In each frame of a game of bowling, the object is to bowl a strike, in which all 10 bowling pins are knocked down at once. To improve the chances of a strike, a bowler can hook the ball to place it in the sweet spot between the first pin and the ones behind it. Several factors influence the hook of the ball, including the condition of the bowling lane, the bowler's technique and the ball itself.
Bowling Ball
Certain aspects of the bowling ball affect how well it hooks. The weight of a ball can influence how much the ball skids in the lane before friction changes the direction of the ball. The material the ball is made of also influences how the ball behaves. Urethane or resin bowling balls have tackier surfaces, which tend to provide more control over a hook. Still other bowling balls are designed with a balanced core that causes the ball to hook more easily.
Lane Conditions
The condition of the lane will also influence the hook of a bowling ball. Dry lane conditions can allow the ball to grip the surface better and cause the ball to hook more. Well-oiled lanes produce a surface that bowing balls will skid on more easily. Different patterns in which oil is applied to the lane also can cause the ball to hook more or less.
Backswing and Downswing
The backswing and downswing are what generate the energy necessary to skid the ball in the lane before it catches on the lane surface and hooks. The backswing should be high enough to build force in the ball. The downswing should be well controlled to accurately deliver the ball to the correct position at the end the lane.
Release
How the bowler releases the bowling ball is perhaps the most significant influence on hooking the ball. To intentionally produce a hook, the bowler releases the ball from the thumb first. This allows the bowler to bring the fingers up, pulling the finger holes in the ball upward along the side of the ball. The movement imparts a sideways spin, which causes the ball to roll in the direction of the spin, eventually hooking the ball.
Spin and Speed
The speed at which the ball is bowled initially causes it to slide in a forward motion against the spin of the ball. Then, as friction begins to affect the ball, it catches on the surface of the lane. The spin of the ball then draws it in a hook toward the pins. The amount of spin in the ball, along with the amount of force delivered in bowling the ball, determine where, when and how much the ball hooks.
Member Comments