This was fantastic! I've been bowling recreationally forever and nobody has ever explained this to me...can't wait to practice with the football & then try it out at the bowling alley!
That's actually really well described to be honest. The foam football idea really brings it full circle to fully understand the movement. Really this is actually a great video
As a silver coach I'd like to commend the maker of this video. You do not need to "force" the ball to hook. Proper release will allow you hook without having to snap your hand over / around the ball. A few points to add: 1) Point 4 in this video is very important; let the ball fall in your swing. Do not try to throw the ball; let your body and timing control the speed through a free swing. 2) Let your bowling shoulder drop as you start the approach to help your body at the end to be in position for release behind the ball. Notice the bowler's dropped shoulder on approach through release. This bowler has great body position to demonstrate it. 3) Rotate the bowling hand open on the back swing. If you were to pull the thumb out of your ball at the top of the swing it should point towards the sky (not necessarily straight up) This will help keep the arm straight and get the hand in the proper position behind the ball on release. This bowler is not doing that but is able to get a nice release without it. 4) Start the acceleration (add muscle) only towards the bottom of the swing and through the follow through. I tell my students to feel the "load" build on the thumb. When the hand is in the proper position, once the thumb is released the weight will quickly shift to the finger tips and cause a "snap" on the rotation. You need to be accelerating at this point and following through to get the maximum rotation on the ball. 5) As they say in the video... You need "time" and lots of practice. This is easy mechanics once you learn it, but it will feel funky as you learn. People have a tendency to think bowling is "easy" but it's a skill that needs to be built. Not only do you need to build skill, but you'll need to build muscle and muscle memory. (or unlearn bad habits) On a proper release you should see a low access rotation on the ball (not looking like a helicopter and it should "appear" to accelerate as it starts into the hook through into the roll. You do not need to force the ball to hook, normal mechanics will cause the most powerful hook you can create without "funky" hand / wrist mechanics. Very well done. Thanks.
I 100% agree I'm a bowler. Everyone thinks it's all about power, if you power it the pins explode and you don't get enough pin action. People don't understand that power is not the key
AntariMysteec sorry, but I strongly disagree with #3. That is not in bowling handbook, taught by coach, or coaches dad who was a pro in the 40-50's. In order to get to that crazy position you are teaching, one almost is forced to open and close their shoulder, risking huge injuries. Also, #3 cannot possibly assist with accuracy, so why teach that? Im a female posting on mans account. I could throw 15lbs at age 11 without opening shoulder. I could move ball 25 boards without any of that wrist play. The only wrist movement endorsed by coach was not outside in, but inside out😎. For a great example of inside out, check out Marcia Kloempken from Storm bowling. She was amazing when she was 10 and I was 7 bowling y.a.b.a. She has 3 regionals and was on team USA 2007. My coach endorsed this lady when she was a child.
I gotta disagree. The only problem I see is that I'm not allowed to switch hands and bowl lefty for certain splits or pickups as needed that would make the game much easier for me. However, these guys are allowed to bowl using both hands at the same time. It doesn't seem right to me. Does that mean I should be able to bowl left handed as long as I keep my right hand on the ball? As for cheating, I don't see it as that at all and quite frankly if it seems so easy to you, I suggest you pick it up and improve your average. I have tried it and I can assure you it isn't an advantage, it's a skill set.
Thank you. One of the few videos that is reassuring that it really ISN’T easy and takes a lot of practice. Some of the old pros casually say things like “oh just pull your thumb out first” or “it’s easy if you pretend your going in for a handshake as you throw the ball”. In theory, I get what they’re saying but this was one of the few videos that thoroughly explained it and still said (essentially) “you will suck at this for a while but if you practice you’ll get there. The other videos I watched just left me feeling stupid for not getting it. Thank you for this.
Wow, this completely illustrated what I was doing wrong which was blocking me from what I thought was a good swing. I have not been keeping my wrist behind the ball and have been letting the ball hang from my fingers. I had one randomly good swing today (before seeing this video) and I after seeing this video, it became clear what I did right; hand/wrist behind the ball. Can’t wait to start bowling better now. Thanks so much!
