I'm having trouble hooking the ball. I know how, but every time i try, the ball slips and slams on the lane

Question

I've looked and seen how to hook a bowling ball- I put my hand under the ball during my back swing, put if feels awkward when it comes forward for release, like my grip can't hold the ball as it comes forward(i use conventional grip). It ends up hitting the lane hard, it hooks, but not like it should. I want my release to be smoother. how?

Answer 1

Put your middle and ring fingers up to the first knuckle and put your thumb ALL the way in so you can really get under the ball. next, go up the second line of dots (not where the lane begins!), and put your right foot on the middle dot (the other way around for lefty). Start walking forward, with your ball at your side push your arm out a bit so your arm swings out (NOTE: DO NOT FORCE THE BALL), then when your hand is at your ankle or a little bit before depending on how fast your arm is going start to turn your hand and bring it up/follow through in a hand shake. Remember to bowl towards the arrow 1 to the right (for right handed people) or 1 to the left (for left handed people). Don't give up if you don't get it right away, it takes A LOT and i mean A LOT of practice to get a good hook. IMPORTANT NOTE: depending on how much hook you put on the ball you might need to step to the left or right, and bowl to a different arrow.

Answer 2

try palming the ball instead of your front to fingers facing the lane face them to the left alsmot like your cupping the ball... it will give the ball tourque at an angle instead of side to side causing the ball to hook harder and stronger.. if your having trouble keeping the ball up it's because your forearms aren't strong enought.. try strengthening them. it will help