Throwing that big hook

[boatman37]

So I have tried it a few times with a few different balls. I stand right (lefty) and throw across the 20 board but all I get is the 7 and if I'm lucky the 4-7...lol. So just wondering here....what is the main factor in this? The fact I'm lower revs (about 300-325), the ball speed? The surface? The core? Or a combo?

I'm happy with my style but just wondered what I'm missing that I can't do it? Thinking it's the lower revs but wanted to ask here

[RobLV1]

It has very little to do with revs, ball speed, or the core of the ball. It has to do with the axis tilt and rotation that you generate with your release. If you really want to learn how to hook the ball more, you need to learn to let it hook rather than trying to make it hook. This comes from rolling the ball rather than throwing the ball. You'll need to find a Silver or Gold Level Coach and be open to what he or she tells you. This is harder than it seems as it will require that you let go of beliefs that you've held for many, many years.

[boatman37]

It has very little to do with revs, ball speed, or the core of the ball. It has to do with the axis tilt and rotation that you generate with your release. If you really want to learn how to hook the ball more, you need to learn to let it hook rather than trying to make it hook. This comes from rolling the ball rather than throwing the ball. You'll need to find a Silver or Gold Level Coach and be open to what he or she tells you. This is harder than it seems as it will require that you let go of beliefs that you've held for many, many years.

Sounds logical. It's not something i'm going to force myself to try to master but just wondered why and what creates it. Seems like my ball speed had been an issue before but I have slowed it down quite a bit. I was showing over 17 MPH consistently on our sensors where most others were in the 15's. The last month or so I have been in the lower 16's and a few in the 15's so getting closer to rev/speed matched. don't really want to change anything right now as i'm doing really well lately other than still missing easy spares. if i could get that straightened out id be averaging about 215-220 the last 6 weeks or so. i just need to focus more on them. been missing easy ones like the 5 and the 8. no excuse for that

[ALazySavage]

To further debunk rev rate, ball speed, etc. Look at the physical game differences between Pete Weber and E.J. Tackett. Both can swing the lane and their numbers of ball speed and rev rate are significantly different.

[boatman37]

Yeah. Been watching some of those guys on TV. In fact just started watching the one that was on the other day where they start with the 10th frame to qualify. My ball motion looks very much like Norm Dukes except from the left side....lol. Just wish I could be as consistent as him. I'm happy with my ball motion but would like to have that in my bag (pun intended) if I would ever need to play a line like that.

[vdubtx]

As a lefty, you won't ever need to throw a big hook due to trashed or burned up conditions. LOL!!

[boatman37]

As a lefty, you won't ever need to throw a big hook due to trashed or burned up conditions. LOL!!

Dunno about that...lol. We have 3 lefties on my team and have had nights with 5 and 6 lefties on the pair. But yeah, I usually only have to make small adjustments throughout the night. Rarely ever any bigger moves.

[ALazySavage]

Dunno about that...lol. We have 3 lefties on my team and have had nights with 5 and 6 lefties on the pair. But yeah, I usually only have to make small adjustments throughout the night. Rarely ever any bigger moves.

5 lefties on the pair sounds like 5 righties also on the pair...just messing with you. Something to keep in mind as well, in the past week or so I have heard on two occasions the topic of bowlers going through significant slumps because they attempt to change their game to something that is unnatural to what they do. The first of those was Bill O'Neill with the thought that he needed more power to compete with the way that the tour is going; after struggling for a while he "re-tooled" his game back to what got him to where he is and had the best year of his career. The second was Francois Lavoie, after winning his first U.S. Open went through a period in which he felt he needed to increase speed and rev rate as well, went through the biggest slump he has ever had - decided to go back to what made him great and just won a second U.S. Open.

I'm not saying that there are not merits to understanding more and trying to make a change, they are just really difficult to do (even with a coach).

[boatman37]

We had 5 lefties on our pair again tonight. But yeah, I agree with what you said. I had been trying to bowl like the high rev guys in our league and struggled. I went back to basics and I'm doing much better now.