headpin and three pin (if you are right handed) or the headpin and two pin (if you are left handed). The spot between these pins is known as the pocket.

    • 8

      Continue practicing until you have had to adjust significantly. This may involve moving your feet and target to find more oil, or it may involve changing your hand position in order to tame the reaction of your new equipment. A reactive bowling ball will displace oil on the lane, meaning that you will need to change where you are standing and where you are looking to continue hitting the pocket.

    • 9

      Practice shooting spares with your reactive bowling ball. Even if you plan on throwing a plastic ball for your spares, it will help you to understand how the ball reacts to oil. Properly reading this reaction is the key to effectively bowling with reactive bowling balls.

    • 10

      Bowl in your league or tournament after you are confident that you understand how your reactive bowling ball will move. Bowling in a league with four or five people on a team, many of whom are using reactive equipment, means that the oil pattern will change drastically during the course of a league night.

    • 11

      Use your plastic, rubber or urethane ball if the reactive bowling ball is hooking more than you can handle. You may feel obligated to throw your new reactive bowling ball no matter what the condition is, but it is just a tool to help you achieve the highest score possible. If it is hooking more than you can control, switch to a bowling ball that will hook less.