How To Curve Bowling Ball

Learning how to curve a bowling ball is a great way to improve your game. As opposed to throwing a straight ball, curving a bowling ball helps you approach the pins at a better angle, creating better overall pin action. This will ultimately result in a higher score. Of course, bowling a curve is not something that is easily mastered. It takes time and a lot of practice.

1. It all begins with your grip. You cannot curve a bowling ball without the proper grip. To start, the ball should be comfortable to lift; it should not be so heavy that you strain when you lift it. You fingers should feel snug, but not tight in the holes. When your grip the ball, you want to be firm, but do not overgrip it.
2. Start with a handshake. When you are bowling a curve, your hand should be under the ball supporting it with your thumb on top as you begin. As you bring your hand forward, you will twist your wrist slightly so that it is in the handshake position: thumb on one side, palm on the other. This will put the initial spin on the ball.
3. Give it a twisting release. After you come to the handshake position, the next thing you will have to focus on is your release. To a curve a bowling ball, your thumb should be the first thing to let go, followed immediately by your fingers. This will add to the spin, giving the ball a quicker rotation.
4. Focus on control. Just because you can curve a bowling ball does not mean that you will become a pro bowler. When you curve the ball, you should always remain in control. If you feel like that you cannot control where the ball is traveling, this means you are trying to put too much spin on the ball. You do not have to throw a large, dramatic hook to get strikes. It is ultimately about control, not just spin.