I've watched a lot of videos about hooking a ball and you have some of the best camera angles and demonstrations of all of them. Cheers man. I need a small football now...
I'm going to have to give this a try when I go bowling tomorrow. I've never really honestly thought about releasing the ball with my hand faced forward opposed to pointed downwards.
Went bowling yesterday never hooked a ball in my life, asked the guy in the lane next to me how to do it since he was really good at it. He took 2 minutes to teach and show me how to do it. After about 5 tries I learned how to hook the ball onwards and outwards. I feel like this video is a little over the top
Thanks for posting this! When I was young I had a natural hook from day one. At about age 13 I broke my right wrist and ever since my natural hook disappeared. Not knowing how to do it I've always assumed it was from breaking my wrist. Well now I can practice getting a hook on my ball again.
This video rules. Helpful, informative, excellent. I am very happy that I watched it. I will take what I've learned here and go to the lanes and try it. Thanks
lol I'll tell you what. a good percentage of beginner bowlers or people who bowl occasionally do the no thumb release (with i'm sure it being cupped). not the prettiest or something to be proud of, but to each its own i guess
Jack Rainfield there are wrist supports/braces for things like that I believe (don't quote me on it as I've never used one and aren't sure exactly if that's what they're for)
Thank you for posting this, will definitely try this. Finally someone giving lots of details and close ups now it doesn't look as hard as it appeared before.
Ok so I'm currently changing my bowling style from two finger to utilizing all 3 fingers. This makes alot more sense to me seeing it in slow motion. I have actually been doing it wrong wondering why I wasn't getting any rev rates. It seems I'm trying to hard to spin the ball myself rather than letting my fingers roll it off in the natural way this shows. Once I get my new hammer black widow I'm going to be doing this drill to help myself before league starts up. Thank you for this very informative video
Thank you for this video! I am 46 and began bowling in 4th grade. I have been away from it for many years now because I just started getting bad. I've strung together 9 in a row (honestly stuck at the foul line on the first 10th frame ball...PIIIIIISSED! LOL) Anyhoo, I began overpowering the ball which resulting in poor control and less hook...I now think you have solved my other problem. I never realized (and nobody told me) I am breaking my wrist at the bottom of the swing, and it was probably gradual (which is odd). I am ready to try my hand again and will let you know the results. Sadly enough, the bowling alley in our town is up for auction, I believe, tomorrow! *sigh*
What videos like this never point out is that most of the weight of the grip should be on the thumb not across the palm of the hand. That is why thumb hole size and angle very important in your custom drill.
Really good guide in breaking down the hook process. This helped me a lot! Recently switched from 1 handed to 2 handed though, but I still use 1 hand for tough spares or if the lane conditions are better for it. 2 hands just gives me more power and rev overall. I just put up a 2 hand training session on my channel, I'd appreciate any feedback. Thanks again!
Great Bowling Tips - Thank You For This Valuable Information. We Have Tips Too. and Will Be Share and Posting Your Videos On Our Fanpage and Websites and Blogs!
Hi I am a duckpin bowler and at the same time a ten pin bowler. I find duckpin to be more challenging when it comes to accuracy. The level of concentration is higher.
mikeandike1966 truth be told the hook just looks cool. Without proper release of the ball you are not generating forward roll, which is what causes a lot of pin action. It does this because when ball hits pins using forward roll the pins bounce horizontally, taking out more pins. Forward roll also gives you extra driving power and plows through pins as opposed to being deflected. The heavier your ball is, the more pins you knock down with ball itself.
In the first step you said put your index and middle finger in.... which of course it's wrong...but in the video you did put your middle and ring finger in...good job
All of this information is correct. There is one thing missing though. When you begin to rotate your hand/fingers, accelerate through with your thumb up.
Andrew Austin The idea is to keep wrist locked or cupped behind ball as long as you can. Your hand will naturally come out with thumb pointing at 2oclock for righty, 10 oclock for lefty.
I have had skin torn on my thumb a few times in the past. luckily I had Some thing to put over the torn skin so I could keep bowling. Its fully healed now but it hurt a lot.
some bowlers do that, for most its almost a timing thing, also not noted in this video is that some bowlers have a semi sideways rotation, whereas some are completely sideways, IE: Pete Weber, or myself if you look at my channel, I believe I have a bowling shot or two up somewhere.
