How To HOOK A Bowling Ball For Beginners

This video is a tutorial primarily for beginner bowlers looking to start hooking a bowling ball. I go over the basic lessons that I learned as a kid that still apply to todays bowling game.
#bowling
#tutorial
#curve
#hook
#howto

[@Adamgotastrike]

I’ve been a straight bowler for years. Finally decided to get a new ball for a good hook and this video looks very helpful and easy to understand.

[@vandykeebbin4762]

Did it work?

[@Adamgotastrike]

@@vandykeebbin4762 It’s sorta hooking. Still working on it. It’ll still be a while till I can perfect it.

[@93myj27]

I’m a straight bowler myself. Do have thought of going with a curve.

[@sparkplugpeggy4910]

I'm a straight bowler too, and recently took up hooking it and at first it was awkward, i got a LOT of gutter balls lol. But with practice I got the hang of it. Is fun and then I can always throw it straight to pick up most of my spares Oh yeah.... he did not mention it in this video I don't think but you have to get your thumb out first because your fingers or what's going to put the spin on the ball and that's what really was hardest for me at first. So i practiced releasing the ball, getting my thumb out first and focusing on "flicking" the ball with my fingers... I practiced the release on my sofa haha.

[@boog3rwood]

I like the easy, simple relatable instruction.

[@MrMice...]

"Shake hands with the lane." That's how I was taught 30 years ago.

[@Samuel-xs2yv]

Same bro

[@bigdisme5622]

I was taught answer the phone lol

[@dominicoller6991]

Lol

[@jessibri665]

Yup

[@lordkiza8838]

Times have changed old man

[@bowlingxp8345]

Nice vid. The "football" and "shaking someone's hand" examples are of course teached for many decades, but the most KEY thing that the modern release has, is the bending of both wrist AND elbow, which you didn't mention. This 2 joint un-coiling is what creates the high RPMs of today's bowling.

[@SirJoelsuf1]

He talks about that at the 2:00 mark.

[@namegoeshere3838]

That and a method I was taught by the great Don Johnson called the Urethane Release. More power than you can ever imagine and by doing almost nothing to the ball.

[@bowlingxp8345]

@@SirJoelsuf1 Not really. He kind of sort of talks about the yo-yo release but even in the motion he does he keeps the elbow straight. That is why i pointed it out, so people watching can note that detail.

[@bowlingxp8345]

@@namegoeshere3838 which one is that ?

[@megatbasyarullah4859]

Well this is for beginners so i guess that's enough. I started bowling for 2 months now and still don't get the elbow thing😂. But at least i can hook the ball now

[@TickleMeRaw_]

Great channel! I am a 24y/o male and have been bowling only for fun.....until now. I bowl with a game average of 150 and have finally listened to friends, family, and the strangers around me when they told me to start signing up for a competitive league near me. So glad people like you dedicate time and energy into making these videos and showing others just how interesting and intricate bowling can be for those unaware.

[@ForrestKritzer]

Thank you so much! Glad to hear your are joining a league. There is definitely a lot to learn in this bowling game. Just trying to spread the knowledge and grow the sport.

[@eliasqtw3794]

in the middle of bowling all i needed was one second of this video thanks a lot!

[@javierjosemanaricuatorres9210]

I played bowling 22 years ago, actually I'm 40 years old. I'm came back to the tracks, this video is great for me, thanks a lot. Best regards from Spain!

[@masterjedi677]

Thank you so much!!! You have no idea how clear and easy your explanation was. Explained exactly what I was doing wrong and how I should be bowling.

[@ForrestKritzer]

I’m so glad to hear that it helped you! You are very welcome 😃

[@ChristineMaz]

Thanks for this. Finally got a ball (vibe) and I was literally bowling better with a house ball. Others that I watched were saying release at _oclock. This was so much easier to visualize. I’m going to try again tonight.

[@wilsonlim2614]

I love the "Shaking Hand" analogy, helped me understand how, thank you!

[@shabazzh9474]

That football too was just what I need lol. I only use my pinky and ring finger to bowl no thumb. I was never taught properly but I love the way I bowl. I’m going to play a few games when I get off work in the morning to see how this works.

[@squidly2112]

Oh, and loving your instructions .. you need to more of those .. great stuff!!! .. and so helpful for crappy bowlers like me. You have such a nice smooth style. Definitely something to emulate.

