Bowling Hook Techniques

Impress your friends the next time you go bowling by showing off your bowling hook techniques. Bowling hook techniques give the ball some spin. A good bowling hook will give your ball the oomph and direction it needs to land you a strike. When you learn bowling hook techniques, you learn how to direct and control the bowling ball.

1. Get the right type of ball. When first learning bowling hook techniques, you may want to practice on a lighter ball than you are used to. You should also get a ball that fits your thumb perfectly. When throwing a hook, you need to release the ball from your thumb first, so the thumb hole can't be too snug.
2. Keep your eyes on the pin. Look at the pin you are aiming for when throwing a bowling hook. Focusing on the pin will help you perfect your hook technique and aim.
3. Use your thumb. During a proper bowling hook technique, the thumb determines the direction of the ball. Point your thumb the direction you wish the ball to go. Remove your thumb from the hole first, then the fingers.
4. Rotate the ball with your fingers. While the thumb determine the direction of the ball, your fingers control the movement. Don't twist your arm or wrist; use your two fingers to spin the ball the direction you want.
5. Swing back with you arm, as you would for a straight throw. Keep your wrist firm and straight. Lift your arm up and swing, making sure you have a good follow-through. When throwing a hook, the force you use to throw the bowling ball is almost as important as the curve you put on it.