Tips to How to Throw a Curve Ball in Bowling

When people first start bowling, they generally begin by learning to throw a straight ball. When done correctly, a straight ball rolls directly down the lane from the original release point. For a curve ball, or hook, a bowler uses his fingers and wrist to control the rotation of the ball, ideally causing it to swerve into the pocket when it strikes the pins. This type of throw is generally more effective in bowling consistent strikes, because the ball hits the pins at an angle and creates more pin action.

  1. Use the Right Ball

    • To begin throwing a curve ball, practice with a ball that weighs less than the ball you typically use. This allows you to get the feel of controlling the ball with your fingers. The lighter ball will be easier to rotate, providing more control over the curve.
      Use a ball with a properly sized thumb hole. The hole needs to be loose enough for your thumb slips out easily.

    The Technique

    • A curve ball is thrown by allowing the ball to roll off of the thumb on the backswing and then by rotating the ball with the fingers and wrist snap on the forward swing. As the ball is released, the fingers should move upward on the outside of the ball, rotating the ball. Use all of your fingers, not just your middle and ring fingers, to control the ball.
      Begin by holding the ball so that your thumb is at about 11 o'clock or just left of straight up. If you are left-handed, your thumb should be at 1 o'clock. Before throwing the ball, focus on the headpin. This is roughly where you will be aiming, though a perfect curve ball will come at the headpin slightly from the side and hit pins in the second row as well. Swing the ball backward, letting it roll off of your thumb just before you begin your forward swing, then swing the ball forward, putting your index and little fingers on the ball next to your fingers that are inserted in the ball's holes, turn your wrist in the direction that you want the ball to curve and release. This spin will control the rotation of the ball as it rolls down the lane.