[@namegoeshere3838]

I've begun answering questions for newcomers on a few FB bowling sites. So far nobody close to home but this video I just sent to a guy who wants to throw a hook, getting his first fingertip ball. It shows exactly what I was telling him although I stressed to only do the basic release and not the loaded for a while...walk before you run. So much I can teach as I'm a past student of the great Don Johnson and his "Urethane Release", but this newcomer has a while before he can even attempt that one 😂. You're doing a good thing here Sir. My lower back is gone and with 7 years of physical therapy I'm still not to the point of being worth the pain for a league night but I'm dying to try the new oil and patterns (held PBA regional card but terrible luck) as I keep seeing clips of suitcase release grandma with her 3rd 300 game, not to mention 20 years ago a 2 handed no thumbs release hit the left gutter at 40 feet! I averaged 230's with a Columbia Blue Dot, 300s with a Pink Hammer... you get the idea. Anyway, keep up the good work

[@doctorrobert60]

Nice straight forward video. Thank You Forrest!

[@BuzzsawBrent]

Thanks Forrest! This video will definitely help beginners.

[@LONGBEACH2ARIZONA]

Instant “like” for comparing it to underhand throwing a football. After watching tons of videos, that comparison gave me something to instantly recognize how it should feel. Thanks!

[@bearnecessiteespolio5359]

Ive never seen amyone throw a football like that in my life

[@brianwhitton7524]

Thank you, this 1 video made my game go from embarrassing mess to alot of fun. For the past 4 weeks on my Tues night league I had 600 series. I know for pros it's nothing but for a heavy equipment mechanic I think it's fantastic. Thank you very much

[@toddjennings7625]

Great simple analogy. Thank you. Just converted to finger tip release and I’m relearning how to bowl all over. In a good way.

[@ForrestKritzer]

Thank you! Glad it helped. Keep working at it😃

[@Jack_Slaughter]

This video was huge help, imma driver for Knight Refrigerated, we have a two lane bowling alley at the Phoenix, Arizona terminal; ill definitely keep practice on this when im here.

[@ricka.wetselphdbowler3526]

Great teaching vlog! Simple and to the point!!

[@Ben59910]

I've been releasing the ball like this for a while now, but I haven't been loading the wrist like you demonstrated, which is probably why I haven't been getting much control over the hook. Gonna try it next time I play, Thanks 👍🏽

[@user-wu1cx1cg6b]

Shaking hands definitely correct. I remember the telephone first though. I'm 67 and am still learning. Yr videos are very helpful. Also helps to stay up with the game. I stuck with old ball for to many years. 12 to be exact. Not good. Lanes, oil, and bowling balls chance so often. I held a 185-190 avg with an old Ebonite Game Plan ball for so many years. The ball tracked out and react anymore. I now have Brunswick Knockout, black and blue. Not the most reactive but does the job. I carry a 206 avg now on house shots. My best is 779, so far. Not a pro by any standard but do love the increase. So many people at lanes will help you. Just ask and observe. An old dog can learn new tricks. Lol Keep the tutorials coming Forrest.

[@JerryN7970]

I was bowling with my 20 year old son a while back. We had the lanes for a couple of hours so eventually we started experimenting with our throws. We were trying to figure out how to hook the ball but no matter what we did, we would end up with the top spin like you were showing. We never did figure it out and get the ball to hook. I don’t get to go bowling that often, but I might be referring back to this next time I get to bowl! Thanks for the tips!

[@ForrestKritzer]

Yes, the top spin is the most common mistake that new bowlers tend to make. Give the football/handshake method a try next time you go out to the lanes. Hopefully it helps you get the hang of it

[@eugenelane3291]

You also wont have any real success using house balls. You need your own ball and it needs to be whats called finger tip 😊

[@JerryN7970]

@@eugenelane3291 that’s good to know. I was using a house ball when I was trying it.

[@eugenelane3291]

@@JerryN7970 you can hook a house ball throwing it 2 handed and spining the heck out of it

[@JerryN7970]

@@eugenelane3291 😂 I’ll give that a try next time!

[@warnajera7703]

Watched plenty of videos for beginners hooking the ball. This was easily the best. Great examples of football and shaking hand. Hadn’t heard football before. Great job of keeping it simple.

[@ForrestKritzer]

Thank you very much. Glad I could help. Football technique in my mind is the best analogy for a bowling release

[@rabidmonkey9296]

I’ve gotta send this to my son. He’s 17 and still rollin straight at the headpin 🤦🏻‍♂️😂 hopefully your coaching technique helps him more than mine!

[@mmabowler]

Ok just wanted to share this with you, Ive balled for about 15 years but stop before the pandemic. I really just havent gotten my game back... until I watched this vid. Shot 299 yesterday in Sunday morning trios league. Shaking hands was KEY!!! Thanks for sharing!!!

