If I wanted to hook the bowling ball, how does one grip(hold) the ball in your hand?

Question

I understand the technique that when the ball gets to your ankle in bowling, you turn the ball like your shaking hands to hook it, but I'm having difficulty in the grip. Do you hold the ball so that your palm is completely touching the ball or do you hold it so that you're only gripping it from the fingers and the part of your hand around your thumb? I'm confused- if i grip it with my palm flat against the surface of the ball, during my backswing, it feels awkward and when i release it, it usually slams on the lane and curves but the spin looks off. If I hold it slightly above my palm, it feels more comfortable, but if trying to hook, it hardly looks right at all. Although that grip for me, is great for throwing the ball really straight. It's the hook and grip that's really killing me.

Answer 1

When I throw a hook, my palm is contacting the ball.  It's up to individual style, however, and just practice till you find a way that works.

Answer 2

Well, there are a lot of different ways to "hook" a bowling ball.  Some of us do it naturally, some have their bowling balls drilled specifically to hook, and some prefer to use hand position.  

What type of grip do you use?  A conventional full finger grip?  A fingertip grip?  Or a semi-fingertip grip?  The type of grip that is drilled into your ball does have some impact on that.  For the most hooking ability, it's best to have a fingertip grip or a dropped ring finger grip (a grip that drops the ring finger 1/2 way back between full and semi positions).  The rubber grip inserts are also most helpful!

Strangely enough the position of your little finger can influence how much the ball hooks too!  If you have the little finger spread out, the ball usually hooks less.  If you have it tucked in tight against the ring finger, it will hook a little more.

And one more thing, the chemcial makeup of the ball you use can influence the hooking ability hugely!  Perhaps the ball you are using is a "harder" ball and that will not want to hook.  And on the other hand, a ball that needs to be refinished in the pro shop will not hook as well as it used to.....

AND choice of "supports" or wrist/hand equipment can enhance the hook.

All that info aside;  I'd suggest finding a knowledgeable pro shop person or a bowling alley employee or a coach and working with them to improve your game.  The number 1 goal is to make whatever you do consistent!  Having a ball drilled to hook and/or using a hand or wrist appliance all help with that.  The less hand adjustments you do to your natural and comfortable grip the better.  If it's a natural thing, your body will "default" to it, if it's something that you have to make a real conscious effort to do, it's going to be much more erratic.  The late, great Earl Anthony said 90% of the game of bowling is behind the line.

Answer 3

Try this:  When you place your fingers in the ball leave your index finger flush with your middle finger and spread your little finger out so that it is in contact last as you release the ball.  Do not 'try' to hook.  Just let it happen.  Remember spread your pinky out keep your index in and release with thumb pointing at the ceiling the hook will take care of itself.

Also the type of ball you are using contributes to hook or not.  Are you using a 'reactive' ball which has lots of hook or a plastic ball that has almost no hook?

Answer 4

I'd basically say your span is too wide if you have difficulty holding onto the ball while your thumb and fingers are in it.  

Your palm should be touching the ball (even while wearing gloves or wrist supports) and your index finger should be pointing towards your target while the ball is resting on your hand.  

I'd get a shorter span, preferably a relaxed or semi fingertip span and basically keep your hands dry, especially if you sweat a lot.  That aids in making you drop the ball and then it goes off target.  Rosin bags or hand conditioners are the solution for sweaty palms.  Also, try out a bowling glove that has tackiness in the palm and fingers so that you will not loose your grip on the ball during your approach, delivery and release.

When you get your bowling ball redrilled with a new grip, ask to see what rubber finger grips can help, if a "Sarge Noreaster Grip" (with dropped ring finger by 1/2 inch on average) can help with holding on to your ball, if white textured tape will help, and other ideas to help keep your grip comfortable without the risk of dropping the ball every time.

Good luck!