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.
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!
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.
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.
@@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.
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
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!
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
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!!!
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.
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!
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
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.
I wish the UK had a culture of bowling. I love bowling so much but when I went alone to enjoy and practice I felt like a freak cos it was just a tonne of families with kids
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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!
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
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
I would definitely recommend for good posture to: 1. Have you right foot lower than left foot next to each other, if you are a righty And get comfortable, but remember being too comfortable can make bad habits Lean foward and get into position, have your right shoulder lower than your left for some spine tilt to be more open Once you lean foward, for the last thing you do after you lean foward and get comfortable is, To put all your pressure oonto your right foot by leaning back on it, it will only work if you put pressure on your right foot or there’s no point. Hope this helps, let me know if it did and if you tried this, happy to help, I also work in a pro shop 😊
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
You need to video to discuss about getting a ball correctly fitted for a person. I have seen so many people struggle to get their thumb out of the ball, and that is what usually causes a bad release. Explain what they should expect and look for in a properly fitted ball.
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.
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
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.
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
From someone who cannot hook to save his life, I have a question about 2:43 to 2:44 in the video. When paused, you can see the hand isn't exactly behind the ball as the ball reaches the ankle / bottom of the release. You can see it is slightly already in the handshake position. Is this really the desired position vs. being exactly, directly behind the ball? I've not video taped myself, but I am very deliberately performing what I think is the football underhand spiral toss as well as the follow through handshake position. No hook, none. In fact the ball seems to be in a reverse spin and then ultimately recovers to a forward but straight spin, and then goes straight down the lane. Any ideas? If it matters, I have a Storm Tropical Surge, 12 lbs. I have a Storm Mix at 14, but it just wants to pull me off balance - so imo, too heavy.
Stupid question ( I’m a beginner hahah) In the first shot I hook the bowling bowl but I didn’t make a strike, in my second attempt I should hook the ball again? Or just shot it in a straight line. I supposed it depends on the situation but, can someone tell me a tip of what shall do next?
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 👍🏽
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.
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
Any tips for getting your thumb out faster? That’s what I struggle with I sometimes pull my shot due to my thumb still being in the ball. I also struggle with thumb swelling and going back if I don’t bowl awhile. Tends to happen when I bowl
Beginner here hope i can get some help, just got my first ball, idk whh these video's dont make sense i think i need to do it in person. I can kind of understand the handshakes hook but it harder to see even with slow mo. Another thing im struggling with is processing the 4 step approach mostly because i do have balance issues so i tend to trip over myself but i have a feeling i need to do those stuff in person lol
I bowled years ago like 25, used a 16 lb hammer. Hooked the ball. Now I’m 70 years old..in decent shape. I still want to hook ball but not sure of what weight I should go to. What type ball do you recommend and weight? Do gloves help?
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.
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.
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.
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?
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?
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?
@@AimAssistAvenue really not an issue unless you're not getting the rotation you want. You'll naturally bend your elbow a bit when you cock your wrist under the ball. The loft is something to be controlled later. Plenty of guys loft the ball over the heads regardless, just to get the ball down the lane farther
I throw a hook though not a heavy hook and am looking to improve. Where in the release does your thumb come out? Is it while your hand is still behind your ball or after you start the rotation? My release is more of the "suitcase" method.
Okay guys, I will be bowling with some co-workers on 9/3/23 and I have never hooked a bowling ball in my life, I've always thrown over the 2nd arrow and watched it go into the pocket for a strike, any pointers before Sunday afternoon would help.
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
I’m not the greatest bowler out there but I actually tried hooking the ball lately and I’m averaging higher than I usually do which is about 170 but with the hook I’m almost 190-200. I’m just not consistent enough with it sometimes I don’t know if it’s gonna hook right or not
Forrest, what pressure points do you use when holding the ball…..for example, does your ball rest more at the index finger pressure point or the ring finger pressure point? Thanks
It’s really a feel thing. Everyone’s pitches are different and it’s about finding what’s comfortable for you. It’s important to not have too firm of a grip on the ball so you avoid major thumb/finger pain
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 😉
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.
Did it work?
@@vandykeebbin4762 It’s sorta hooking. Still working on it. It’ll still be a while till I can perfect it.
I’m a straight bowler myself. Do have thought of going with a curve.
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.
I like the easy, simple relatable instruction.
in the middle of bowling all i needed was one second of this video thanks a lot!
"Shake hands with the lane." That's how I was taught 30 years ago.
Same bro
I was taught answer the phone lol
Lol
Yup
Times have changed old man
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!
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.
He talks about that at the 2:00 mark.
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.
@@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.
@@namegoeshere3838 which one is that ?
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
I love the "Shaking Hand" analogy, helped me understand how, thank you!
