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Making the Ball Hook

      Making the ball hook is the best way to consistently score better.  With today’s equipment and lane conditions, all of the higher average bowlers and professional bowlers throw a hook ball.  This is because it carries through the pins better than a straight ball.  If you desire to become a better bowler, and are currently throwing a straight ball, then learning how to throw a hook will help.

    The release is the first thing that you have to learn.  Your hand position at release is similar to holding a glass of water.  If you were to have a clock in front of your hand at release, your thumb would be at 10 o’clock and your fingers at 4 o’clock.  For left handed bowlers, the thumb would be at 2 o’clock and the fingers at 8 o’clock.  For a ball to curve properly for a right handed bowler, the ball will be rotating in a counter clockwise direction.  For the left handed bowler, the ball will be rotating in a clockwise direction. 

    There are a few things to look out for to make sure you can hook the ball properly.  One thing that new bowlers may do is try to over-rotate the ball.  You will know that is happening if the palm is facing down after the release.  This will cause the ball to spin down the lane similar to a top.  A ball will not hook as much this way as releasing the ball with the thumb at 10 o’clock for right handers and 2 o’clock for left handers.

    With today’s modern equipment, a bowling ball can be drilled to help the bowlers to learn the hook ball.  Different types of covers on the bowling balls and different weight blocks can make the ball hook more or less.  Balls with an aggressive cover stock and drilled properly, can make the ball hook with less effort by the bowler.

If you have any questions, please email Jose at

Jose