by A.C. Turley

Created on: September 01, 2009

Bowling seems like a deceptively easy sport sometimes. You've seen those spectacular bowlers who throw graceful, hooking shots that attack the pocket and knock the pins down with echoing action. When they release the bowling ball onto the lane, it seems like the gutter is calling, but then the ball curves and heads straight for the sweet spot-the pocket between the headpin and the second pin-and they get another strike. It's like magic! So, you've probably wondered how they do that, right? I did too.

Though I was a regular bowling league player, my teammates' averages were well above mine, but after learning how to adjust my throw to have a slight curve, my average finally rose too. In fact, serious bowlers who master a hook will consistently have higher scores than those who throw straight balls because they have more control over the outcome. The beneficial angle a spinning ball takes toward the pocket results in increased pin action, which translates into more consistent striking power. So, stop getting frustrated on the lanes, and throw a hook that pulverizes those ten pins and raises your score too.

First off, you can throw a curve with any bowling ball once you know the method, but your potential for a wider arc, and a more consistent hook is greater when you have the right equipment. If you throw a hook with a basic house ball, which is made of plastic and doesn't fit your fingers, it will be less controllable, and will not grip the lane and spin like you want. That is why a serious bowler invests in his own bowling ball. Choose one that is a comfortable weight and get it custom drilled to fit your grip. Tell the pro shop retailer your interest in learning to throw a hook and select a ball better suited for that purpose, like one with reactive resin, particle, epoxy, or urethane coverstock (surface). Each of these have their own quirks, so make sure to explain that you are a beginner as you can always upgrade later. Also, realize that bowlers will often have fingertip grips instead of open holes for finger placement. This is difficult to get used to, but allows for quicker release of the ball.

That said, I learned my hook technique while using a basic ball, so if purchasing new equipment isn't economically sound for you, don't worry! Your main concern when throwing a hook is how you release the ball onto the lane anyway. Executing the proper release is what gives the ball its desired axis tilt (vertical revolutions, or spin) and axis rotation (horizontal

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