[@ForrestKritzer]

That’s so awesome to hear! Glad I could help. Congrats on the 299 game😎

[@kksunnyside]

Just starting to bowl , glad this was my first video of instruction

[@wandimaria1593]

Awesome video! Been playing straight ball for years and felt that it was time for me to learn to hook/curve. Greetings from Malaysia

[@ForrestKritzer]

Thank you! You are quite a distance from me lol

[@timothyhaynes5282]

Very informative thank you 😃 I'm wanting to Improve my game hitting the 10 pin is my Achilles heel

[@timscott178]

great video - can you do a video from your perspective on the differences between solid pearl and hybrid and when you use them

[@alanfisher2394]

Thanks! This really helped me . When you made the football analogy I instantly understood coming from a guy who used to be a quarterback, so thank you again for the great tutorial

[@ForrestKritzer]

Thank you for the super thanks! I’m glad this video helped you out in some way😎

[@lasvegasbowingfanatic1666]

More videos like this please. Footwork, arm swing etc. Thanks

[@ThePokersurfer]

Forrest you're the best ....... Thank you for this!

[@thonattkcm]

Thank you for that great trick .... that's very help me for improved my games!!!!

[@carlosperezbowlingchicago]

Thanks for the tips. I will try them.

[@hrsey71]

this is very helpful! simple methods to understand

[@norbu_la]

The first explanation I've heard that didn't use more jargon than even quantum mechanics, thumbs up (no pun intended)

[@kevingreene7565]

Good stuff Forrest I always look to your videos to see how I can improve my game.

[@ForrestKritzer]

Thank you brotha. I’m here if you have any questions

[@twyz0ne]

That ball came out beautifully 😁 I actually bowl like that without trying to put that overhand twist on it. Nowhere near as great as this guy, but nice to know I am actually doing something right lol. After a few years of bowling it just kind of came to me. Great tips here.

[@liaxiong4920]

I love the way you show Thanks

[@mikegualjr]

Starting in a more bush league but still league tomorrow and haven’t played in years haha! Safe to say I’ll play straight tomorrow but I really want to practice this technique

[@workitforme2]

I appreciate this break down. Im try this tonight when I bowl tonight in my bowling league.. Whats a good position on the floor to be when you rolling hooks so that way you get in that pocket to secure a strike? Thanks for all your insights in advance.

[@coreylandis7266]

That was a pretty good way to explain how to bowl shorter and longer oil patterns.

[@solidtenpin]

Some other things I point out to new bowlers is finger tip drilled balls, and how they encourage a release to hook, and also how to unload the wrist at the bottom to help the thumb come out of the ball before the fingers.

[@user-ue3xh8jo9t]

The best bowling lesson ever.

[@armandovillablanca3833]

Thank you sir for your sharing how to start bowling

[@urinatez3]

Helps a lot thanks so much 😊

[@sidhniemeijer3530]

Thank you. Verry helpfull. Nice technique! Keep it up

[@LandonM-fz9fo]

Thank u sooooo much u really helped me with the football analogy😊

[@adamisae5048]

Definitely gonna comments again after I try iy. Thank for the tip

[@stevekeller3643]

Thanks for the video Forrest. Long time bowler still with this problem! So, it’s a matter of both the timing of the turn as well as the degree ? Most of us rank amateurs turn too early as well as too much.

[@TheAlvinMamba]

This video is soo helpful and clear 🙏🏽❤️.

[@brianthompson2662]

55 years old and have bowling leagues for 41 years. I think the innovations in ball designs have helped a lot in getting a ball to hook. Got my first two 300's last year. Original idol ball. I can't get past keeping my hand behind the ball. I end up on the side of it. I bowl with an ex pro and president of the PBA but i Don't think it can be fixed this late in my life

[@edisonnarvaez8388]

Great video, Can you show a closer look at your hand position, and wrist when trying to hook more? Thank you

[@bentosuner5189]

thank you. great demo. great instructions.

[@ForrestKritzer]

Thank you!😃

[@shadymac8387]

thanks i did football analogy was perfect!

[@Kristor333]

First I’m hearing the underhand football idea. Might have to use this to coach up some of my teammates!

[@nkxzombietrix1897]

Really? That's very common when teaching beginners. Works wonders too!

[@exitar1]

Excellent!!

[@SgtPhroste]

I try to give my elbow/wrist a little more outward rotation on the backswing to where my palm is facing towards the wall and the back of my hand is facing my body and then come up into a handshake to give me a little more rev rotation

[@kcirdesantos2348]

I will try this at league! Thanks Dorris Krigger!

