4 Ways To Hook A Bowling Ball (Easy To Hard)

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[@elitetrader5468]

Bowling is so fascinating. So many nuances and variations. Physics in play.

[@treeman2660]

In a bowling league there's 8 bowlers most are right handed. They burn up the oil pattern. When I start the game Im rolling slow with lots of spin. And by the third game Im bowling with a stiff wrist, strait and much faster.

[@travisescorcio1588]

I joined a Jr league when I was 13 and started like everyone else, with a house ball around 11 lbs. My league had the sweetest elderly coach named Tony. He was like 85 when I started and he spent much of his free time there. He's the one that taught me the traditional thumb in method as that's what he used his whole life. I upgraded my gear, came in multiple days per week for practice after school, and got really good at it. By the time I was 17, I maintained a 200+ average consistently and have never strayed from the traditional thumb in method. 👍🏼

[@MR1977.]

My father taught me the suitcase method I guess he just called it the thumb to your nose method. With the right ball on dry house lanes it works good. Fresh oil there’s not enough spin the ball just sails past the pocket. Guess that’s why my average sucks lol.

[@errrkt]

I was a hand shaker for years and it worked pretty well. My game plateaued so I took lessons with a coach. He made some drastic changes in my steps, positioning, angle, how i aimed and posture. It took some time, but the result was we found a much more natural feeling, free swinging, under the ball release style, something that had eluded me for years. Made a huge difference in both confidence, consistency and overall performance. Can't recommend finding a good coach enough.

[@jameskinchen2148]

And how do you find one that happens to live near you?

[@fishingmanboy]

I started with the suitcase method and did that most of my bowling time. I only got better when I didn't have my dad breathing down my neck. Then, I also got better by watching you and Brad and Kyle's channel. Helped me get under the ball more and learn to go slower. Brought my average from like a 110 or so to a 150 to 160

[@pbnsmf]

Similar situation to you except my dad taught me the two finger method while he breathed down my neck. Wait was your comment about bowling??

[@fishingmanboy]

@pbnsmf yes, was about bowling

[@APinTheAK]

@@pbnsmfbruhhhhh 💀💀💀

[@Cam4lifey]

​@@APinTheAK😂

[@roarkemurdock3027]

@@pbnsmfhahahaha

[@lilaznpandabear91]

Simple, and informative enough to not confuse. Thumbs up.

[@austinborneo6174]

Finally..I've been waiting for this video with simple & detail explaination..I'm having hard time to learn how to hook..Thanks bro..

[@hughgabalski510]

The suitcase method has worked for me, and has been the foot note for creating more axis rotation in my experience

[@glenkamida71]

Thank you Darren! I shopped at midnight today to get in on your deal! Thanks!

[@johnkontos3227]

Darren, I have a few buddies I've gotten into bowling in the last couple years. This is a great breakdown for them as I've been doing 1 step drills with them to try and get them more comfortable. They are still working with the suitcase, but think this video can breakdown what I'm saying about staying behind the ball. Thanks for the great content as always.

[@MrPicklejuice98]

Watching this made me realize just how good of a coach I had in high school. Taught us all the suitcase method year 1, and we progressed to the thumb-in method in the years following. 3 years brought my average from ~110 to ~190

[@electrovelocity9827]

I guess you could say that I started with the suitcase method, I got low revs (less than 150) and i wanted more power. I started looking more into it and learned that most pros have a cup in their elbow in their downswing. This helps you get more under the ball and thus more revs. After around a year and a half or so of practicing this (I went bowling 2x a week), I finally got it down and can shoot 200s very consistently. I now have 400+ rev rate and I throw the ball 17-18mph. I'm also very skinny, so you don't have to be super strong to be able to bowl 1-handed well. It just takes A LOT of practice. I am 16 yo and I started bowling when I was 13.

[@thegreatpugtato]

How did you practice getting your elbow to bend some on the downswing, also do you slide on your approach?

[@TropicalVampires]

This helped me SO much recently. Ive been bowling for 20 years and have been throwing too fast and not letting my ball react. Taking the time to practise being UNDER the ball and creating that rotation slowly. I cant wait to see my game improve

[@paul_scaryback666]

I would argue that the suitcase release will work pretty well on shorter, dryer patterns, which you find in leagues. Oh and wooden lanes. But when you start doing comps, where you have longer patterns and need bigger back ends you need more revs. A suitcase release will easily get you to 180 average though.

