If you're already good at throwing a straight ball at bowling, it's time to take it to the next level. Learning to throw a curved ball takes a lot of time and practice. However, this technique will help you in the match and increase your confidence in the match.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Mastering the Technique
Step 1. Start with the correct stance and grip
Begin a few centimeters from the foul line and at least four steps from the point of release. Four steps is the ideal number, but more is fine too. Align the legs with the arrows on the targeted path (depending on how strong the desired arch is).
If you have your own ball, of course you already know how to hold it. However, if you are using a rental ball, you will need to adjust your grip. Rental balls generally have a knuckle grip -- when releasing the ball, move your fingers, especially your thumb, quickly so they don't get stuck inside. Hold the ball so that it is parallel to your wrist. The position of the hand will be explained further
Step 2. Focus your eyes on the pin you're aiming for
Imagine the swing of your arm and the way the ball drops the pins before throwing the ball. Concentrate on how the ball rolls along the path and where the ball hits the target.
Step 3. Start your stride as if you were taking a straight shot
Your moves are the same as in standard shots; what is different is the follow-through at hand. Bring the ball into a swing position while keeping your palms behind the ball as usual.
Make sure your wrist stays firm. Excessive weight can injure your wrist; or at least your hands get tired quickly
Step 4. Release the ball at the lowest point of the swing, and remove the thumb before the rest of the fingers
The essence of the turn throw is that only your four fingers are the last to hold the ball, so the ball twists when thrown. Therefore, the thumb must be removed first. Here are some hand position options:
- The standard way to hook the ball is to place two fingers plus your thumb on the three holes of the ball as usual. In other words, nothing changes.
- Some players don't put their thumb into the ball hole, and instead hold the ball with the palm of the hand like a cup when swinging and releasing the ball.
- And some players insert their index finger into the hole of the ball and hold it with their palms, the ball is twisted in the same motion when it is released.
Step 5. Rotate your fingers along the outer surface of the ball as you release the ball, the twist of the ball is directed with your fingers
Continue swinging your hands up to direct the ball into the track, and finish with a handshake position. Ideally, try to swing from the 7 o'clock position to the 4 o'clock position.
Try not to slow down your swing because you're too focused on your turn. Swing power is still very much needed. Also, when you return to your normal pitch, the turn can change a lot
Step 6. Learn the degree of bend control by varying the position and timing of the ball release
To increase the degree of curvature, remove your fingers from the ball more quickly. Also adjust the swing movement against your clockwise.
If you're having trouble, break the exercise down into variables and experiment with each one. Try changing the starting point. Try changing your footwork. In fact, try changing your balls. It could be that your wrists and hands are in the correct position, and there are other factors that affect your throw
Part 2 of 3: Practice the Hook
Step 1. Use a tennis ball to practice
Tennis balls are the perfect tool for practice without having to go to the bowling alley. A tennis ball will slide straight when thrown, but bend when it bounces if the throw is done correctly.
Another alternative is a pool ball, but be careful when throwing as it can damage things around you
Step 2. Use a bowling ball that is a few pounds lighter than what you normally use
A lighter weight helps you focus on practicing your technique, as you can concentrate on correct hand movements. However, don't practice with a light ball too often because it will be difficult to return to the initial ball weight.
Step 3. The technique of throwing a turn is the same as the technique of throwing a football ball, only the direction is different
If you're experienced at throwing a football, the principle of the bowling ball throw is the same, only in the opposite direction. The movement of the fingers along the surface of the ball is the same. Just imagine throwing a football ball with a low swing (underhand), with the same twist. Initially the ball is held in the palm of the hand, then the end point of contact of the ball with the hand is at the fingertips before the ball is twisted.
Part 3 of 3: Choosing the Right Ball
Step 1. It's hard to find the right ball, if you use a rented ball
Free balls in the bowling alley are intended for straight shots; it takes a different method to make a turn throw at these balls. However, don't worry if you don't have a ball of your own as turn throws can still be made.
In principle, choose a ball that weighs 10% of your body weight. If you weigh 70 kilograms, use a ball weighing 7 kilograms. Of course, that's if your health condition is normal and doesn't require you to wear a lighter ball
Step 2. Grab the ball with a fingertip grip
Most rental balls are balls with a knuckle grip i.e. the ball hole is deep to the knuckle of the second. The fingertip grip is better for turning throws – because your fingers need to be removed from the hole quickly and smoothly.
Step 3. Take a ball that has a urethane (urethane) or resin (resin) coating
A urethane coating will help your ball bend much more easily; the oil on the track will not be absorbed and the friction of the ball is stronger than ordinary rented plastic balls.
The rubber coating can dig up the oil in the track, so you can hit the target much more easily. However, they are quite expensive and only for professional players
Step 4. Ask about the RG rating and the ball's coverstock, if you want to have your own ball
A ball with a high RG rating differential will result in a sharp turn throw. However, you can use balls with low RG rating differentials as long as they have adequate coversstock to fight off track grease. For a dry track, choose the outer shell of the stiff ball (stiff) or pearl (pearl).
- If in doubt, ask experienced people for help. List your variables and the game you want. Experienced players should be able to help you.
- Don't pick the ball until you're good at turning throws. As your throw progresses, the turn of your shot changes as well. So, wait until you are at the top of your game.
Tips
- Track conditions can affect the resulting bend; the ball tends to turn less on a highly polished trajectory. Some trails may be reconditioned and lubricated more often than usual. In fact, in one playground the track conditions can be different from one another. Do a few throws to test the level of polish of the track you are playing.
- Consider wearing wrist-supports to keep your wrists strong and aligned for the perfect shot.
- After practicing your curve throw on a light ball, apply the throwing technique on a ball with your standard weight.
