Hello bowling community. Brief background, a couple years ago or so i guess i started doing 2 finger bowling, and using that to learn a hook. Back in the fall/summer of 07 i finally started to pick up on how to do a hook with 3 fingers. I usually stand left of the center, throw the ball to the right, and let it cuve back. I have had some problems though, as it does not hook quite enough. Last sunday when I went, i ended up having to pick off the 7 pin, and therefore learned how to throw the ball straight initially, and then let it curve to the left. So I decided to take it nice and slow on the right side of the center. I have my right hand palm facing me onthe side of the ball, and when i release i lift up essentially, the hand shake motion. I like it more, as it feels a bit more controllable, however I find it difficult to get the throw down correctly. When hittin the 1/3 pocket, usually the pints on the right (6,10) are standing up still.

I use a house ball that fits comfortably for the most part, and is wide enough so my two fingers are in first nuckle.

First and foremost welcome. I used to bowl the same way with two fingers and just yanking on the ball to get it to move. the problem with standard house balls is that they are not designed to hook. If you are trying to get into bowling a little more and purchasing an good beginners ball would be a nice start. Getting a ball that fits your hand is essential in bowling correctly. And when you say you are hitting the pocket are you hitting into the 1-3 flush, high, high flush, or Brooklyn? i had a problem were i thought when i drilled into the head pin i was in the pocket.

In terms of the specific, i do not know. I know hitting the 1st pin dead on is no good, usually ends in splits when playing straight ball. I roughly go for the ball hitting between the 1st and 3rd. Ill have to find what place might drill a ball here, as I have no idea. I know a beginner ball can be 150-300 dollars still, which is a lot for me right now as im in college and what not. The two balls i use now took me a while to find in the alley, as most ones with a wider grip are too heavy and uncomfortable. These two i use are pretty decent, but im fairly certain made of plastic or something.

Thanks for the friendly hello.

-Aaron

Welcome to the site Aaron.

The most important thing you can do is get a ball that is fit properly to your hand, so you are going to have to go to the Pro Shop and have your hand fitted to the balls you have, if you want to improve.

Second, you are going to need to do some reading, Start with John Jowdy's book Bowling Execution.

Also visit Ron Clifton's website, www.bowl4fun.com, his tips are more advanced, but pretty much answer any and all problems you might have.

Parker Bohn's book "Mastering the Game" is also good for learning basic fundamentals and has the spare system I use.

Welcome Aaron,
I would also like to add the book "Bowling Fundamentals" by Michelle Mullen. Its a pretty easy read with a lot of good information, including pictures that help you understand the technique being discussed.

I would also recommend seeing a coach if you can. They are worth every cent, and will help you almost immediatly with your mechanics and a proper release etc. They can help you apply what you read.

Good Luck, and most of all have fun!

First I'd like to welcome you to the site Aaron. I'm going to have to agree with everyone else. A properly fitted ball is essential, and preferably one that isn't a house ball that belongs to the center. Most of them are plastic and not really designed to hook. With a properly fitted ball you can use a heavier ball which can improve your score by moving the pins around more resulting in easier spares. I am happy to see that you moved away from the two finger release.

I ordered a book, and along with a music cd . Hopefully doing some reading will enlighten me a bit. The first time I saw bowling with a hook was one of the workers at the alley i go to, and he was doing it three fingers. I could never pick it up though. At the time i did not know of how the grip on the ball changed that. So i picked up the two finger, and it was fun, but i did notice how it lacked. Once I found some more reasonable balls around, i decided to try 3 finger, and ive been improving hook and enjoying it since.

I'll agree w/ everyone else that a proper fitting ball is essential, but you don't really have to lay out the cash for a top-of-the-line ball until you're more advanced in your game. You could probably find an entry-level ball for about $100. I would definitely consult your local Pro Shop if there is one at your center in order to get the best entry-level ball for your lane condition. The Pro Shop may also offer lessons, if you're willing to lay out cash for that (I've started seeing my Pro Shop guy for coaching, myself). The books and sites previously mentioned are a good starting point, but there's nothing like having someone watch you (and perhaps shoot video of you so you can watch yourself) and point out your strengths and weaknesses.

EDIT: You definitely should join a league, if you're not already in one, at your first opportunity. Most of them are open to all bowlers, with handicap given in an attempt to even things out, and your teammates can help you improve your game, as well.

My buddy and i have taken short clips of each other on his razor phone, so its low res. Ill see if I can get some from this comming weekend and upload them perhaps.

Played 7 games last night with a friend. We were both working on technique and trying to point out each others flaws. My friend noticed when i swing back. I turn my hand in, and the ball goes behind me, i then swing it towards the right, and then back to the middle to release it. My stats from last night: 114 average. 93, 141, 112, 135, 78 (we got tired, took 5 minute break after that game), 125, 116. 19 spares, 8 strikes.