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!
Ive never seen amyone throw a football like that in my life
@@bearnecessiteespolio5359it's if you were spiraling it underhand bro like tossing it to someone not actually throwing it like a quarterback would
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
Thank you for the super thanks! I’m glad this video helped you out in some way😎
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!!!
That’s so awesome to hear! Glad I could help. Congrats on the 299 game😎
Best hook explanation video Ive ever seen. Very simple and direct. Thank you!
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.
I’m so glad to hear that it helped you! You are very welcome 😃
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.
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!
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!
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
You also wont have any real success using house balls. You need your own ball and it needs to be whats called finger tip 😊
@@eugenelane3291 that’s good to know. I was using a house ball when I was trying it.
@@JerryN7970 you can hook a house ball throwing it 2 handed and spining the heck out of it
@@eugenelane3291 😂 I’ll give that a try next time!
Awesome video! Been playing straight ball for years and felt that it was time for me to learn to hook/curve. Greetings from Malaysia
Thank you! You are quite a distance from me lol
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.
I wish the UK had a culture of bowling. I love bowling so much but when I went alone to enjoy and practice I felt like a freak cos it was just a tonne of families with kids
I’m gonna practice alone. Idc what other people think. Wear a wrist guard and look professional like you’re practicing.
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.
Thank you very much. Glad I could help. Football technique in my mind is the best analogy for a bowling release
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.
My fruend has a 1 knuckle deep hole... i really dont like 1 knuckle deep makes me geel like i cant control it
The football analogy is gold. It really helped me visual it. Thank you.
Great simple analogy. Thank you.
Just converted to finger tip release and I’m relearning how to bowl all over. In a good way.
Thank you! Glad it helped. Keep working at it😃
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
Nice straight forward video. Thank You Forrest!
This is the best video explaining how to use 3 fingers. Thank you! Subbed!
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
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.
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!
If ball is fit properly, you shouldn’t have to grip the ball at all.
@@TheVlad1616 agreed, and what helps is once you've picked up the ball, is remove all fingers and and adjust while holding it
Here's a good video on grip pressure: ruclips.net/video/wdmcS2luEf0/видео.html. Actually the whole playlist is great for beginner to advanced topics.
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
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
Just starting to bowl , glad this was my first video of instruction
The best bowling lesson ever.
great video - can you do a video from your perspective on the differences between solid pearl and hybrid and when you use them
Can you do a video on body posture at the foul line when releasing? I seem to bend forward to much and i am not sure where my weight should be.
I would definitely recommend for good posture to:
1. Have you right foot lower than left foot next to each other, if you are a righty
And get comfortable, but remember being too comfortable can make bad habits
Lean foward and get into position, have your right shoulder lower than your left for some spine tilt to be more open
Once you lean foward, for the last thing you do after you lean foward and get comfortable is,
To put all your pressure oonto your right foot by leaning back on it, it will only work if you put pressure on your right foot or there’s no point. Hope this helps, let me know if it did and if you tried this, happy to help, I also work in a pro shop 😊
But don’t lean back too much, be tilted a little foward but still lean back onto that right foot
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.
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.
glad for the comparisons to other sports. makes it much easier to understand
Thanks Forrest! This video will definitely help beginners.
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.
That was a pretty good way to explain how to bowl shorter and longer oil patterns.
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.
Looks amazing! Please clarify how to combine both of those hand movements (throwing a football and yo yo). Thx
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.
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.
You need to video to discuss about getting a ball correctly fitted for a person. I have seen so many people struggle to get their thumb out of the ball, and that is what usually causes a bad release. Explain what they should expect and look for in a properly fitted ball.
Please watch my “how to drill” video that I uploaded this week for more in depth about proper fit on a bowling ball
Thanks for these helpful tips!
The first explanation I've heard that didn't use more jargon than even quantum mechanics, thumbs up (no pun intended)
Thank you so much for the tutorial. I just raised my game to a new level!
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.
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
First I’m hearing the underhand football idea. Might have to use this to coach up some of my teammates!
Really? That's very common when teaching beginners. Works wonders too!
Great video,
Can you show a closer look at your hand position, and wrist when trying to hook more?
Thank you
That football analogy helped a lot!
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.
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
My 1st lesson was to shake hands with the kingpin. I was never able to hook it but I want to learn.
From someone who cannot hook to save his life, I have a question about 2:43 to 2:44 in the video. When paused, you can see the hand isn't exactly behind the ball as the ball reaches the ankle / bottom of the release. You can see it is slightly already in the handshake position. Is this really the desired position vs. being exactly, directly behind the ball? I've not video taped myself, but I am very deliberately performing what I think is the football underhand spiral toss as well as the follow through handshake position. No hook, none. In fact the ball seems to be in a reverse spin and then ultimately recovers to a forward but straight spin, and then goes straight down the lane. Any ideas? If it matters, I have a Storm Tropical Surge, 12 lbs. I have a Storm Mix at 14, but it just wants to pull me off balance - so imo, too heavy.
