How To Control Hook with Ball Speed

Versatility equals success in bowling. Having multiple ways to adjust to the lane conditions you are bowling on will better your overall game making you a better bowler. Having the ability to throw your bowling ball (with consistency) 3mph slower and 3mph faster is what every bowler should strive towards.

In this premium video lesson, Scott Pohl, owner of On Track Pro Shop, demonstrates how and when throwing the bowling ball slower and faster can benefit your game.

Slower Ball Speed

From your normal ball speed starting positions, move up 6-12 inches on the approach while holding the bowling ball higher in the stance.

Foot speed dictates ball speed. If you want to throw the bowling ball slower, your footwork tempo should be slower.

Doing the two adjustments listed above will slow your feet, resulting in slower ball speed; and in this case, creates more right to left hook down lane than Scott’s normal ball speed.

Faster Ball Speed

From your normal ball speed starting position, move back 6 – 12 inches on the approach while holding the bowling ball lower in the stance.

Once again, foot speed dictates ball speed. If you want to throw the bowling ball faster your footwork tempo needs to be faster.

Doing the two adjustments listed above will speed your feet up, resulting in faster ball speed; and in this case, creating less right to left hook down lane than Scott’s normal ball speed.

Check out “Changing Your Bowling Release to Manipulate Ball Roll” and “How to ‘Practice’ Lofting The Gutter Cap” for more expert instruction on how to adjust when the lanes transition.