Hook bowling and getting started involves some basics. One good start is a basic understanding of the game of bowling. Millions of people enjoy the sport every year.
The best way to learn for the first time is to join others who already know how to bowl. But, if you want to try on your own, you can read all about the basics here.
Before you walk into a bowling alley for the first time, I suggest you read my article first “Free Advice on Rental Bowling Shoes” and learn about using the house bowling equipment.
You will at least get a feel for renting vs buying your own equipment. And get started learning the hook bowling basics.
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House Balls Are No Good for Hook Bowling
The balls on the rack are mostly a standard drill that fits everybody. They are not drilled to spin the ball, or put that nice hook on the ball you see advanced bowlers using. Those bowlers have spent time learning the skills necessary to do that.
Ok, you have decided to learn to try hooking the ball because you have seen others who have mastered the hook and noticed they score much better. I know when I watch the hook bowlers string strike after strike, it is impressive indeed.
Different Approach Methods
First, I will start with a few requirements, necessary to begin with the process of throwing a hook. It would be to your advantage to look at a few bowling basics videos on YouTube and get to know a little about the 4 step approach.
This is probably the best method to use overall when you first start the game, then if you want more speed or end up trying to create more power later, you can go to the 5 step approach, just by adding one step.
The beauty is you add the step and continue with your 4 step approach the same way.
Hand Measurements
Now you need some good advice on what ball to choose, and shoes, bag and equipment.
A good place to start is at you local pro shop at the local bowling alley. They will measure your fingers and hand span and set you up with the first item you will need.
That is a ball drilled to fit your hand and set up to hook. Once you have this done, your journey into learning hook bowling has begun.
Most bowling alleys also normally have people who are willing to coach and work with people to get the basics of their game corrected and started on the right foot.
For advanced players there may also be expert coaching also to improve their game and help with techniques for better mechanics.
Hook Bowling And Getting Started Requires A Fingertip Ball
A ball drilled with fingertip hand position on the ball, allows you to get your fingers out quicker, and thus impart more turn or rotation on the ball.
That is where you create your hook on the ball to begin with.
The ball driller can also watch you bowl to determine just how you throw the ball. That tells him how to position the drilling on the ball to achieve a slight, medium or strong hook.
If you naturally put a lot of “revs” or turn on the ball, or throw a hard and fast ball, then you may need a less aggressive drilling.
If you throw with slow ball speed, and maybe have a ball that has forward roll and no revs, you would do better with a medium or light hook drilling on the ball.
Hook bowling is a challenge to learn properly, but once mastered, makes the game much more enjoyable as well as increasing your scores.
Practice, Practice, Practice
Practice is the key to becoming a better bowler. The best prices for bowling a game are much more reasonable if you join a league. Plus, you may get some prize money returned to you at the end of the league year.
Some bowling alley will the offer you a reduced rate for bowling on off hours if you belong to a league. So, you may get quite a discount to practice your game and improve at the same time.
As you practice it is also a good time to ask fellow bowlers to look over your bowling and give you some pointers.
Also, be sure to ask the more accomplished bowlers who are knowledgeable about the correct techniques. And, talk to a qualified coach.
Using The Arrows On The Lane For Targets
The easiest way for beginners to figure out where to roll the ball is to show them the arrows. They are located on every 5th board across the entire lane and in a triangle shape.
Using these to target your shot is a big step in increasing your accuracy on the lanes. Most people will try to hit the ten board or second arrow. From there, they can then change where they stand on the alley to deliver the ball.
Here is a video explaining the dots and arrows
Use a Wrist Brace and Improve Your Hook Bowling
Different types of wrist supports have different methods of support. Some have a lot of adjustments you can use to create more hook, and higher scores.
The Wrist Brace keeps the hand and wrist held in the same position. This allows you to place a consistent amount of turn to the ball. And, you also limit the mistakes you make with improper wrist position.
They are available in many styles and sizes and offer different methods and types of support and adjustment. The finger support styles offer the most hook and help with hook control by keeping hand position the same for each shot.
Check out some great Wrist Support-MEGADEALS with free shipping!
Ball Cleaners and High Performance Products
There are a lot of products available today that can increase or decrease you hook. Any delay or skid, delays the balls ability to turn into the pocket.
But, the skid allows the ball to store energy for a harder hit and more turn on the backend.
I will review some of the products that I have used with some excellent results, and maybe help to save you some of the expense of trying anything and finding out it is not what it claims to be. Check out my tips and tricks page for my own homemade cleaner.
If you liked the article, or you have any questions, please let me know below. I answer All my readers promptly.
Chas
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