Expert: Chip Aki - 12/31/2006

Question
hey chip i have a mirage bowling ball i am 14 years old....i am having trouble putting spin on my the ball i am sort of new at the whole putting spin and curving or hooking the ball so could you tell me in detail about how to hook it i want a lot of hook on my ball wen i release it so i would really appreciate if you could get back to me on thanks -Brian

Answer
The ball you are using has the least hook potential of the bowling balls that are available.  Moving up to a reactive resin type of ball will help.

You could be tryint to "spin" the ball too much.  If the ball does not roll, it will not hook.

The best way to learn to hook the ball is to keep the wrist firm and place the thumb at 1 oclock through out the swing and then rotate the thumb to 11 oclock while releasing the ball.  This will provide enough side roll to get the ball to hook, especially if you upgrade to a stronger type of bowling ball.  Balls of that type should sell between 80 and 125.

Good luck,
Chip