[@ForrestKritzer]

Anytime Edrick spelled backwards!

[@adamo.3784]

I am new to trying to bowl with a hook. One area I am struggling with is how hard to grip the ball and grip technique. I’ve had a few attempted releases where the ball stayed on my thumb but perhaps that was because I wasn’t aiming my thumb towards the sky… not quite sure yet. Thank you for the video!

[@TheVlad1616]

If ball is fit properly, you shouldn’t have to grip the ball at all.

[@mixmasterfestus8096]

@@TheVlad1616 agreed, and what helps is once you've picked up the ball, is remove all fingers and and adjust while holding it

[@LegendariusBC]

Here's a good video on grip pressure: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rZXQlIZoodp4nJI. Actually the whole playlist is great for beginner to advanced topics.

[@louispounds7486]

Looks amazing! Please clarify how to combine both of those hand movements (throwing a football and yo yo). Thx

[@totang3560]

Thank you so much !

[@brianknost3400]

Really helpful. Thanks.

[@secondamazonprime-kv5xo]

Great tutorial!

[@carlosperezbowlingchicago]

Thanks for the tips. They were helpful.

[@ForrestKritzer]

Anytime!

[@arvindbhunjun6555]

Great teaching style

[@skeeterkise-fh4ep]

I have a pro roster brace , die to having a broken rist that was rebuilt from accident. I still roll a 16 lb ball. I roll down 9-11 board with a soft hook to pocket I also bowl in 3 different houses with different lane conditions. My arsenal is 3D , the gem, and purple hammer and the urethane. What hand position do you recommend for my circumstance And thanks for your help and videos.

[@craigconley1872]

Wow..I will start my own video's!!

[@aiamaliamasyaallohsemogasa6571]

Thank for sharing

[@DtKnize]

Thanks Forrest, I love your form, you will win on the Tour soon if you keep working as hard as you do. I've been working really hard to eliminate the, "Chicken Wing Spinner" When I stay under and behind the ball it's so much better. A pretty good 220 league bowler told me that I can't get revs on the ball because my fingers/span is too short. Do you need long fingers to get more revs?

[@joehoenig7596]

Forest-after years of wearing a wrist support, I'm working this summer on ditching it. So far, I am completely up the back of the bell with a ton of forward roll, but it's as if I no longer know how to hook the ball! Any suggestions or drills? is it "ok" to come slightly around the side of the ball? We've heard so many pros remind us that only amateurs do that while pros are "up the back of it", yet I'm stuck lol! Any help would be appreciated. Thank you

[@billzwit4064]

Just as numerous people have suggested, the bowler could think of trying to shake hands with someone whos facing you out on the lane. You extend the thumb out with the fingers to grip the facing someones hand. I would like to interject a certain thought of getting yourself to picture of feeding the ball onto the lane like feeding tree branches into a chopper, or placing paper into a paper shredder. Just move the hand forward with the ball and get to extend the ball and hand to reach out out onto the lane FEEDING to roll the ball into the lane surface. The tendency might be to do something such as roll the hand such as topping or give the wrist some frisbee motion. That has bad results as can be an imitation of high average bowlers rotation action. The best thought of you releasing ball onto the lane is a certain giving a push action to the ball so that the thumb will exit the thumb hole and then the fingers while still in ball, generate a leverage or finish coming out of fingerholes.

[@nealskula3997]

Great job, but quick question, how do you figure out where to aim with spin?

[@flippperboy]

Good job on hand positions. Show bowlers how to create momentum on the armswing. What happens is new bowlers don’t know how to start the swing and cannot get their hand in those positions because they will most likely force it. Maybe swing momentum like Britney’s brother Chris 😉

[@laforrestroxbury9909]

My name is Forrest also! Subscribed 👍🏾 Thanks for the bowling tips. I was getting around the ball too much. Instead of behind the ball!!!

[@ForrestKritzer]

Hey that’s awesome! I don’t know to many other people named Forrest. Glad I could help!

[@WeggyVlogs]

This is a great video!

[@elm6944]

you make that look easy! sadly its not but with tons of practice...right! thx!!

