Whether you've watched a professional game of bowling or are a regular fan of the bowling alley, chances are you already know that great bowlers are those who know how to consistently twist the ball to “hook” the ball onto the pins. “Spin” refers to the rotation of the ball about its axis as it slides down the track, and is highly dependent on how you release the ball. As the ball rolls toward the pins, the axis of rotation slowly tilts upwards which creates an angled hook motion as it enters the pin deck and increases your chances of getting a strike. This technique is not easy to master, but the results will be well worth it.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Getting ready to play bowling
Step 1. Find a ball that grips well for you
The holes in the ball should match your fingers so you can hold the ball without squeezing it and your fingers don't get caught when you release the ball. Since you will be rotating the ball within the last few seconds of your hand's touch with the ball, the importance of gripping the ball is emphasized.
- Rest the ball in the palm of your dominant hand, then insert your middle and ring fingers completely into the two adjoining holes, and your thumb into the hole underneath. The hole size should match your finger and thumb, and you'll be able to hold the ball easily in the palm of your hand. There should be no tension in the thumb membrane, but neither too loose.
- The ball should be able to be held in your hand with just a little pressure. If your grip breaks the egg, the pressure is too strong.
Step 2. Identify the type of ball used
The core or interior weight block characteristics of a bowling ball play an important role in its performance in the bowling alley. Although the core settings vary, all bowling balls can fall into two basic categories. Determine the type of ball to use before starting.
- Take a look at the bowling ball and see if it has only one "pin", i.e. a dot on the exterior, usually a different color, which determines the orientation of the core, or a single normal pin plus a second PSA/mass bias indicator pin.
- If there is only one pin, the ball should have a symmetrical weight block. If you halve the ball along the axis of the pin, the two sides will appear symmetrical. This type of ball is easier for beginners to use.
- Balls with asymmetrical weight blocks have two pins or one pin and one indicator. As the name implies, these spheres do not have a symmetrical core, and can contain a variety of shapes from a cube to something resembling the letter "L." Beginners will find it a bit more difficult to get consistent performance from this bowling ball, which can be overcome by diligent practice with one ball.
Step 3. Choose a ball with the appropriate weight
There are two separate guides used for the best ball size guide to use. One rule of thumb focuses on the gender of the bowler, and recommends that adult women use a 4.5-6 kg ball, while men use a 6-7.5 kg ball. Other guidelines state that a bowler should use a ball weighing 10% of his body weight, up to 7.5 kg the maximum size of the ball for those who weigh more than 75 kg.
- It is important to use a ball that is of the right weight in order to obtain adequate ball twist. If a strong person uses a rather small ball, the torque applied will cause the ball to enter the ditch. People who are somewhat weak will have a hard time generating enough twist to hook the pins when using a heavy ball.
- The weight of the ball should be clearly marked on the ball.
Part 2 of 2: Twisting the Ball
Step 1. Determine the location of the pocket
Pocket is the distance between the two pins you need to aim for. If you are right-handed (kinan), the pocket is the space between pin number 1 (leading pin) and pin number 3 (pin just behind the right of pin number 1). If you are left-handed (left-handed), the pocket is between pin number 1 and pin number 2 (the pin just behind the left of pin number 1).
Step 2. Grip the bowling ball
The grip force used can determine the intensity of the ball hook; in other words, the angle of the ball as it enters the pocket. Remember that the bigger the angle, the greater your chances of getting a strike.
- A more "relaxed" grip will tend to result in a straighter scroll with minimal latch. This grip is done by flexing the hand back at the wrist so that it is above the ball as it swings forward.
- For a "strong" grip, the hand bends forward as if "carrying" the ball between the palm of the hand and the inside of the wrist. When viewed from the side, the angle from the forearm to the thumb looks right angled (90 degrees). These grips can provide more twist, and a stronger hook.
- A "firm" grip is an advanced form that a moderate hook produces. In this grip, the wrist is neither bent nor flexed, resulting in a continuous line from the forearm to the palm.
Step 3. Determine the position based on the position of the pocket and the grip used
When facing the lane, imagine the board is divided into 3 segments: outer left (towards the left gutter), middle, and, outer right (towards the right gutter). Consider grip strength, anticipate the resulting hook force, and determine which part of the board will be parallel to the foot sliding forward.
- Relaxed grip: The ball must slide straight down the path to the pocket so if you're right-handed, your position should be outside-right, and outside-left for left-handers.
- A firm grip should be in the center so that a moderately curved ball (to the right or left) enters the target pocket.
- Strong grip: You need to provide enough room for the ball to turn and enter the pocket. If you are right, stand on the outside left; if you are left-handed, stand on the outside right.
Step 4. Consider your approach before starting
One of the standard stances in bowling is called the "Four-Step Approach". This approach begins by standing straight with both feet directly under the body. Hold the ball from below with the throwing hand at chest level (higher for slow throws and lower for fast throws), and support the ball with your non-dominant hand. When performing four steps, keep the elbow of the throwing arm as close to the pelvis as possible, bend the knee slightly, and the toes point toward the pin. Shoulders should be facing straight ahead (this guide is for right-handed pitchers. If you are left-handed, switch sides).
- Take your right foot one step forward and simultaneously bring the ball back to a position over that foot. At this point, keep supporting the ball with your non-dominant hand.
- Move your left foot forward as you lower the ball close to knee height, then continue backwards in a semicircle. At this point, the non-dominant hand is no longer touching the ball.
- Take another step forward with your right foot. At the same time, the ball has reached its highest point in the swing behind you.
- Bring the ball forward when you make your last footstep toward the line with your left foot. Your right foot should be slightly sideways behind your left when setting your left foot and releasing the ball. Lower your pelvis and shift your weight back slightly, while bending your torso at a 15-degree angle.
Step 5. Keep your arms and wrists straight during the backward swing
At this point, no twisting is produced by bending or twisting your wrist or arm. Instead, the ball hook is produced through correct swing and release of the ball and will result in twisting.
Step 6. Release the ball as the arm moves between the laces and the toe of the sliding shoe
Keep a firm grip as your hand swings forward, over the heel of your sliding foot (left foot for right-hand throwers), then release the ball as it passes over the shoelace. This is the optimum point for momentum to get the ball on track.
Step 7. Make sure your thumb is the first finger to come off the ball
The twist comes from the fingers when releasing the ball, rather than the wrist. Remove your thumb first from the ball to allow the ball to get the torque it needs to twist.
Step 8. Rotate the arm slightly from the wrist just as the ball leaves the hand
A small 15-degree rotation (counterclockwise for right-handed pitchers, and clockwise for left-handers) will help increase the twist.
Imagine positioning your hands as if you were shaking hands
Step 9. Follow up with a swing
Continue to move your arm forward and up into the pocket as you release the ball (and after).
Step 10. Adjust based on the result
First of all you have to practice consistency. The ability to combine all the elements of throwing a ball and repeat it is the key to a successful throw. In this process, think about things such as the stance position or the type of grip that needs to be applied.
