Tips For Putting Spin on a Bowling Ball

By Marva Gee

Throwing a hook ball or spinning the ball when bowling is all about trying to create right to left motion (if you're right handed) as you throw the ball down the lane, in order to knock as many pins down as possible. The hook creates some room for error so that you don't necessarily have to strike the head pin in the perfect spot to knock the pins down.

Determine Which Grip to Use Based on the Type of Bowling Ball

When you go to the bowling alley if you don't have your own and have to use the house ball, you want to use what's called a conventional grip. To do this, hold your hand to the side of the ball, your fingers need to be in the ball all the way up to the second knuckle.

Spread your index finger out a bit because that will help the ball hook more. Support the ball with your other hand by placing your other hand on the side.

If you are using a Finger-tip ball, which is better for throwing hooks than the house ball, put your fingers in the holes only as far as the first knuckles -- this is called the Fingertip grip. Make sure to spread your index finger out and support the ball with your other hand.

A reactive resin ball is best for throwing hooks. Use the aforementioned Fingertip Grip, cup your wrist a bit, spread out your index finger and support the ball with the other hand on the side of the ball and you're ready to throw a hook.

Mastering Your Release

The hook happens at the release point and your goal is to try to get your hand to rotate counterclockwise at the point of release. Your body position plays a big role. You want to have your head right over the ball or slightly on the outside of the ball, and your elbow on the inside of the ball. Your hand should come from the back of the ball. The important point is to create somewhat of a shelf for the ball in the palm of your slightly cupped hand.

Rotate your hand about half a turn, and let your hand go from slightly cupped to un-cupped. Release the ball by collapsing your hand and elbow. This will create RPMs and side rotation -- the rotation causes the ball to roll in a different direction than the ball is traveling.
An avid bowler, Marva offers additional tips on bowling, hooking a ball and improving your bowling game here.

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