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Why learn how to hook a bowling ball
Since the object of bowling is to knock down all the pins in each frame, you want to be able to do it in the best possible way. By hooking the bowling ball into the pins, more specifically the pocket, you increase your chances of knocking down all the pins. Instead of hitting the pins dead on, hook bowling means that the pins hit the pocket at an angle which carries through the pins better. If done correctly the ball should actually hit only 4 pins. If you are a right handed bowler then the pins hit by a hook bowling ball should only be the 1, 3, 5, and 9 pins . The resulting pin action of hitting these specific pins is what results in the desired strike.

Secondly, while not an integral part of bowling, being able to hook a bowling ball and making the pins crash all over the lanes is just an awesome thing to see. If you have ever seen a PBA bowling match on TV, you will know what I am talking about. It makes for great viewing. Not too mention if done just right the sound it generates will make heads turn at the bowling alley.

Hooking a bowling ball starts with the bowling ball
The right equipment for hooking a bowling ball is very important. Just like a mechanic or plumber has the right tools for the right job, bowlers also need to have the right equipment to get the job done. That’s why in order to hook a bowling ball you have to have a bowling ball built to hook. Sure you could just take a house ball and crank it with your arm to get the same effect but what will happen is you won’t have any control over the ball. No, the bowling ball you need is one with a specially designed core and coverstock. Back in 70′s urethane balls were what got the job done. These days bowlers can choose from much more technologically advanced bowling balls that generate more power and wider hooks.

A high hook bowling ball means high risk but great rewards
The ability to hook a bowling ball is not easy but can be done with practice. The secret to making the bowling ball hook properly is in consistency. Learning to hit the pocket the same way each and every time is what makes hook bowling so effective. And that’s why bowling practice is so essential. To be consistent in the pocket you have to practice. You might not like it but practice pays off in the end because once you are able to be consistent, you will see a noticeable increase in your strike percentage.

The ball release is the key
It is a common misconception that in order to hook a ball the wrist initiates the process and the wrist movement of turning the ball gives the ball the curve it needs. But this is not true. While the wrist can be involved with a slight 15 degree turn, the source of the hook actually comes from the fingers as you release the ball. As the ball comes off of your fingers it imparts torque to give the ball the rotation it needs to hook. So as you start coming out of your back swing to release the bowling ball, the first thing to focus on is the the thumb coming out of the ball. The ball needs to roll off of your hand and by letting the thumb come out of the ball first, that’s exactly what will happen as the bowling ball continues its motion.

I used to think that you had to put massive spin on the ball in order to get a bowling ball to hook just like the pros. But really it much easier than that. The key is to time the release just right so you get that motion from the thumb to the fingers. Then to give the bowling ball a bit more reaction on the pins, if you ‘lift’ your fingers out of the ball, it will produce the power in the back end to create a pretty exciting strike.

No matter what your reason is for wanting to get strikes…whether to set a personal record, increase your bowling average, or just to impress people on the lanes, the best way to do it is with a hooking ball. So at the end of the day, if you really want to improve your bowling score then hook bowling is the way to go. But don’t just take our word at face value. Get out onto the lanes and try it for yourselves.