Are there different ways to hook a bowling ball?

[bowler64]

I have a fingertip grip strike king. I used to hook the ball by moving my hand to the side of the ball on release and lifting (If you were looking down on the ball my hand would go from 6 to 4 oclock). Recently I was watching pro bowlers and I noticed alot of them use a new way of hooking. Looking from BEHIND the ball their hand starts at 7 or 8 oclock (Right Handed) and rotates right to 4 oclock on release. A good example of the bowling style I'm talking about is Mike Fagans style. I recently tried his style and I now feel that my hook is more consistently strong and I think I have increased my rev rate a bit. Are these both valid ways to hook a ball? Does the new way Im trying hook the ball more? Im a beginer bowler and I want to grow as a bowler using the best style I can.

[RobLV1]

Your observation is correct. Starting from a 7-8 o'clock position and rotating through the ball creates a more consistent hook, than the old style of lifting from the side of the ball. The key is to roll the ball and let it hook rather than throwing it and trying to make it hook. Modern bowling balls hook all by themselves without any added effort from the bowler.

[got_a_300]

I agree with Rob on the 7 or 8 to 4 release and just let the ball
roll off of your fingers and roll it down the lane for the easiest
and most consistent hook.

Yeah you can still hit the ball at the point of release but you'll
never get a good consistent hook on the ball as you'll over hit
it one time and go left fast for a right hander or go to the right
very fast for the left hander and then you might not hit it as much
the next time and get a weak hook or not much hook at all.

[2handedsniper]

Yes two handed bowling gets some hook from footwork

[billf]

Yes there are multiple ways to hook a bowling ball. The preferred way is what you saw Mike Fagan do. Your original way was easy to teach and worked well prior to 2000.

[billf]

Yes two handed bowling gets some hook from footwork

I truly hope you're not referring to the atrocious footwork you displayed in your videos. Landing on the wrong foot does not create hook.