+Billy Murray That's how you take it to the next level and create more revs, but it will be harder to be consistent and accurate. at 2:59 you can see his hand is straight when he releases - the hand direction at release is where the ball will go. I think it's easier to stay straight the whole time until I release (at that point I rotate my hand) than cock the ball like he does
When I do this I don’t even put my thumb in the ball... I put my fingers in to the first knuckle... and don’t swing all the way back... about halfway and when I release I twist my wrist.. perfect spin everytime! Once you have your spin down and how hard your gonna spin it. Now you can adjust where your going to stand. I usually stand as far left as possible as I throw with my right. I’m no pro but I get a fair share of strikes... put it this way... my best game was like 200. So far from perfect. But if I had to put my thumb inside I doubt I would be able to hook it without breaking some fingers.
I’m buying my first hook ball tomorrow. I hope this video was right. I’m just going to do what it said here but take my time, so I don’t humiliate myself. Did I mention that I’m kinda nervous that I’ll fuck up big time
Best tutorial I have seen. Especially for someone with ADHD.
I've only bowled a few times in my life but I give this video my seal of approval and highest recommendation.
One of the best tutorials I've seen on this subject, on you tube.
I'm studying the subject and discovered a great website at Berts Bowls Guide (check it out on google)
Out of all the videos I wantched on this topic this is the only one that really helped me and saw immediate results. THANK YOU
This was fantastic! I've been bowling recreationally forever and nobody has ever explained this to me...can't wait to practice with the football & then try it out at the bowling alley!
Awesome "Bowling 101" video. Every 10-year-old should watch this.
That's actually really well described to be honest. The foam football idea really brings it full circle to fully understand the movement. Really this is actually a great video
As a silver coach I'd like to commend the maker of this video. You do not need to "force" the ball to hook. Proper release will allow you hook without having to snap your hand over / around the ball.
A few points to add:
1) Point 4 in this video is very important; let the ball fall in your swing. Do not try to throw the ball; let your body and timing control the speed through a free swing.
2) Let your bowling shoulder drop as you start the approach to help your body at the end to be in position for release behind the ball. Notice the bowler's dropped shoulder on approach through release. This bowler has great body position to demonstrate it.
3) Rotate the bowling hand open on the back swing. If you were to pull the thumb out of your ball at the top of the swing it should point towards the sky (not necessarily straight up) This will help keep the arm straight and get the hand in the proper position behind the ball on release. This bowler is not doing that but is able to get a nice release without it.
4) Start the acceleration (add muscle) only towards the bottom of the swing and through the follow through. I tell my students to feel the "load" build on the thumb. When the hand is in the proper position, once the thumb is released the weight will quickly shift to the finger tips and cause a "snap" on the rotation. You need to be accelerating at this point and following through to get the maximum rotation on the ball.
5) As they say in the video... You need "time" and lots of practice. This is easy mechanics once you learn it, but it will feel funky as you learn. People have a tendency to think bowling is "easy" but it's a skill that needs to be built. Not only do you need to build skill, but you'll need to build muscle and muscle memory. (or unlearn bad habits)
On a proper release you should see a low access rotation on the ball (not looking like a helicopter and it should "appear" to accelerate as it starts into the hook through into the roll.
You do not need to force the ball to hook, normal mechanics will cause the most powerful hook you can create without "funky" hand / wrist mechanics.
Very well done. Thanks.
AntariMysteec i just throw the ball any way
you have way too much time to write a comment this long. Go on a date!
I 100% agree I'm a bowler. Everyone thinks it's all about power, if you power it the pins explode and you don't get enough pin action. People don't understand that power is not the key
I save the video to my watch list because of this comment. Thanks.
