Spin Your Bowling Ball
Updated 7/14/2020If you are a new bowler and you want to learn to put spin on your bowling ball, it is fairly easy to do so but can be tricky.
We understand that during this tough time, it may be difficult to practice on the lanes, but having a firm understanding of the basics will also be very helpful to you once you are able to return safely to the bowling centers to practice.
Begin with understanding a few important release techniques. Putting spin on a
bowling ball must be done in a relatively precise manner in order to control the ball motion as it travels on the lane. Just applying spin to the bowling ball does not guarantee good results unless you know how to control the spin and the direction you deliver the bowling ball.
First, it is recommended to learn to bowl by consulting an experienced bowling instructor. Become familiarized with basic physical game fundamentals of the approach, swing, and delivery of the bowling ball. This recommendation cannot be emphasized enough. Using the services of a coach will shorten the time it takes to develop good delivery techniques so you can enjoy the game.
The term “spin” commonly refers to the amount of rotational axis tilt on a bowling ball as it travels down the lane. When you impart finger rotation on your bowling ball, you will notice a spinning motion as the ball travels on the lane.
Your release technique determines if a ball will hook or go straight. With a slight amount of finger rotation at the precise moment when delivering your ball, you can easily and quickly develop a hook on your bowling ball.
Developing a hook release is preferred over a straight ball delivery when learning the game. A slight hook motion can be an advantage over a sweeping hook because it is easier to control.
A hook ball will enter the pocket at the pin deck with an angle of entry more likely to maximize pin carry. A straight ball entering the pocket will deflect off of the head pin and not enter the heart of the pin formation. Entering the pin formation at an angle will increase the chances at a strike result.
By rotating your fingers perhaps only one or two inches of rotation, will cause your ball to hook sufficiently and provide the spinning effect you seek on the ball.
It is best to begin by setting the ball on the palm of your hand with the palm of your hand under the ball for good support.
Swing the ball back and forward releasing the ball at the bottom of your forward swing and rotate your bowling fingers a slight amount from behind the ball toward the outside of the ball.
This slight rotation will put a rotational motion, known as spin, on your bowling ball as it begins to travel down the lane.
Be careful not to rotate your entire arm, rather only your bowling fingers slightly following your bowling thumb exiting the ball. Your thumb should exit the
bowling ball a split second before your bowling fingers apply the rotation to deliver the hook motion you seek.
Finish your forward swing with a follow-through motion where your hand moves in the same direction as your intended delivery path. Your bowling arm elbow should follow through in an upward motion from your shoulder and finish at least shoulder level or higher.
Putting spin on your ball can be an effective method of bowling but it requires good technique and a coordinated effort between your steps and your arm swing.
As was recommended earlier, check out a good coach for tips on how to develop a hook delivery when you bowl.
