I am a straight bowler, average about 115-120, and am regularly beaten badly by my friends that throw a hook. I want to start throwing a hook as well, seems like my best route to get better quicker. I have been shopping for balls, and kind of want to stay away from the entry levels like the Ebonite Tornado and the Brunswick Power Groove, because I fear that I will quickly “outgrow” these balls. I have been looking at the Ebonite Clash and the Ebonite Bash as the next step up pricewise. Would these balls be good for someone learning the hook? I also have found a really good deal on an Ebonite Gamebreaker, would this be too much ball for a beginner? Also I throw a 14 lb. ball now straight, and after about three games, my fingers and forearm get a little sore and tired, should I drop to a 13 lb ball? I am a 34 year old male, 5′ 8″, in realtively good shape if that matters.
Wanting to move from straight bowling to a hook, I want advice on ball I should buy and weight?
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Any bowler with the basic knowledge of bowling can deliver a hook ball with any type of coverstock and core shape. It’s just a matter of muscle memory and remembering not to rush your shots.
Just address your bowling ball with a bit of wrist cup and hand under the ball before your approach, then start your arm swing in rhythm with each step. As you get out of your downswing and are ready to deliver the ball, your thumb will leave first, then move your fingers around the ball slightly so that your followthrough will look like you just shook hands with someone. That is the basic way to learn how to hook the ball!
Since you have difficulty with your fingers and forearm, you don’t necessarily have to get a full fingertip drilling. Just use a relaxed or semi-fingertip grip and you’ll still be able to hook the ball. Also, make sure the holes on the ball are adequately beveled so that they are not sharp and cannot cause blisters or discomfort. Using a wrist support will strengthen your arm and will let you bowl comfortably with a 14 lb. ball.
Even though I’m advanced in bowling, I still use lower hook rating bowling balls such as the Brunswick Power Groove and Avalanche series because lane conditions dry up during the last part of league. Also consider the Storm Tropical Storm or Columbia 300 Reactive Scout. Check bowling.com, bowlingballsales.com or bowlingball.com for info on those balls. Good luck!