[@im-very-bad-at-mw7694]

So glad I started with the traditional thumb in route, I screwed up my wrist for the first month doing it but now that I’ve got it down it just feels and looks so smooth

[@SavMercury]

My boyfriend’s dad (he and my boyfriend taught me how to bowl) does the suitcase method and it hasn’t really worked for me consistently but the last method surprisingly has worked amazingly

[@JaggerRudy]

Thx Mr.Darren Tang. No one can tell me how to curve the ball ever, but you are the only one who told me how to curve the ball nice and easy.

[@kieranlunn8490]

I know I’m late to seeing this video but I’ve just been spoke to about this and been told this is my next step to upping my game (mainly when pushing out I break my wrist) very useful and insightful video, thanks for the help and tips

[@brandonweinmann5700]

Ive spent over a decade of my life trying to perfect the 4th way. Its by far the best and most satisfying way to throw a breaking ball once you can get some serious power behind it.

[@HawaiianPop]

Very awesome video I am learning to get behind the ball more for sure. I was always taught like turning a door knob hahaha. I need to learn how to always adjust my hand speed

[@bearbear3247]

love the content!!!

[@Taikaiden]

Handshake (suitcase) method never really worked for me the two finger method has been best for me.

[@kiritokadashi]

Same here honestly then again I don't really like using my thumb at all when I bowl 😅

[@fleeshawn11]

Same for me

[@MikeSmith-es1hf]

It’s crazy I learned how to do this with only one finger

[@blackestknightx8881]

​@@MikeSmith-es1hf😵

[@jakesorrentino7230]

I don’t understand how you can have control with the two finger but more power to you if you can.

[@AuraKnight8]

4:16 I use a Brunswick Twist!!! mine is unique because it’s already in a spin before it hits the lane. I also throw it a little downwards oppose to it being forward. I let my fingers and my other hand to spin it.

[@maulergaming852]

Such a helpful video

[@jordanbristol1668]

I just started throwing a suitcase method. I was originally a bowler where when I was throwing, my hand was going over the ball as in palm down instead of handshake, I got over that, and I started the suitcase method and almost instantly starting throwing well into the 200's. Heck, in a span of 4 games, 3 of them were over 200 and the lowly was a 144 (game was full of nasty splits 4 or 5 tbe) Almost the entire league noticed my change

[@waavo3651]

Man thank you brother this just brought me back in the gear of bowling fr

[@corder_pounder6850]

Only been bowling consistently for about a month now and bowled my first 210 using the 2 handed method

[@joshuategeler3419]

I started hooking with the one-hand no thumb method. I am now a two-hander and have plenty of axis rotation. Need to work on my speed control now.

[@Blue-cq2hl]

When I started bowling people always said to do the suitcase method and it feels like it's so self sabotaging if you want to get into any kind of skillful play like I wanted to. There's times I've gotten those nasty perfect releases with the wrist lock and all but I started a lot later in my life so yay muscle memory and all that mental elasticity and whatnot.

[@zackm8]

It's like you saw me in league last week and knew I needed this video lol

[@dopereflx7203]

You make it look to easy man. So smooth!

[@adanomics5997]

A good method for conventional 1 hand when I started bowling is cheating a bit by not putting your thumb all the way in. This simulates a no thumb style and creates more revs/hook. Then as you get more comfortable you place your thumb further in.

[@texascrossbowdude636]

I've done the same, for me when I I set my thumb all the way in it feels lime I'm not going to let go of the ball so I insert it in loosely

[@ColemanMulkerin]

I've done this for about 10 years. It gives me more accuracy compared to when I tried no thumb.

[@heavy_metalfreak]

Love bowling with no thumb it's easier for me and the hand shake method works too with it, I use a 15 pound bowling ball The DV8 glam I love it

[@derekfranz7660]

Something to note on method 4 is to make sure you hand comes behind the ball and not around the side of it. A lot of people struggle with that

[@turkeyvolumeguessing]

That’s definitely my issue but more often than not if I go up the back my ball ends up very straight with practically no hook at all. Typically up the second arrow and it will kind of stay there.