AntariMysteec sorry, but I strongly disagree with #3. That is not in bowling handbook, taught by coach, or coaches dad who was a pro in the 40-50's. In order to get to that crazy position you are teaching, one almost is forced to open and close their shoulder, risking huge injuries. Also, #3 cannot possibly assist with accuracy, so why teach that? Im a female posting on mans account. I could throw 15lbs at age 11 without opening shoulder. I could move ball 25 boards without any of that wrist play. The only wrist movement endorsed by coach was not outside in, but inside out😎. For a great example of inside out, check out Marcia Kloempken from Storm bowling. She was amazing when she was 10 and I was 7 bowling y.a.b.a. She has 3 regionals and was on team USA 2007. My coach endorsed this lady when she was a child.
So far this is the best tutorial I've seen by far. Most of the pros don't know how to teach it in a video.
+SYN30STM he's a pro?
+SYN30STM one more thing. Just because someone is good at something doesnt make them a good teacher and even sometimes vice versa
+Brown Trout no one said he's a pro
ok he's not a pro we both agree on that one ;-)
I gotta disagree. The only problem I see is that I'm not allowed to switch hands and bowl lefty for certain splits or pickups as needed that would make the game much easier for me. However, these guys are allowed to bowl using both hands at the same time. It doesn't seem right to me. Does that mean I should be able to bowl left handed as long as I keep my right hand on the ball? As for cheating, I don't see it as that at all and quite frankly if it seems so easy to you, I suggest you pick it up and improve your average. I have tried it and I can assure you it isn't an advantage, it's a skill set.
Thanks for the video, really helped me release the ball properly! This is one of the best videos on how to hook the ball for beginners!
Thank you: To the only video that explains anything.
yeah, it's not 100% accurate but it helps to get started
yeah, it's not 100% accurate but it helps to get started
yeah, it's not 100% accurate but it helps to get started
Ikr
the football is the only I'll approve of
Thank you. One of the few videos that is reassuring that it really ISN’T easy and takes a lot of practice. Some of the old pros casually say things like “oh just pull your thumb out first” or “it’s easy if you pretend your going in for a handshake as you throw the ball”. In theory, I get what they’re saying but this was one of the few videos that thoroughly explained it and still said (essentially) “you will suck at this for a while but if you practice you’ll get there. The other videos I watched just left me feeling stupid for not getting it. Thank you for this.
Wow, this completely illustrated what I was doing wrong which was blocking me from what I thought was a good swing. I have not been keeping my wrist behind the ball and have been letting the ball hang from my fingers. I had one randomly good swing today (before seeing this video) and I after seeing this video, it became clear what I did right; hand/wrist behind the ball. Can’t wait to start bowling better now. Thanks so much!
I've watched a lot of videos about hooking a ball and you have some of the best camera angles and demonstrations of all of them. Cheers man. I need a small football now...
I'm going to have to give this a try when I go bowling tomorrow. I've never really honestly thought about releasing the ball with my hand faced forward opposed to pointed downwards.
Went bowling yesterday never hooked a ball in my life, asked the guy in the lane next to me how to do it since he was really good at it. He took 2 minutes to teach and show me how to do it. After about 5 tries I learned how to hook the ball onwards and outwards. I feel like this video is a little over the top
Can you tell me how to hook the ball?
Thanks for posting this! When I was young I had a natural hook from day one. At about age 13 I broke my right wrist and ever since my natural hook disappeared. Not knowing how to do it I've always assumed it was from breaking my wrist. Well now I can practice getting a hook on my ball again.
Love this turtorial, helped me get a 240 game, thanks and keep up the good work.
This video rules. Helpful, informative, excellent. I am very happy that I watched it. I will take what I've learned here and go to the lanes and try it. Thanks
This is exactly what I was looking for. As soon as you showed the 'wrong' wrist, I now know where I'm going wrong.
best video iv seen after 2 hrs searching,,thx!!!
Thank you for making this, t is the first time I have found a video that actually explains it in detail
Thank you! I’ve been getting really frustrated and this was the best explanation I’ve seen.
finally ! thanks this helped alot I hook but wasn't consistent and I couldn't figure out why this video fixed that bravo sir you are a great man!
Awesome explanation! Thanks. I like the music too! I just started bowling and I found it easier to hook the ball using the no thumb style.
lol I'll tell you what. a good percentage of beginner bowlers or people who bowl occasionally do the no thumb release (with i'm sure it being cupped). not the prettiest or something to be proud of, but to each its own i guess
Yeah, I must have weak wrists because I can't keep my wrist in the proper position with my thumb in the ball.
