For a smooth, modest hook and one which is simple to control, set up the approach with your hand holding the ball, not flatly underneath the ball and not entirely on the side of the ball as if you were going to shake hands with any person, but rather in between the two positions.
If you were to permit your hand to maintain this position via the complete swing cycle and into the release area, you would rotate the ball’s axis, perhaps just 15-20 degrees, and the outcome will be a controllable hook on the back end of the lane.
You can also grip the ball in a full handshake position or on the side of the ball and maintain the situation via the swing and release to get a similar outcome.
Still, the danger is that you may “over-turn” your hand and blow your elbow while releasing the ball to have your hand pass over the top of the ball and the palm of your blowing hand face the floor.
That kind of release will cause inconsistencies and outcomes in the wrong direction towards the target and an unsuccessful roll.
Keep your bowling hand positioned between the flat and handshake, palm up positions all through the swing cycle, and the release with your elbow directly behind the needle entering the release area.
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Ball Release | USBC Bowling Academy
You will get a perfect and moderate hook on the bowling ball.
It is easy to get a sharper and more powerful hooking motion on your ball by setting up on the approach with your hand under the ball with the palm of your hand facing toward the ceiling.
This hand position is generally a “behind the ball” positioning as your hand gets the critical release area with your hand, maintaining the “behind the ball” positioning on the forward swing.
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Proper Release of a Bowling Ball
The primary thing a bowling beginner needs to move to the next stage of their game is to learn how to throw a bowling ball hook correctly and successfully. While straight-line shooting can get the work done, it reduces a player’s room for error on first shots and severely restricts the level of pin action and carry a bowler gets at the end of their shot.
So, learning to throw a bowling ball is very important for a player to get the most out of their throw every time. With that in mind, we are here to give you the right idea to throw and how to do it in a way that will increase your scores and improve your shot altogether.
How to Hook a Bowling Ball Step by Step
Picking the right ball
The weight
Picking the best weight is integral in learning how to bowl. There is no need to feel sad with all the sizes and colors of balls you see on the rack. A bowling ball that is perfect for you should be 10 percent of your body weight.
Ten pounds for a 100 pounds person, 20 pounds for a 20 pounds person, etc. If you have a heart or limb situation, it is okay to pick an even lighter ball.
The Grip
Making sure your fingers fit rightly into the three holes of the ball is vital for learning how to throw a bowling ball rightly. Your hand should be stretched wide enough to pass a pencil between your ball’s surface and palm.
The material
Plastic coverstock
- Best for starters and low-budget investors.
- Don’t absorb oil from the lane.
Reactive resin coverstock
- Best for serious players
- Resin absorbs oil from the lane, supporting it to keep the ball on track.
Urethane coverstock
- Strong hook
- More friction than plastic balls
- Nonabsorbent surface
Getting the thumb out
When throwing a hook, use the same approach method you are already relaxed with.
You first need to get rid of the thumb from the bowling ball, which should happen right as you make your end step with your foot.
This is a vital step for a hook shot because your index and middle fingers are the ones that will be dictating the hook.
It will be tough to control if you leave your thumb in for too long.
Finger lift
After removing the thumb, the ball weight will be transferred to your fingers, and the ball will be at the lowest point of your arm swings.
At this time, you remove the ring and middle fingers from the ball while simultaneously turning them clockwise for left-handlers and counter-clockwise for right-handers.
It should be the natural or swift flicking motion of the fingers, and they should come up and to the side of the bowling ball.
This is known as lift, and it provides the ball force while permitting you to control your shot instead of softly dropping it onto the lane.
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Hook follows through
For a proper follow-through, your arm should continue to swing forward and towards your focus. It should end up looking as though you are giving a handshake.
This release is best because it results in the best mixture of side rotation and revolution.
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Tips for perfecting the best bowling release
Ensure the ball is fitted rightly
The first and foremost thing is to ensure the bowling ball is fitted by a pro shop expert. They know how to drill balls and how to lay out your hand measurements. Each bowler has different size hands. Having a rightly fitted ball ensures more comfort capability, which makes sure an excellent chance of the best release.
Choosing the proper footwear and clothing
Comfort is truly vital when bowling. It is essential to pick bowling boots or use the shoes usually provided at the bowling alley, starting with footwear. As for clothing, it is perfect to wear wide, stretchy tops that permit the best arm movement. Wear wrist guards to save your joints while you bowl sportswear.
How to hold the ball rightly.
Pick a ball with the best weight, which permits you to interact with it comfortably. The ring and middle fingers should be inserted first so that your thumb can enter quickly…Do not put the ball directly in your chest front, as when you make the “pendulum,” it will not be entirely straight and may influence the trajectory of your ball. Do not hit the ball against the court.
Arm movement
Your arm movement when throwing the ball should be a fully synchronized pendulum with your body that permits your shot to be fluid from the primary step. Forever follow the motion as you come off the ball. The ball will forever go where your hand goes.
Mental and physical balance
This is a game remarkably similar to golf, where body and mind concentration is vital. Bear in mind that bowling needs us to be in the best balance between a fit physical situation and the proper attention. In other words, if you are having a bad day or you are tired, it would be excellent not to bowl as you would not be capable of hitting a single pin.
Shoot the ball to the right arrow
There are seven arrows on the lanes. Many players omit the arrows on the court and try to obtain the ball as near to the center as possible. If you are right-handed, aim for the arrow to the right of the center. If you are left-handed, go for the arrow to the left of the center and shoot it forward—the proper arm movement when bowling should be like a pendulum synchronized with the body for fluid movements.
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Don’t run
Could you not do it? There is a relief that this is a power game. This is a severe error. The aim is for the player to be relaxed, carrying balanced and synchronized movements resulting in a reputable and elegant serve.
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