Expert: Chip Aki - 8/26/2008

Question
Chip.

For years I've been bowling the straight ball so I wanted to evolve to a hooking motion.  Thing is not sure how to put a hook/revs on a bowling ball.  I have a hammer back widow bite now.  Everything is drilled right but at the release point I'm not sure what to do.  I know there's that handshake method, but doesn't that make your ball spin rather then hook?  Any advice would help.

Thanks.

Answer
If you were going to try to keep your hand in one position to develop some hook, place your thumb at 10 oclock and your fingers at 4 oclock and let the ball roll off of your hand.  If you want to try and create a stronger movement, keep your thumb at 1 oclock during your backswing and rotate it to 10 oclock as the ball passes your slide foot ankle.  Do not try to lift the ball, but keep the fingers firm and let the ball catch them at the release.

Good luck,
Chip