Hook

[SherwinS]

Hi, I'm new in bowling. Just started to do serious practice since 3 weeks ago. Just wondering how to create a strong backened motion on the ball and make the ball carry to the pin? I'm kind of stuck right now because my ball only reacts mildly at the end. Thanks

[Shaneshu87]

it all depends on how exactly you are releasing the ball, if we had a video of you bowling we could help out allot more. however there are a few things that increase hook, more axis rotation or revolutions, slower speed giving your ball time to react to the lanes, and good timing with your approach. allot of power and rotations can be created just from proper foot work.

[Hendu71]

What kind of ball do you have?

[epiepenburg]

I would say the release is the most important fundamental to get down. Don't worry about pin carry or scores until you can get the release consistent. Once you have that down, then focus on ball speed and hitting marks.

[noeymc]

first hook does not = high scores you dont need to be a cranker if your just starting out i would say go with the handshake as your finish position and then work towards being behind the ball much later after your foot work is 100% the release is not the most important for a house shot bowler footwork cant build a house with out a good foundation i highly recommend a coach since your just starting out it would be a huge advantage to you because you wont have as many bad habits to have to break

[Blomer]

A hook will also depend on the type of ball you have. Different balls have different strengths of hooks. Starting out, use the handshake or underhand football toss method.

[bobforsaken]

I've been bowling for less than a year and I certainly remember struggling with the same thing my first month (or more) in. My revelation happened one day when my good bowling shoes were not with me and the ones I had were seriously sticking. It forced me to shorten my approach and reduce my speed. All of a sudden I was blowing up the rack with less speed and effort and the ball seemed to hook more. If you are experiencing the same issue I was (lots of 10 pins and 5 pins) I was hitting the rack during the hook phase because I was too speed dominant. In other words, My speed was too much for the low amount of revolutions I was imparting, so the ball would skid.. then hook.. then hit the rack. This also looked like a low amount of hook.

To get proper carry you want to hit the rack early into the ball's roll phase. Look up skid/hook/roll ball motion and you will probably see what I'm trying to explain. If you hit during the hook phase you will get deflection.