Jack Rainfield there are wrist supports/braces for things like that I believe (don't quote me on it as I've never used one and aren't sure exactly if that's what they're for)
Thanks I'll look into the supports. I'm doing ok with no thumb however.
TheMajorBowler Yes there is. I saw some pros wearing it on one of their hands.
The mini football training tip is a game changer👍👍
شكرا جزاك الله خير بسببك اصرفت ٥٠ جنية من محلات البولينج
the motion with the foam football was a great example. thanks
Best tutorial yet imo.
Nice tutorial, and I like the football practice technique. I'll be trying this out!
Thank you for posting this, will definitely try this. Finally someone giving lots of details and close ups now it doesn't look as hard as it appeared before.
The foam football is an excellent training tool. Great job.
Thank you for taking the time to make this video!
Thanks for uploading this video.
Not sure about the recommendation to put your index finger in the bowling ball but other than that, it was very helpful. Thank you.
Thanks for sharing the video. Something new to work on is always a plus
Muchas gracias por compartir estos trucos, saludos desde Chile
very good tutorial and the music is amazing
I'm watching this currently in a bowling center lolol.
Now I'm gonna beat my fiends ass!
Ok so I'm currently changing my bowling style from two finger to utilizing all 3 fingers. This makes alot more sense to me seeing it in slow motion. I have actually been doing it wrong wondering why I wasn't getting any rev rates. It seems I'm trying to hard to spin the ball myself rather than letting my fingers roll it off in the natural way this shows. Once I get my new hammer black widow I'm going to be doing this drill to help myself before league starts up. Thank you for this very informative video
Thanks so much for this detailed information abd description thanks a lot this video was the one what i am searching for my next bowling game 👌
Thank you for this video! I am 46 and began bowling in 4th grade. I have been away from it for many years now because I just started getting bad. I've strung together 9 in a row (honestly stuck at the foul line on the first 10th frame ball...PIIIIIISSED! LOL) Anyhoo, I began overpowering the ball which resulting in poor control and less hook...I now think you have solved my other problem. I never realized (and nobody told me) I am breaking my wrist at the bottom of the swing, and it was probably gradual (which is odd). I am ready to try my hand again and will let you know the results. Sadly enough, the bowling alley in our town is up for auction, I believe, tomorrow! *sigh*
First time watching this video. Love the song.
Nice one😀
Thnx for the clear explanation 📹👍
Forced to go bowling tomorrow. Hope this helps :D
I can't believe it my son teaches me how to curve I did not believe but when I watched this I was shocked I should listen to my son after all
Bro! Great video man!! Everything is coming together now. Keep it up dude!!!
Great Bowling Tip! We Have Bowling Tips Too - We Liked Yours So We Will Be Sharing It On Our Fanpage and Website and Blog!
Thank You Again!
Gracias Brandon,por los tips que mencionas, el practicar y practicar hará que mejore uno. Nuevamente gracias por compartir tu experiencia.
Thanks bro. Todays my daughters class feild trip gonna hace a way better time now knowing this tip
OMG a video that actually tells you something thx
This was very helpful. Thank you :)
Lol I'm bowling right now and watched this video. Got a strike first time trying it lmao!!! Thanks!!
About to bowl right now ! Lol wish me luck bro
Thank you this has helped me alot
I never thought to put my hand behind the ball instead of on top/ sideways. Thanks!!
Thank you for the tutorial! Lol this bowling alley looks like all star lanes in tooele, UT
taking the time to arrange the visuals along with the instruction helped; thanks.
At 0:46 seconds it says enter your "INDEX and MIDDLE FINGER to the first knuckle" but you put your Middle Finger and Ring Finger in the holes
thats what u do to get the ball out easier to rotate the ball
The correct way to hold the bowling ball is to put your middle finger and ring finger inside the holes.
That is true lol
Very good video great video actually
Awesome tutorial! I cant wait to try it
VERY informative, thank you
Great video very helpful!!!
