Expert: Chip Aki - 11/17/2007

Question
I have tried everything to hook a bowling ball. I have more spin / roll than a windmill in Hurricane Katrina but, the ball will not hook. My Brother-in-law can pick up any ball (to include mine) and toss a curve / hook so, it does not appear a special ball is needed.......or, at least for him. He says my disability is because I throw too hard but, he throws just as hard.........so, this does not explain my inability to toss a hook of some kind. His toss hooks regardless if he is fingertippin or up to his second knuckle, drunk or sober. Makes no difference......it's the truth.

I let loose as if I am throwing a underhand spiral with a football and, nothing happens. I have the correct spin / rotation (or so I'm told) yet, no hook. Could it be because I'm from Mississippi?

I place the palm UP under the ball, put my fingers at 7 and thumb at 11.5, start on my right foot, concentrate like I'm on Jeopardy, pray, go to Church, take deep breaths, read volumes, wiped the top layer off my ball yet, no hook for the J guy.

Is this mental in your humble opinion? Would hypnosis help? My bowling partners are beginning to talk and giggle (I see the smirks) and no, we don't drain the Beer kegs either.

Answer
If you are over rotating your hand during the release, you will have a lot of rotation but it will spin and not change direction.  This sounds like what you are doing, but someone will have to watch you to see if this is the case.

As far as the ball goes, bowlers with higher ball speeds may need more surface(dull) than bowlers with slower ball speeds.

Good luck,
Chip