Hook Or Spin??

solitary SG

I have a problem here.. i bought a polyester ball to try spinning recently.. but haven been able to control my ball.. tink my fingers or wrist got no power or smthin.. or could be my technique is wrong to begin with..
then i tried bowling hook for a couple of games.. but cos the thumb hole is too close, i bowled with only 2 fingers.. the results are quite consistent.. better than my spinning results in fact.
Question: is bowling with 2 fingers a good reflection of what it'll be like with 3 fingers? cos i'm considering redrilling the ball to play hook.
Question: if i do change.. is a polyester ball suitable to learn?
Question: will redrilling affect the ball in any way?
finally.. i can't really visualise the thumb hole for a hook.. issit easy to get your thumb out? wun it get stuck?

Sorry for asking so many questions.. i'm still trying to learn Razz
thanks for helping me out Smile

Mage^_^ SG

Two things i have to ask u before i say anything:

1) Was your ball drilled by a competent driller and was it drilled for spinning?

2) Did anyone give u ideas on how to spin or did u just test and error?

You see, hooking the ball with 2 fingers is fine, but thing is u are using a light weight ball, even then how many games can u hit consistent scores.. (Hitting 10-20Pins a game also called consistent leh!) And using a light weight ball to play hook will result in alots of ball deflection and render your impact to the pocket very weak. And when u up grade to a heavier ball, 14lbs... how?

Of course, your thumb will come out clean if u get the right driller and the proper instructions on how to throw the ball.

ev0luti0n SG

wahhhhh, hey kevin, hook u also know ah ! Shocked Shocked Shocked

Though u teach spinning only, do u teach hook too?

prataman SG

It's one thing bowling with 2 fingers thumbless with a 10 or 11 lb ball, but it's altogether a different thing to do so with a 14 lb and above ball. And you sure are going to need that ball weight to score well with a hook style, in the long run.

I'm certain you can hit the pocket often and get consistent results, but can you carry all 10 pins all the time?

harmzuay SG

Solitary

Let's address your queries:

Question: is bowling with 2 fingers a good reflection of what it'll be like with 3 fingers? cos i'm considering redrilling the ball to play hook.

Bowling without a thumb is defenitely not a good indication of a proper thumb + 2 fingers grip. With the thumb inside the ball, you'll have more control and ballspeed. While its true that getting one's thumb stuck can cause problems, that's nothing that dedicated practice and proper instruction cannot overcome.

Question: if i do change.. is a polyester ball suitable to learn?

I believe Prataman has replied to a similar enquiry of yours in another thread. You can use a hard rubber ball and practice on the road outside your house - the important thing is that your grip is fitted well so that you can properly learn the technique.
If you buy a ball that hooks, you may be able to look flashy for a while. But learn to hook it the correct way, and that'll remain with you for life.

Question: will redrilling affect the ball in any way?

I take it you mean ball reaction? Since you're now throwing a spin, the answer is a yes. Don't expect the two different drillings to be effectively interchangeable.

finally.. i can't really visualise the thumb hole for a hook.. issit easy to get your thumb out? wun it get stuck?

Getting the thumb stuck is something that even the best professional bowlers in the world have to contend with. Only practice can make one good at what they do.
About visualising it... have you any friends who own hook balls? try holding their gear and feel it.