Expert: Chip Aki - 5/18/2004

Question
Hi Chip,

I just bought an expensive STORM bowling
ball ($220) which is supposed to have an
internal weightblock that will give it an
aggressive hook.  However, it doesn't hook
any more (maybe two boards) than my cheap
$98 ball.  I must have a poor release so
could you explain how to release the ball
so that I can get a better hook out of it?

I'm a right handed bowler with a fingertip
grip.  The ball is almost new and weighs
15 lbs.  I've only bowled with it 2 times
(8 games).

Thanks for the help........Bill.......

Answer
The hype surrounding some of the new bowling balls makes them sound like they hook by themselves.  The saying that you can buy hook in the box is incorrect.  It should say you can buy hook potential in the box.
If you can not provide side rotation, a ball will not hook.  I can take any ball that I have in my shop and throw it straight.

Do you know where your ball track is?  Is it outside the thumb and finger holes?  Is it far away from the thumb or fingers? (you can find you ball track by looking for the oil ring on the ball.  Look for the first oil ring on the new ball since there should be several)

You will need to keep your wrist straight and firm and try to start with your thumb in aa 1 oclock position and rotate your thumb to the 11 oclock position during the release.  If you need more side roll, take the thumb to 10 oclock.  This needs to be a long, slow rotation and not a fast, quick rotation.

A good drill to practice at home is to toss a footballl underhanded into a chair and try to produce a perfect spiral.

Good luck,
Chip