[@twdg_rick_grimes]

Ty bro you saved my ass you are the greatest

[@rubenski2010]

Thanks for sharing, subscribed

[@brandonbowser5487]

question on the 2nd release i know u start with the loaded hand/wrist but when u go to let go of the ball do u unload it like cup uncup or do u keep ur hand firm and just handshake with the lane ? i feel like u stay firm but same time i feel like if u load u need to unload to really do the release ur doing in this video at 3:32

[@RandyVidz]

I did this minimally on accident, previously bowling wasnt my thing due to bowling being a mental game, so i drank some alcohol and saw much improvement and scoring my first and second strike

[@nissiluther396]

Amazing

[@joshraimes4734]

I am a straight bowler for many years.. at best a 200 bowler. However, I want to start bowling competively... How light is your ball supposed to be, in order to be able to throw and pull your fingers out on the release? And what factors (hole placement, not too much hole grip, etc) do you consider when fitting for a ball, in order to properly hook the ball.

[@hazalmohammed]

Thanks for the information. Still learning how to do this, and my main issue so far is keeping my hand behind the ball at release. Any tips on how to do that? My hand naturally ends up on the outside even though I cradle the ball with my hand under the ball at the start of the release.

[@stompingpeak2043]

Just focus on it for a while at practice. Then eventually it will become second nature. Just think the whole time and remember how it feels to throw the ball like this. So you can keep doing it

[@mikeperrcione]

I'm having difficulty with my release as you demonstrated, also, I feel more comfortable with my index finger closer to the middle finger as opposed to the Peace like position...is that ok, or should I try to correct.

[@peterarroyo5046]

Could we see the loaded position from a side view? Or a better view to view the loaded position you hold the ball?

[@galoguevara6049]

The fact of the matter is that you can not easily do that with a "house-ball." Because the finger holes are not optimal for the kind of grip you need to do the "hand shake" thing. Yes...., you can hook a house-ball. But it takes much more effort that is not needed when bowling with properly sized ball. With house-balls, your two front finger are going into the hole "two knuckles" deep - and the thumb hole is centered between the two holes - yet not far enough away from each other. With a proper sized ball, your two front fingers will only need to go "one-knuckle" deep - and the thumb hole is in a much more natural "off-center" position - with far enough space that it feels like you are "palming" the ball (like palming a basket ball). House-balls don't have those hole positions. And in order to find the holes spaced out far enough for the proper grip, you would end up with a much too heavy ball. Because the weight of the ball would be more typical of bigger stronger player (hands/wrist size). So now you may have a ball with better hole positions, but its too heavy for you (as a beginner). But with a proper sized ball, it is so much more efficient (and lighter ball). Thus taking much less effort to hook, and not kill your arm out after 5-6 frames. But otherwise.... nice video.

[@JINSEOK3716]

Ever since I began bowling, I have only ever used my two hands. When I first learned two hands, two handers seemed so easy to hook. I found that it was very challenging to hook with one hand as soon as I switched to using just one. I can perform the two-hand handshake position as demonstrated in the video, but I am unable to perform it with just one hand for some reason.

[@ashketchem6511]

These releases are also great when you're doing #2

[@hossam953]

Good explain thanks alot bro

[@benjamincoleman9711]

TYSM!!!

[@orensinai2523]

Loved the vudeo but the thing u didn't explain is to where are u aiming? U throw the ball to the middle pin? Or to the side pine?and how do u know to make the ball spin on what time? When u shot the ball he went straight for a sec then last second he just spin to the middle like how do u plan that?

[@Stilistics-Aviation]

very helpful

[@tobokchannel]

Thank you for the tips

[@ForrestKritzer]

Anytime!😃

[@samia7732]

Der schönste Sport für mich😍❤

[@techsmith1809]

1. Did you grab the ball very tight by the thumb? 2. Did you insert you thumb fully to the hole? Or just half inserted? 3. What is the weight of you ball? Note a very heavy ball is different to hold tight.

[@otrsmalls252]

so i haven't ever used my thumb because i couldn't figure the hook out with it. i only used the 2 fingers. but the same process i guess. with that being said how long do you think the transition will be by adding the thumb. i am starting a bowling leauge in september and would like a nicer release by then.

[@raghavkaushik9985]

Very well articulated! My problem is my thumb. It's unusually big and therefore I have to use atleast size 12 ball. With a heavy ball, it's kinda hard to spin :( or if I try to overdo it, I will end up with a sprained wrist.

[@miguelgranadamata1255]

I have a question, if i want to keep my hand behind the ball in order to give effect, I need to be with the forearm in tension right? I can't put the hand behind the ball, maybe i have week forearms or... I am doing the technic to put the hand behind the ball badly and you don't need to be in tension at all? I want to know, i've been trying to give effect to the ball for a long time but i can't put the hand behind the ball... Do you need to be using the forearm to put the hand in the right possition, like doing force?

[@scottythompson940]

Cool tech bowling Forrest