[@leoingle]

Yup, that's my problem. My hand naturally wants to go to the side.

[@charlieXX999]

Hand coming behind the ball with middle finger more highlighted than the ring finger right and forward-up sweeping motion right?

[@alexroberts6416]

I don't understand. How can you get left rotation if your hand doesn't go around the side?

[@derekfranz7660]

​@@alexroberts6416pay closer attention to where his hand is on release. If you notice, it's behind the ball, not on the side of it. Keeping your fingers on the inside of the ball (towards your legs) and finishing on the other side. This is what creates your axis rotation. If your ball ends up straight your either doing it wrong or you have way too much speed.

[@JSBowling2011]

I don’t know, but the best strike you threw was with the handshake position,!🤙😀

[@hamidalikiani8543]

please talk about axel tilt in the rev and hooking the ball it would be much appreciated

[@xPandora__]

At 5:45 is the best i ever seen Darren release a bowling ball

[@alexfuller4434]

Thank you Darren tang so much for helping me doing that

[@matthias19850]

It just happens to also be the only online bowling masterclass

[@roughrdr]

Looking back at some old video of some of my league games, I guess I was doing the suitcase method, sorta. I only used my fingertips, didn't have a real high backswing and spun the ball as I released it. Always went straight down the lane and would hook at the last second. It worked well enough to get me a few 300s. Balls were just a blue Rhino and a red Hammer.

[@famoterlhh4993]

I’m a suit case release person even after 1 year of bowling, and to be honest I am happy where I am Even though I am limited on rev rate I still have two releases and two speeds to tweak, so that’s 4 things I can do with one ball

[@716Adventures]

I'm gonna guess your average is 163

[@tomrogue13]

​@@716Adventureswho cares? They said they were happy with where they were at

[@716Adventures]

@tomrogue13 what are you a white knight? Mind ya business. They been bowling only 1 year, if they're above 150 it would be good result

[@famoterlhh4993]

@@716Adventures Yea thereabouts, did have a runner last session and did 183 average I should try again and maybe average more than 165

[@gregattack]

That's great. I remember learning to bowl decades ago and was taught to shake hands. I see the shaking hands or suitcase method as the beginning step to stage 4. You really have to build up your grip strength and your forearm muscle to control the ball to get to step 4, and you'll naturally do that while you develop the shaking hands/suitcase method. If you go to the gym or have some dumbbells at home, do a few sets working that wrist and it'll be easier to stay behind the ball.

[@Rinnegan293]

ITs a Good day when he posts he made me go to league THX

[@prxnceek_]

thank you darren

[@dennisbinkhorst2039]

So, I started competing in an amateur bowling competition with 4 friends out of the blue because it seemed like a fun thing to do last august. I am 42 years old and have bowled like 20 times on all kinds of occasions in my entire life prior to joining this competition. Since the first match I have been using house balls and my average over 5 matches went from 122 to 126. I throw straight ahead, no hooking or anything fancy. Now after playing those matches I'm convinced I'll never score higher than that bowling the way I do and I am looking for ways to improve my game by mastering hooking with those house balls. Mind you: I'm a bit stubborn and refuse to get my own ball before maximizing my game with de default materials at hand at the bowling center. I practiced a few times at getting those spares which got me to a few 170-180 games already. So that should hopefully get my scores up some in the next competition match. Yesterday I practiced with getting the ball to rotate but it just wouldn't hook and despite a nice left rotation the ball just continued in a straight line. I have been wondering why it wouldn't hook but this video is full of tips to go forward from. Starting with maybe throwing a little less hard, haha. Thanks for putting these useful videos up!

[@garrettzaporowski2170]

Honestly if you’re hitting 150+ with the house balls I recommend getting a ball at this point. A low reactive resin ball will get you that exact hook you’re looking for and more consistently too. Entry level are really not that expensive and even if you’re bowling casually it’s worth getting something that somewhat correlates to your play style.

