How to Hook a Bowling Ball

Hi I’m Alex, ever gone bowling and can’t keep the ball on the lane? Well it’s all about technique and knowledge, with that I’m going to show you how to keep a bowling ball on the lanes and knock more pins down. I’m going to show you five steps on how to hook a bowling ball for better pin action and keep your ball on the lane.

Bowling ball

First what you have to do is grab the bowling ball and stick all three fingers in it. To properly put your hand in the ball you should start with your ring finger and middle finger in first, then your thumb slides in right after. Make sure when you hold the ball that you are clinching with your finder tips if the ball is fitted for your hand. After your fingers are in the ball you are ready to step on the approach for the next step.

The next part of this process is your approach to the lane. You need to know where to stand and how far back you need to stand to complete the process. A bowling approach is usually a 4 step or 5 step which means you only take four steps or 5 steps on your approach. On your last step you should land on your non-dominate foot so your leg doesn’t interfere with your swing and release of the ball.

On your back swing, that’s happening while you are doing your approach. Your arm on the last half of your approach should be straight to keep your ball swing in the direction you want the ball to go. The main goals of a good backswing is keeping your elbow locked all the way till your hand releases the ball.

The next step now is probably the most important step and that’s releasing the ball. Releasing the ball gives you your direction of where you want the ball to go and how it will rotate. The release is where you get the hook out of the bowling ball. Achieving this you need to cup your wrist on your back swing which will give you control on your release. Before you are about to release the ball, you must turn your hand a split second before the ball leaves your hand, that’s how you get the start of the rotation of the ball.

The final step is the follow through, this step helps direct your ball to where its going and helps the hook of the ball. After you release make sure to follow through so your hand at least meets the height of your face. While you are following through from the release of the ball to when your hand rises to your face your thumb should be pointing straight up towards the ceiling. Those are the basics to properly hooking a ball in bowling which will make increase your bowling skills and score!