Technique Learning

Curve IF YOU’RE already a straight ball shooter, you should learn to curve or “hook” the ball, too, and add that shot to your arsenal. The easiest way to learn to roll a hook is to set your hand in a handshake position. Right-handers should turn their bowling hand slightly so that the thumb points toward the 11 o’clock position on a clock face. A left- hander should turn his or her bowling hand so that the thumb points toward the 1 o’clock position The hand should

remain in this position through the entire approach and release. In the finish position, it will look like you are shaking hands with your target. Because the thumb will release first, the fingers will put a bit of side rotation on the ball and make it curve.

LIFESTYLE AND BOWLING TECHNIQUES TO MAKE YOU A BETTER BOWLER

SHAKE HANDS WITH THE PINS: Tom Daugherty set the low score record for a televised bowling match (100) during the Tournament of Champions, but he normally throws a very nice ball. Notice how he goes from straight hand position near the end of his back- swing in the first photo to a classic “handshake” fin- ish after release.

IS STRAIGHTER GREATER?: Click on the play button (above left) for tips from Team USA star Chris Barnes on choosing whether to throw straighter or hook the ball more.

instead of on the side at the release point. One thing you may

matter how you throw it and dry lanes can make the ball hook too much. By throw- ing a straight ball, you will increase the forward rotation on the ball and reduce the side roll, which de- creases the tendency of the ball to hook. Try these tech-

niques to throw a straighter ball: Point your forearm at your target line through the back and forward swings and release. Alternately, point your ring finger at your lane target at the point of release. Both of those will help keep your hand behind the ball

have noticed in bowl- ers who tend to rely on the same shot over and over is that they often have trouble picking up spares, especially when the pins are away from the direction of their hook (think the 10-pin for right-handers). The key to single pin spares is to be accurate.

12 USBOWLER FEBRUARY 2011

A straight ball is more accurate than a curve release. If you use a big

curve, get a plastic ball and/or learn to release the ball straight. With the straight ball, the ball reaction does not de- pend on lane conditions. Straight on a dry

lane and straight on an oily one look the same. Master the straight ball and you won’t have to

go hunting for where to stand and aim when you are facing a different lane condition. By learning how to

make those adjustments in where you stand, how you release, the type of ball you use and when to make a change, you will become more versa- tile, and you’ll find that your scores will go up and remain up through all three games.