[@ronaldmead7643]

The first one is what I did all my life and it worked great. No need to crank the ball over

[@CanwegetSubscriberswithn-cu2it]

For method 2, I consciously maintain pressure on my fore-arm. This prevents a too early release. Then push through the arm, not the hand. Works for me.

[@Kylesollars]

Exactly push through with the arm not the hand!

[@joshuayando5011]

so i started off with the suitcase method and slowly started learning to put more lift into/ get behind it more thanks to my dad and i went from a avg of 150 160 to an 190 i just need to get more spares and place my ball better and i feel i can start averaging 200

[@Green.Wafflez]

Thanks for the tips, im a 5 pin bowler but im going 10 pin bowling tomorrow and i absolutely suck at it

[@johnmiceter]

I learned how to curve the ball just from going casually a few times with family and friends. I just use the house balls as I'm not a pro bowler or have my own ball and I put all 3 fingers in the ball and mine spin a heap. My highest score is also around 240 (can't remember exactly, but its not that good) but its just more fun to bowl like this then to bowl straight I reckon.

[@cannonchristopher]

Trying my damndest to graduate from the handshake method. Good on you to say the 1H free swing is the hardest to master. Hate when other house hacks say “jUsT go Up thE bACk of IT”. I would if I could. I didn’t choose the suitcase, the suitcase chose me. 😂

[@CurtisL8.3066]

I started really getting my hand under it when I started engaging my elbow right when my slide foot hits the lane. I was really inconsistent ‘catching’ it at the bottom until I recently figured it out. Not saying figuring this out is the only eureka moment for me converting to the yo yo method, it’s more like layered skills learned over a very long and frustrating road to mediocrity. It takes practice, no shortcutting it. Like Darren said, might as well start two handed, hooking it will be the least of your problems, you more have to focus on getting it up the lane without it picking the 7 off of the rack, but that is a good problem to have lol

[@SirJoelsuf1]

He recommended two handed! I just went to two handed this year, should have done it years ago!

[@razorex251]

I have a rev matt. Any tips for drills on getting thumb out first?

[@BedelphiA]

I had an average of 185 prior to using spin, I was happy with that!

[@BGMBills]

Starting a course in your position was a genius idea.

[@newyorkplays5560]

I do a mix of both the free swing and the handshake

[@JohnKay79]

Two questions... With two handed, do you orient the ball the same way everytime you hold it? If not, doesn't that affect the "layout" of the ball/ it being pin up or pin down and all the measurements..? And what the difference between methods 1 and 4? Handshake and free swinging look very similar and i now don't know which I'm doing! Lol

[@SRT8GSD]

Great video Darren

[@stompingpeak2043]

If your ball isnt hooking just try to get it down quicker. Instead of pushing it downlane more first. Idk how to explain this but it helped me alot

[@godseq3139]

ive been bowling for about 2 years now using the "daugherty" method. I had so many people tell me to either add a hand or put in the thumb, i never listened im now getting to the point where im shooting clean games almost everytime i bowl and im now the highest average in my league holding the high game and series. ANYWAY, what im saying is if YOU like the way you bowl and how it feels, dont change anything from what anyone else says, you have to figure it out on your own and you will find the best possible way to do that thing you are trying to do. Keep bowling brothas

[@Nerdblurt]

I say this all the time. Find your style and master it. Im just trying to put a little rotation in my throws as i need too

[@origamielephant7093]

@@Nerdblurt For real. It is much more interesting to see unorthodox bowling styles that are pocket powerhouses.

[@jeffchisnell]

I strive for your release my guy…..smooth lol

[@draheim90]

Man I wish I had access to this when I started bowling as a kid in the 90s. I struggled to get traditional thumb-in methods (#1 or #4) work when I was around 7-8 then I somehow discovered not using my thumb made it really easy to add hook and also really exploded the pins. Was the only kid in my after school league with a hook for quite some time using method #2 and when people would notice I wasn’t using my thumb they were pretty astounded. My dad tried telling me it wasn’t an acceptable way to throw but I learned some pros actually didn’t use their thumb which was awesome and validating - they of course became some of my favorites to watch. Never tried method #3 but it makes sense - thankfully I was a big kid so using method #2 wasn’t hard for me, but occasionally I would mess up a throw because the ball would slip a little on my hand during the approach and/or backswing. I also struggled to knock down 10 pins because I was so used to throwing with that big hook it was hard to throw the same way without naturally adding hook and my thumb-in straight shot wasn’t very accurate. Almost never missed a 7 pin though as I just threw my strike ball with a little less power.