Stupid question ( I’m a beginner hahah) In the first shot I hook the bowling bowl but I didn’t make a strike, in my second attempt I should hook the ball again? Or just shot it in a straight line. I supposed it depends on the situation but, can someone tell me a tip of what shall do next?
Thanks for the video I will practice that next time
Could you make a tutorial on how to hook with the Dino?
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 👍🏽
These releases are also great when you're doing #2
Great teaching vlog! Simple and to the point!!
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.
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
Any tips for getting your thumb out faster? That’s what I struggle with I sometimes pull my shot due to my thumb still being in the ball. I also struggle with thumb swelling and going back if I don’t bowl awhile. Tends to happen when I bowl
Great job, but quick question, how do you figure out where to aim with spin?
Beginner here hope i can get some help, just got my first ball, idk whh these video's dont make sense i think i need to do it in person.
I can kind of understand the handshakes hook but it harder to see even with slow mo.
Another thing im struggling with is processing the 4 step approach mostly because i do have balance issues so i tend to trip over myself but i have a feeling i need to do those stuff in person lol
I bowled years ago like 25, used a 16 lb hammer. Hooked the ball. Now I’m 70 years old..in decent shape. I still want to hook ball but not sure of what weight I should go to. What type ball do you recommend and weight? Do gloves help?
Very informative thank you 😃 I'm wanting to Improve my game hitting the 10 pin is my Achilles heel
What weight of a bowling ball would you recommend, or do you have a video on that?
15lbs if your an adult male
Wholesome interactive session
Forrest you're the best ....... Thank you for this!
Its the slowmo slide for me 😂😂
That shit was so Gangster. 😂
Thank you sir for your sharing how to start bowling
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.
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.
I use a glove that mike strogger use any information or demonstration on how or what i should do.
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.
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?
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?
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?
Are you mean to aim straight down the middle, or to the side and let the spin bring it to the middle?
So where would you say its time to load more what I'm asking is how far left or inside before you switch from your regular hand and your loaded hand
Is there a drill to stop me from bending elbow in the down swing?
Bending the elbow isn't necessarily bad. Breaking your wrist open is
Bending my elbow cause a little loft with the ball.
@@AimAssistAvenue really not an issue unless you're not getting the rotation you want. You'll naturally bend your elbow a bit when you cock your wrist under the ball. The loft is something to be controlled later. Plenty of guys loft the ball over the heads regardless, just to get the ball down the lane farther
I throw a hook though not a heavy hook and am looking to improve. Where in the release does your thumb come out? Is it while your hand is still behind your ball or after you start the rotation? My release is more of the "suitcase" method.
I have a hummer black widow 2.0 trying to get the right spin on is there any way you can help
Forrest I noticed you throw over the fifteen board. I throw moreover the ten board so do I not have the right grip in my ball?
I throw finger tip....
Okay guys, I will be bowling with some co-workers on 9/3/23 and I have never hooked a bowling ball in my life, I've always thrown over the 2nd arrow and watched it go into the pocket for a strike, any pointers before Sunday afternoon would help.
Good stuff Forrest I always look to your videos to see how I can improve my game.
Thank you brotha. I’m here if you have any questions
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
I take it back this video was great 🙌👍
I'm a left-hand Bowler do you have any advice you can give me
What drills or training equipment did you use to be able to stay behind the ball?
Mainly taking videos of yourself and forcing yourself to stay behind the ball. Eventually after repetition, it will become natural for you.
Could we see the loaded position from a side view? Or a better view to view the loaded position you hold the ball?
I’m not the greatest bowler out there but I actually tried hooking the ball lately and I’m averaging higher than I usually do which is about 170 but with the hook I’m almost 190-200. I’m just not consistent enough with it sometimes I don’t know if it’s gonna hook right or not
Forrest, what pressure points do you use when holding the ball…..for example, does your ball rest more at the index finger pressure point or the ring finger pressure point? Thanks
It’s really a feel thing. Everyone’s pitches are different and it’s about finding what’s comfortable for you. It’s important to not have too firm of a grip on the ball so you avoid major thumb/finger pain
@@ForrestKritzer thanks
Great explanation ..
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 😉
I am going to learn how to curve my bowling ball but I can't put my hand with the ball facing forward.
do I need to get a heavier ball to get it to hook. I normally throw a straight ball but want to start throwing more of a hook to get more pin action
What about the weight of the ball? How do you choose the right weight?