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direction of the ball is determined primarily by how and where
the armswing brought it forward. But, the ball usually also
contains some spin or "side-rotation." Putting a
side-spin on the ball is done intentionally by better bowlers.
Beginners may do it accidentally and unpredictably.
In either case, the way the ball is rotating usually affects
its movement. If the ball is rotating in a counter-clockwise
manner it will move right-to-left. Left-handers put a clockwise
rotation on the ball to have it hook from left-to-right. In
the past bowling balls were made of hard rubber or plastic.
Nowadays urethane-shelled balls have become
popular. In general, urethane balls react more to the spin
on the ball. That means they hook more and deflect less when
they hit the pins.
A hook that is predictable is a big advantage
but for newcomers, most progress is made by improving timing,
balance and overall accuracy. Even so, it is not too soon
to learn the hand position for a hook release.
Specifics of the Hook Release
To make a ball hook, the thumb exits first,
followed by the fingers. As the ball pulls itself off the
fingers, it starts rotating. The direction of the rotation
is determined by where the thumb was pointed as the ball left
the hand. This is a split second process.
Having the thumb come out first is natural
because the thumb is shorter in length than the fingers. Nevertheless
having a well fitted ball is certainly important. So is making
a good approach to the foul line.
To create a hook, place the thumb so it is
pointed at 10 or 11 o'clock or 2 or 1 o'clock for left-handers.
A straight up, or 12 o'clock release position of the thumb
will create a straight ball.
With the thumb in a hook position, keep the
wrist relatively firm through the release. You should feel
some pressure or tug on the fingers as the release occurs.
Those are the ingredients for a hook. Importantly, it is just
as easy to learn a modest hook release as it is to throw a
predictable straight ball.
Eventually, many bowlers attempt to increase
the rotation and power of the hook by applying more aggressive
hand action. But don't do so at the expense of good form.
Bowling
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Length
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