[@LettuceHead]

I'm a one hand-no thumb bowler, cool to see someone mention it!

[@lobsterbisk3941]

I can get actually pretty decent hook and sometimes pretty angular with suitcase method. Ideally have been working towards thumb in more hook but having trouble moving left and finding a safe speed to keep it on the lane and not sure where to aim

[@kraysea7902]

are you gripping the ball all the way through or is it just relaxed the whole time? for 3 fingers

[@mattheweicholtz]

Thanks for presenting different approaches without making it seem like there is only one correct way to do it. For a long time, I was embarrassed to be around "serious" bowlers with my two-finger, no-thumb technique. I worked really hard to disguise that I wasn't using a thumb, and now I enjoy the look on my buddies' faces when they realize that my ball only has two holes... and I'm averaging 200+.

[@pimpdoggydogg8670]

My fingers are too long so I'm more comfortable using 2 fingers don't ever feel ashamed of your style

[@potSine]

I actually have a lot of fun occasionally throwing straight, especially in "friendly" games

[@algblenny267]

Great video

[@Ham_Chimponaut]

Great Video

[@Paios]

Worth noting for anyone getting into leagues: USBC rules were updated in 2020 to state that all holes in your ball must be used on every delivery. So if you're gonna throw with 2 fingers your ball must be drilled for that with no thumb hole and have a + marked where the center of palm is. This rule change was basically to eliminate balance holes.

[@Marshdom3]

I was a suitcase method player averaging 150 with a Norm Duke style rolling straight down the lane with a small hook into the 1-2 pocket (lefty). Didn’t bowl for decades and decided to get back into bowling. Did the same thing but had an issue with my thumb near the palm. A small ball-like thing started forming and it was painful. Bowler’s thumb maybe? The pain would only go away if I completely stopped using my thumb for bowling and took around 6 months for the ball-like swelling to go away. Anyways, this forced me to go two finger style ala Daugherty method. Took a year to get good at it, experimenting with different approaches, footwork, and speeds, but now I’m averaging around 200. I find it easier to control than using two handed method.

[@newkeepon]

What's the difference between suitcase and the fourth method? Looks the same

[@Marshdom3]

@@newkeepon 1st method is more of u rolling it from the top/side with your fingers which will create small hook while the 4th method is more underneath the ball creating more rev/hook

[@ebonyangel951]

I naturally started with the Two Finger No Thumb after watching actual bowlers do Thumb in, but it kept hurting my thumbs. Then I switched to Suitcase method after a few years. Now I can do Thumb In with house balls if the thumb is loose enough.

[@arvinyu424]

Is it a good method to start with practicing with method 2 and slowly converting to method 4? Because that is what I am practicing to do right now.

[@justinwarner2088]

Great video. Well demonstrated. A+

[@ryanrowtie1206]

Yes sirrr new video firewe

[@GreenArrow31798]

Darren I use the two fingers! I average 215 I would love to come to get lessons from you heck even just bowl with you.

[@MTSpade]

Darrens a cool guy, I’d love to be coached by him, seems very easy to learn from

[@robmoore5655]

I started when I was 8 bowling league, my natural release led to me staying up the back until I was releasing it around the side. Covering 10 boards with a White Dot in 1980.

[@aaronspringborn34]

I just re-watched this video and I have trouble doing these professional/right ways of doing this especially I want to do number four but my friends are trying to tell me to do number one I have trouble getting my arm up what I’m actually performing my swingand keeping it straight after I let go of the ball to complete the motion correctly. When I watch your video, it seems like the suitcase/handshake method is similar to the fourth way, which is the most recommended by you the professional can you please break this down a little bit better yet between those two that way I know what to look for thank you take care keep up with these great videos.