Very helpful in last minute bowling situations
Excellent tutorial! Thanks
What videos like this never point out is that most of the weight of the grip should be on the thumb not across the palm of the hand. That is why thumb hole size and angle very important in your custom drill.
Great video!
Excellent video
Really good guide in breaking down the hook process. This helped me a lot! Recently switched from 1 handed to 2 handed though, but I still use 1 hand for tough spares or if the lane conditions are better for it. 2 hands just gives me more power and rev overall. I just put up a 2 hand training session on my channel, I'd appreciate any feedback. Thanks again!
Great Bowling Tips - Thank You For This Valuable Information.
We Have Tips Too. and Will Be Share and Posting Your Videos On Our Fanpage and Websites and Blogs!
Thanks, I know how to hook the ball but learning different methods.
Awesome vid good work
best video explanation thus far!! Many thanks. Cheers
Thanks for the break down!
0:48 "Index and middle finger" should be "middle and ring finger"
Very helpful video.
10Q. good info and its help me much.
Thx for video nice way to teach someone
GUYS , HIS LAST VIDEO (on his site) WAS 4 YEARS AGO. DON'T THINK YOU ARE GOING
TO GET ANY ANSWERS. Helpful video just the same.
great video thank you so much !!!
Hi I am a duckpin bowler and at the same time a ten pin bowler. I find duckpin to be more challenging when it comes to accuracy. The level of concentration is higher.
helps a lot trying to start curving but im still going to bowl strait for a while longer
mikeandike1966 truth be told the hook just looks cool. Without proper release of the ball you are not generating forward roll, which is what causes a lot of pin action. It does this because when ball hits pins using forward roll the pins bounce horizontally, taking out more pins. Forward roll also gives you extra driving power and plows through pins as opposed to being deflected. The heavier your ball is, the more pins you knock down with ball itself.
Great video! =)
good video , so whats ur bowling averagE?
In the first step you said put your index and middle finger in.... which of course it's wrong...but in the video you did put your middle and ring finger in...good job
Thx for the tips.😊
All of this information is correct. There is one thing missing though. When you begin to rotate your hand/fingers, accelerate through with your thumb up.
Andrew Austin The idea is to keep wrist locked or cupped behind ball as long as you can. Your hand will naturally come out with thumb pointing at 2oclock for righty, 10 oclock for lefty.
I have had skin torn on my thumb a few times in the past. luckily I had Some thing to put over the torn skin so I could keep bowling. Its fully healed now but it hurt a lot.
@ 2:58 you do a little twist of your wrist to the right first is this how we should try ? BTW Thank you .
some bowlers do that, for most its almost a timing thing, also not noted in this video is that some bowlers have a semi sideways rotation, whereas some are completely sideways, IE: Pete Weber, or myself if you look at my channel, I believe I have a bowling shot or two up somewhere.
Thanx
+Billy Murray That's how you take it to the next level and create more revs, but it will be harder to be consistent and accurate. at 2:59 you can see his hand is straight when he releases - the hand direction at release is where the ball will go. I think it's easier to stay straight the whole time until I release (at that point I rotate my hand) than cock the ball like he does
I have spent months studying bowls and found a great resource at Berts bowls guide (look it up on google)
very good explaination
Definitely tryin this
When I do this I don’t even put my thumb in the ball... I put my fingers in to the first knuckle... and don’t swing all the way back... about halfway and when I release I twist my wrist.. perfect spin everytime! Once you have your spin down and how hard your gonna spin it. Now you can adjust where your going to stand. I usually stand as far left as possible as I throw with my right. I’m no pro but I get a fair share of strikes... put it this way... my best game was like 200. So far from perfect. But if I had to put my thumb inside I doubt I would be able to hook it without breaking some fingers.
Thank you sunshine😁
I like the song playing in the video. What is the name and who sings it?????
Dillon Francis- without you.
Dillon Francis-Without You
I’m buying my first hook ball tomorrow. I hope this video was right. I’m just going to do what it said here but take my time, so I don’t humiliate myself. Did I mention that I’m kinda nervous that I’ll fuck up big time
best video ever !!
Great video! That motion at 2:58 to 2:59 what is that?
Thank so much now I get better
very interesting thanks for tips