[@wess.9193]

I am a die hard suitcase/handshake bowler. With a very minimal back swing. Lol Plus as a special suitcase thrower I only put my thumb in to my first knuckle, actually sometimes just the tip. Good times! Lol

[@StremeSpoats]

I switched to the 2 hand method after watching Belmonte on the Dude Perfect vid. I will never switch back. Super simple and super easy on your wrist and arm.

[@icanhearcolors3984]

Recently was able to master the traditional pro method with thumb in. Working the inside of the ball.

[@icanhearcolors3984]

@pompsie_slotss508 no way Darren has fake bots now ☠️☠️☠️

[@esaflaka9155]

I just couldn't grasp how to do the handshake method and having the wrist strength to rlly keep the ball So the two finger method while i do still have a thumb hole and use it... i took to that easily and it felt natural.. so i kept that method lol. Other than sometimes my hands to the right of the ball at the release. Some tweaking and i'll get there to consistency!

[@jayveenaredo]

Speed has always been my problem 😅 always forgetting to slow down😂

[@chiplarkin4069]

I was told 14 mph is the best speed. ??????

[@user-gt1wr1vh3i]

Darren, you and "Schanen Cannon" should do the Packy 50 Strike Challenge.

[@kaplezedrummer24ify]

Just purchased a pyramid fortress and bowl with method 4. That ball is a menace.

[@davidoneill5664]

I was a method 4 guy. Open the shoulders up high backswing with a quick thumb, 1/2" away, 1/2' reverse

[@scottrackley4457]

As a lefty, you left out one. I can't describe it any better than watch Steve Cook roll one. Index finger down, rotate along that axis. A lot of people open their shoulders to generate spin. Only Monicelli perfected that. That wrist pop from open to close is a dice toss. At least it was on laquer lanes.

[@bdooley8469]

It's the main difference between thumb in 1 and 3 that 3 has the hand under it more where 1 starts more up and to the side?

[@IowaGB]

I currently use a hammer diesel for the past 5 years, looking to upgrade what ball should i be looking to get next any recommendations?

[@jacklarage2651]

Tip I started when I was around age 12 to bawh 19 20 than started with all three holes and now have a really good spin

[@shawn180]

I’m going to. It my first ball. I’ve decided on the Brunswick Twist. Should I have it drilled pin up or pin down. I do like a bit of hook but I’m not trying to dominate the league. Yet! Just want to be more consistent in throwing strikes. What would you recommend?

[@rangatangbangbang3180]

Do u have a video of finding the right ball/weight ??? And figuring a good thumb size for yourself

[@Nic_No_K]

“It’s all about curving the piss out of the ball” couldn’t agree more😂

[@Bugster-df1pf]

I use the 2 finger, no thumb method. I'm not the greatest and i bet my stance etc might be a bit bad but its what I'm practicing and what I'm getting much better with. when i started earlier this year i could barely reach 110 pins, now I've recently hit a PB of 171.

[@EnidDev]

im using the same method and so far i got a PB of 152 not the best but i would say its not bad considering i started a little over a month ago

[@Bugster-df1pf]

@@EnidDev Very nice my previous PB was 149 and that took a couple months to get with the same method, yeah im not hitting that high much but my average is slowly climbing

[@dylanfry7978]

I have never referred to “suitcasing” it as hooking the ball though..I was always taught suitcasing it is what you do when you dont want it to hook.. Like if you have no spare ball, and have to throw reactive at a Ten Pin, but cant take your hand out of the ball, then youd “suitcase” it. Taking rotation out, having it rotate weird and go straighter cross alley at your ten pin. Idk if me trying to explain this makes sense. But This has always been my understanding of suitcasing the ball. *Also I dont think handshake is bad form. Its actually pretty good form especially for newer bowlers. But even experienced experts come up like a handshake. Its what they do at the bottom of the swing that’s different.

[@clarencewilliams764]

How do you get the thumb come out of the ball when your hand is underneath the ball?

[@tilovon30]

So, does the rotation keep it from going into the gutter, or is it a feel thing?

[@bch9124]

5:15 I love it when there's fingers in the end.

[@KLGChaos]

Sadly. Haven't bowled in years, but would like to get back into it. I've always been most comfortable with the free swing, thumb-in method myself.

[@BAURMOTORWORKS]

What pount ball do you use in competition